On Saturday, October 5, Penn State will face its second conference opponent of the season, welcoming newcomer UCLA to the Big Ten. UCLA, along with USC, Oregon, and Washington, made the transition from the Pacific Conference to the Big Ten this season due to conference realignment. This matchup marks the first meeting between Penn State and UCLA since 1968 when they faced off six times from 1962 to 1968. With Penn State ranked seventh in the Associated Press polls after a dominating win against Illinois, fans are eager to see how UCLA will perform in its inaugural Big Ten season. The game will highlighted during the Big Noon Kickoff in Happy Valley, further amplifying its significance. Let’s dive deeper into this matchup to see how both teams stack up.

Fast Start for the Nittany Lions

The Nittany Lions have jumped out to a 4-0 start, featuring key victories over West Virginia and Illinois. Their success can be attributed to a well-rounded performance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Drew Allar has completed 56 of 79 passes for 864 yards, boasting a 70.9% completion rate, along with eight touchdowns and just one interception. He has also contributed on the ground with 22 carries for 92 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have combined for 106 carries, 697 yards, and four rushing touchdowns, as well as seven receptions for 94 yards and three receiving touchdowns. This trio has played a pivotal role in Penn State’s offensive success. Defensively, the Nittany Lions have excelled, allowing an average of only 11.5 points and 226.5 yards per game, making them the second-best defense in the Big Ten and one of only five undefeated teams in the conference.

A Tall Task for UCLA

Conversely, UCLA faces a challenging road ahead. With a 1-3 overall record and a new head coach in DeShaun Foster, who joined the staff in February, the Bruins have struggled on both sides of the ball. They are currently 0-2 in conference play. Quarterback Ethan Garbers has completed 67 of 117 passes for 808 yards, with three touchdowns and six interceptions—numbers that reflect the team’s offensive struggles. On the ground, running back T.J. Harden has amassed 125 yards on 41 carries, scoring just once this season. Given these challenges, UCLA will need to overcome significant hurdles to secure a victory on the road.

What to Expect From This Matchup

Based on the current performance of both teams, expectations lean toward a high-powered offensive game for Penn State. The Nittany Lions’ backfield and passing attack pose a formidable challenge for UCLA’s defense, which has struggled throughout the season. Conversely, UCLA’s offense may continue to falter against Penn State’s stingy defense, particularly on critical third downs.

Overall, this matchup is intriguing as it marks UCLA’s first official game against Penn State as a Big Ten member. The outcome could swing either way, potentially resulting in a blowout for Penn State or an upset for UCLA. For now, I predict a score of Penn State 35, and UCLA 17. Tune in to watch the action on Fox Sports, Fubo, and YouTube TV at noon.