UCLA Bruin Football Team Faces Challenges in Big Ten Debut Against Indiana

The UCLA football team marked its historic entrance into the Big Ten Conference on a picturesque Saturday evening at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium. The game against Indiana was more than just a match; it was the beginning of a new chapter for the Bruins, highlighted by the reinstatement of the beloved Bruin Walk tradition. Clad in powder blue suits, the team visibly embraced the weight of tradition as they prepared to face their opponents.

DeShaun Foster, a former player with deep ties to the university, has reinvigorated the community’s spirit, drawing the admiration of both fans and alumni. Terry Thompson, a 1985 UCLA alumnus, expressed renewed excitement for Foster’s leadership, contrasting it with previous head coach Chip Kelly‘s tenure. The walk began at the edge of Area H Fan Zone, and fans lined the bright blue carpet to greet their team, igniting enthusiasm throughout the stadium.

The game also honored the latest inductees into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame and featured former UCLA receivers Drew Bennett, Freddie Mitchell, Brian Poli-Dixon, and J.J. Stokes as honorary captains. However, the initial optimism was dampened as Indiana dominated the first half, securing a 21-7 lead at halftime.

Indiana’s success was driven by quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s precise passes, which led to important touchdowns early in the match. However, UCLA fought back with a 20-yard run by Garbers that effectively set up their first touchdown scored by TJ Harden.

Despite strategic changes, such as the last-minute replacement of cornerback Devin Kirkwood with Kaylin Moore, Indiana ultimately triumphed. Head coach Curt Cignetti lauded his team’s efforts to maintain physicality throughout the match, contributing to their decisive 42-13 victory, bringing their season record to an impressive 3-0.

In his post-game press conference, Coach Cignetti acknowledged the significance of the victory, particularly as a Big Ten debut on national television. He emphasized the importance of remaining disciplined and not being caught up in the excitement of the moment, urging his team to focus on the challenges ahead.