The UCLA Bruins face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET at Beaver Stadium. This Week 6 NCAA football matchup pits the 1-3 UCLA Bruins against the 4-0 Nittany Lions, who have been dominant throughout the season. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+, FuboTV, and Hulu with Live TV.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Broadcast: FOX
Streaming: FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+
Game Preview
Penn State comes into this game unbeaten and as heavy favorites. They’ve been solid on both sides of the ball, ranking 4th in total defense and 7th in points allowed per game (11.5). Their offense has also been efficient, with quarterback Drew Allar completing 70.9% of his passes and leading a balanced attack. Nicholas Singleton has been crucial on the ground, racking up over 400 rushing yards this season.
UCLA, on the other hand, has struggled this season with a 1-3 record. Their offense ranks among the worst in the FBS, averaging just 14.8 points per game. Quarterback Ethan Garbers has thrown six interceptions compared to three touchdowns, which has hindered their progress. Defensively, UCLA has allowed nearly 400 yards per game and over 30 points, which makes them a considerable underdog in this contest.
Odds and Prediction
Penn State enters as a massive favorite, with a 28-point spread. Given their dominance at home (having won their last 14 home games against non-ranked teams), the Nittany Lions are expected to control the game. UCLA has not fared well against AP-ranked teams on the road, losing their last six. Despite the Bruins covering the spread in some of their recent games as double-digit underdogs, Penn State’s powerful offense and stingy defense give them a clear advantage. Predictions favor Penn State to win comfortably, with a likely score around 28-9.
Key Players to Watch
For Penn State, quarterback Drew Allar has been a standout, throwing for over 860 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Nicholas Singleton’s ground game has also been impressive, averaging over 100 yards per contest. Defensively, Abdul Carter and Jaylen Reed are key contributors, with Carter leading the team in sacks.
UCLA will look to Ethan Garbers to step up in the passing game, but with six interceptions already this season, he faces a tough Penn State defense. The Bruins’ rushing attack, led by Harden, has also struggled, averaging just 57 yards per game. Defensively, Carson Schwesinger leads the team in tackles.
How to Watch
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+, and fans can also stream it through FuboTV and Hulu with Live TV. Coverage begins at 12:00 p.m. ET.
1. Penn State’s Unstoppable Momentum
Penn State, currently sitting undefeated at 4-0, comes into this game on the back of a strong start to their season. They have dominated their opponents with impressive play on both sides of the ball. One of the key elements driving this dominance has been the exceptional play of Drew Allar, who has thrown for 864 yards, 8 touchdowns, and only 1 interception so far. His completion percentage (70.9%) is a testament to his efficiency in leading Penn State’s offense.
Penn State’s offense has been well-balanced between the air and ground game. Nicholas Singleton has emerged as a pivotal player in the backfield, rushing for 408 yards and 3 touchdowns through four games. Singleton’s ability to gain consistent yardage on the ground has allowed Penn State to control the clock and dictate the tempo of their games.
Their defense has been equally formidable, ranking in the top 5 nationally in total defense, allowing just 226.5 yards per game and a stingy 11.5 points per game. Jaylen Reed and Abdul Carter have been standout defensive players, with Carter already accumulating 3 sacks this season. They will look to contain UCLA’s struggling offense and keep their own undefeated streak alive.
2. UCLA’s Struggles
On the other side of the ball, UCLA has had a tough start to their 2024 campaign, going 1-3 thus far. The Bruins’ offense, led by Ethan Garbers, has been inconsistent. Garbers has thrown 6 interceptions to only 3 touchdowns, completing just 57.3% of his passes. The Bruins are struggling to move the ball on the ground as well, averaging a meager 57 rushing yards per game, far below what’s needed to sustain drives and keep opposing offenses off the field.
Their defense has been a weak point, too, giving up an average of 30.8 points per game and close to 400 total yards of offense. While UCLA’s defense has individual standouts like Carson Schwesinger, who leads the team with 34 tackles, they will face an uphill battle in containing Penn State’s multi-faceted offense.
Final Thoughts
Penn State is expected to continue their unbeaten run, while UCLA will be looking for an upset. However, given the Nittany Lions’ strength at home and the Bruins’ offensive struggles, it’s hard to envision UCLA pulling off a win. Expect a lopsided affair, with Penn State asserting dominance both offensively and defensively.
To provide a more detailed look into the upcoming game between UCLA and No. 7 Penn State, here are several key storylines and deeper insights into the teams, their recent performance, and what to expect from this exciting Saturday matchup.