UCLA Aims for Third Straight Win Against Maryland This Weekend

PASADENA, California — The UCLA Bruins, fresh off two consecutive victories, are preparing to face the Maryland Terrapins at the Rose Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

The interim coach, Tim Skipper, has been pivotal in the Bruins’ resurgence, emphasizing discipline and cleanliness in both the locker room and on the field. “A clean locker room makes you a lot happier,” Skipper said. “It shows team discipline and it shows you can win off the field, so now you can go ahead and get on the field.”

UCLA’s improvements have been notable since they started the season 0-4. The Bruins have adopted the motto, “the standard is the standard,” as they work to maintain consistency in their play, according to tight end Hudson Habermehl. “We’ve identified a style of play we want to be, and it’s our job now to keep the standard,” Habermehl said.

For Maryland, the game is crucial as coach Mike Locksley faces pressure after a rocky start to the season, including a recent meltdown against Nebraska. The Terrapins started strong, winning their first four games, but have struggled since then. Maryland quarterback Malik Washington has stood out this season, becoming one of the few true freshman quarterbacks to throw for over 200 yards in each of his first six games.

Meanwhile, UCLA has showcased creativity in their recent plays. They have employed fake punts and an onside kick, showcasing offensive versatility. Defensive lineman Keanu Williams expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the offense, saying, “If any of us can help any side of the ball out, let’s do it.” Williams even jokingly requested a chance to score a touchdown.

Skipper is also rallying support for the homecoming game, encouraging fans to fill the Rose Bowl. He used various media outlets to invite fans, saying, “The more people that are there and the louder that Rose Bowl is, the better our chances of winning.”

The juxtaposition between UCLA’s newfound energy and Maryland’s struggles sets the stage for an intriguing matchup. As the Bruins aim for a third straight win, they’ll be hoping to replicate their recent success on Saturday.