Ryan Burns Converses With David Woods From The Bruin Report To Gain Insights On Minnesota Football’s Upcoming Opponent.

Prior to every Minnesota football game, Gopher Illustrated poses five questions to a beat writer from the opposing team. This week, we chatted with David Woods, the UCLA beat writer for The Bruin Report, to preview the Gophers’ Week 7 away matchup against the UCLA Bruins.

1. What’s the energy been like around this UCLA team in year one under DeShaun Foster and where do you think this team is at mentally with four consecutive losses?

   DW: Great question! We marked this week preseason to gauge the team’s mental state, and pleasantly, morale isn’t entirely shattered despite four straight blowout or semi-blowout losses. The energy was high at Monday’s practice, and while there’s obvious disappointment, there’s also notable buy-in between players and the coaching staff. However, winning this week is crucial to sustain this mentality. Losing to four strong teams is one thing; losing to a 3-3 Minnesota team at home is another.

2. What’s the injury situation like for UCLA on both sides of the ball heading into the game on Saturday?

   DW: Unfortunately, it’s not ideal. Quarterback Ethan Garbers injured his ankle two weeks ago and was held out against Penn State. He didn’t look fully recovered at Monday’s practice. The offensive line has been hit too, missing the top two left tackles, forcing former walk-on Niki Prongos into the position last week. At receiver, injuries have been frequent with Rico Flores, Titus Mokia-Atimalala, and previously Logan Loya, all missing time. Defensively, starting tackle Keanu Williams and corner Kanye Clark are out for the season, and linebacker JonJon Vaughns missed last week’s game.

3. How would you characterize what’s going on with the Bruins offense, especially since they just scored their first touchdown in almost 10 quarters?

   DW: It’s hard to describe without sounding cynical. The new offensive scheme is clearly a work in progress, if not outright failing. The time taken to relay play calls is an issue, preventing a fast-paced offense. The offensive line has struggled, and quarterback play hasn’t been effective. When multiple players regressed, it’s more likely a scheme issue than a talent issue. Their recent touchdown against Penn State came during a clock-killing drive when the game was already out of hand. Pass protection, run blocking, and quarterback play have all been subpar, although the receivers have stood out.

4. The UCLA defense hasn’t been helped by their offense, but what would you say are the strengths and weaknesses on the defensive side?

   DW: There’s a decent defense within this team. The run defense is solid, and the front seven, despite injuries, has been stout. The defense plays with pride, effort, and toughness—a testament to defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe’s influence. However, the team lacks talent at the edge, having to convert starting Mike linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo to edge rusher recently. It’s starting to pay off, and their performance against Penn State was their best this season. While not a “good” defense, it’s far from the disaster the offense is, though it lacks edge talent.

5. What are the keys for UCLA if they’re going to beat the Gophers, and what’s your score prediction for the Bruins vs. Minnesota game, and why?

   DW: UCLA needs to stop Minnesota’s run game by loading the box and forcing Max Brosmer to make throws outside. Offensively, UCLA must plan better than they did against Penn State, incorporating short passes with the occasional intermediate shot. However, given UCLA’s struggles in scoring—no more than 17 points in any game this year—I’m predicting a low-scoring affair. My prediction is 13-9 in favor of Minnesota, a game both UCLA and Minnesota fans will likely want to forget quickly.