DeShaun Foster’s Bruins will rely heavily on transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava this fall as they embark on a difficult schedule.
UCLA is scheduled to face off against three opponents ranked in the AP Preseason Poll — No. 2 Penn State, No. 3 Ohio State and No. 20 Indiana — but face +126 odds to win more than 5.5 games and -154 odds to win fewer than 5.5.
Fox Sports national college football analyst RJ Young ranked the Bruins 48th of all 136 college football teams Thursday.
The analyst noted the difficult schedule UCLA faces this year:
“The slate isn't kind either. UCLA will take on Utah and UNLV in its non-conference schedule, while also playing Penn State, at Indiana, Nebraska, at Ohio State and at USC,” Young wrote.
Young also mentioned the opportunity Foster saw in Iamaleava as the quarterback’s relationship with Tennessee “grew more acrimonious” and the irony of former UCLA starter Joey Aguilar’s transfer to the Volunteers.
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There are definite positives to the addition of Iamaleava; however, Young says the Bruins must improve their rushing this season.
“With Iamaleava at QB, the team feels like it should have a better passing attack, another capable rusher on the field at all times and a playmaker when plays break down,” Young wrote. “But that won't matter much if UCLA doesn't improve its rushing attack after ranking 132nd among 134 FBS teams last season.”