UCLA is on a two-game win streak and now will have the benefit of playing in front of an advantageous Homecoming crowd.

UCLA football is riding high right now, an unrecognizable version of the team that started the season with a 1-5 record and seemed to be spiraling into one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory. After weeks of frustration, uncertainty, and questions about the future of the program, the Bruins have turned things around in dramatic fashion. Now on a two-game win streak, UCLA is beginning to turn heads, and as they prepare for a critical matchup against Iowa, they are filled with a renewed sense of optimism and belief that the season might still have a meaningful conclusion.

It wasn’t long ago that UCLA’s bowl eligibility seemed like a far-fetched dream. Sitting at 1-5, the team appeared to have no answers, struggling both offensively and defensively. But in the span of just two games, the narrative has shifted. The Bruins have pulled off back-to-back road victories in the Big Ten, a region of the country they have not traditionally had success in. First, they defeated a Rutgers team that was struggling to find its footing in the Big Ten, and then, to everyone’s surprise, UCLA took down Nebraska, a squad fresh off a tightly contested loss to one of the country’s top teams, Ohio State. These wins, while not necessarily shocking on their own, have given the Bruins a spark, instilling confidence and a sense of momentum that they will carry into their next crucial game.

UCLA is now looking at a realistic chance to secure bowl eligibility. With three wins still needed to reach the magical six-win mark, the Bruins are positioned to make a run for a postseason berth if they can capitalize on their recent successes. While the road ahead will not be easy, and the odds remain long, the team’s two-game win streak has breathed new life into a season that seemed to be lost. A victory against Iowa on Friday night would be the perfect way to continue that momentum and put UCLA on the path to bowl eligibility. With the Rose Bowl filled with a Homecoming crowd, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the team, one that has been sorely missing for much of the year.

Iowa, on the other hand, enters the game already bowl-eligible, having clinched a spot with a solid season thus far. Despite their success, the Hawkeyes have not been the most glamorous team in the Big Ten this season. They have flown somewhat under the radar, quietly putting together a strong campaign, though not without some flaws. But the Hawkeyes, like UCLA, have a strong running game that will undoubtedly be a key factor in this matchup. Led by running back Kaleb Johnson, who is second in the nation in total rushing yards with 1,279, Iowa boasts the best rushing offense in the Big Ten, averaging 222.3 rushing yards per game. Johnson, in particular, has been a workhorse, carrying the ball 220 times so far this season and averaging 5.8 yards per carry. His ability to move the ball on the ground will be a focal point of Iowa’s attack.

Fortunately for UCLA, the defense has started to come together in recent weeks, particularly in stopping the run. The Bruins currently rank ninth in the country in rush defense, allowing only 100.4 yards per game on the ground. This strong defensive performance will be crucial in limiting Iowa’s powerful rushing attack, which has been the backbone of the Hawkeyes’ offense this season. If UCLA can shut down Johnson and force Iowa into a more one-dimensional game, they will have a significant advantage. However, stopping Johnson will be no easy feat, as he has proven to be a difficult back to contain.

While UCLA’s defense has found some success against the run, their offense has still been a work in progress. The Bruins have struggled on the ground this season, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten with only 73.9 rushing yards per game. Their inability to consistently move the ball on the ground has been one of the primary reasons why they have not been able to sustain offensive success. However, in their recent wins, the running game has shown signs of life. It may not yet be a powerhouse, but the improvements made in these past two games have provided hope that UCLA can be more balanced offensively moving forward. Against a tough Iowa defense, establishing some semblance of a running game will be critical to giving quarterback Ethan Garbers time to operate in the passing game.

The ultimate question heading into this game is which team will want it more. UCLA has a renewed sense of hope, having strung together two consecutive wins for the first time all season. This momentum has given the Bruins the belief that they can still turn their season around. As they seek a third win, the team will also have the benefit of playing in front of a passionate Homecoming crowd at the Rose Bowl. The energy from the fans will undoubtedly provide a huge boost to the team, and the atmosphere will be one that is difficult for any opponent to thrive in. The Bruins have already shown their resilience by pulling off two road wins, and now, with their backs against the wall, they will look to capitalize on the home-field advantage.

On the other hand, Iowa may be the more battle-tested team, having already secured a bowl berth and played in some tough matchups this season. They have experience, and their ability to lean on their dominant rushing attack could give them the upper hand in a game where possession and field position will be critical. However, the Hawkeyes have also shown vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to their passing game, which ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in terms of yardage. If UCLA can shut down the run and force quarterback Cade McNamara into uncomfortable situations, the Bruins will have a shot at controlling the game.

One of the key factors in the game will be how well UCLA’s defense can adapt to Iowa’s offensive scheme. The Bruins have already proven that they can compete with top-tier teams on the defensive side of the ball, and their ability to stop the run has been their greatest strength. If they can neutralize Johnson and make Iowa one-dimensional, it will go a long way toward giving UCLA a chance to win. The defense has been the backbone of this team during their two-game win streak, and it will need to step up once again in this pivotal game.

Offensively, UCLA will need to find a way to generate more consistency in the running game while continuing to get solid play from Garbers and the passing attack. The quarterback has been effective in the last few weeks, particularly in the win over Nebraska, and his ability to make plays in critical moments will be crucial in this matchup. If UCLA can establish a balanced attack on offense and limit mistakes, they will put themselves in a good position to challenge Iowa’s defense.

As UCLA looks ahead to the remainder of the season, this game against Iowa could be a defining moment. A victory would not only boost the Bruins’ chances of making a bowl game but also provide a sense of validation for the team’s turnaround after such a dismal start. It would be a statement win, showing that this team has the grit and determination to fight through adversity. With the Homecoming crowd behind them and momentum on their side, UCLA has a golden opportunity to continue their positive trajectory and prove that they are capable of more than what was expected just a few short weeks ago.

For Iowa, this game is also important, as they aim to build on their successful season and prepare for a strong finish. While they may not be playing for a playoff spot, the Hawkeyes will want to stay sharp and finish the year strong, particularly with a strong rushing attack that has been their identity all season.

Both teams have plenty to play for, and with UCLA riding the wave of momentum from their recent wins, the Rose Bowl will be the perfect setting for what promises to be a thrilling and crucial matchup. The Bruins have an opportunity to not only secure a potential bowl berth but also continue to write a new chapter in their season, one that, just a few weeks ago, seemed improbable.