Bruins sharpen claws in preparation for duel against undefeated Nittany Lions
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Justyn Martin passes the ball during practice at Spaulding Field. (Michael Gallagher/Assistant Photo editor)
Football
No. 7 Penn State
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Beaver Stadium
FOX
By Connor Dullinger
Oct. 3, 2024 11:52 a.m.
This post was updated Oct. 3 at 10:28 p.m.
There arguably isn’t a more daunting three-game stretch in college football than what the Bruins have been served.
After being blown out by two top-20 foes in then-No. 16 LSU and then-No. 8 Oregon in consecutive weeks, UCLA football (1-3, 0-2 Big Ten) will take on No. 7 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) on Saturday morning at Beaver Stadium – often touted as one of the most adverse stadiums in collegiate football.
“They (Penn State) have a really good D-line. So we can’t hold on to the football, and we need to make sure that he’s (redshirt sophomore quarterback Justyn Martin’s) ready for the crowd noise and the environment – because this will be his first time playing in that type of environment,” said coach DeShaun Foster.
Redshirt senior Ethan Garbers – typically the Bruins’ first-string quarterback – is nursing an injured right ankle after Saturday’s duel against Oregon, giving Martin more reps during practice this week.
Foster said the coaching staff has yet to decide whether or not Garbers will receive a starting nod – or even see the field – in State College, Pennsylvania, this weekend. If he does not suit up Saturday, Martin will take responsibility under center – a trial of fire for the redshirt sophomore who has completed just five passes in the last two seasons.
While Beaver Stadium will likely teem with more than 100,000 fans – a testament to the Bruins’ fourth-hardest schedule in college football – the Nittany Lions’ defense may prove an even greater challenge.
Ranked fourth in the country for total defense, Penn State is powered by projected 2025 NFL first-round pick Abdul Carter.
The defensive end has recorded three sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble through just four games this season. For a UCLA offense routinely plagued by penalties, turnovers and stalled drives, Carter may be the game-wrecker the Bruins’ offensive line dreads.
Despite the formidable defense the Nittany Lions possess, the Bruins said they need to enter the game with a “fear nothing” mindset if they are to depart the Lion den alive.
“They have got some good cats (at cornerback),” said sophomore wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. “But I’m not shying away from nobody. At the end of the day, it is us versus us.”
Penn State’s formula for success hinges largely on its defense. But its offensive arsenal – ranked 11th in the nation for total offense – is equally as powerful.
Quarterback Drew Allar and running back tandem Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen highlight the department. The duo has recorded a combined 697 yards on the ground along with four rushing touchdowns so far this season, with Singleton adding six catches for 74 receiving yards and two scores through the air.
The pair’s efforts have led the Nittany Lions to a ninth-ranked rushing offense powered by 251 yards per game on the ground. While Singleton and Allen have brought heat in the run game, Allar has ensured a versatile offense, throwing a touchdown to seven different pass catchers in 2024 and logging 864 passing yards alone.
For a Bruin defense that has allowed 30.8 points per game, the Nittany Lions’ offense – which will enter Saturday scoring 36.3 points per game – could have a field day with the Bruins’ lack of pressure and downfield coverage.
“Players need to be accountable and do what they are asked to do, but it is more important starting from me,” said defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. “It is our job as coaches to make sure that they can get on the field, and in their mind, there is nothing more important (than) doing what they were coached to do.”