3 Keys to Victory for Indiana football against UCLA

Indiana Football heads out to California this weekend for their first real test of the 2024 season when they face UCLA.

After comfortably beating Florida International and Western Illinois, Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers will have the chance to make a statement on the national stage on Saturday night.

“UCLA, a lot of tradition there. Three straight years of bowl games, 25 wins the last three years,” Cignetti said to the media on Monday. “You look at us, nine wins the last three years going on the road.”

UCLA had a scare in week one where they trailed by ten at the half before storming back for a three-point victory on the road.

The Bruins struggled offensively, only scoring 16 points, but had a bye week to prepare and correct their issues before this weekend’s matchup.

“I’m sure that coming off their opener they were happy they won but probably not pleased with the way they played overall,” Cignetti said. “They did go in shorthanded, minus two offensive tackles. But a good program like that, I’m sure they have something to prove.”

If the Hoosiers can pick up a win on the road against the Bruins, it could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Here are some keys to victory for Indiana football ahead of this weekend.

Protecting Kurtis Rourke

The offensive line has been a story all offseason after Cignetti retained Bob Bostad from the previous staff. Cignetti then went out and added a couple of pieces in the transfer portal to help bolster the line.

Through two games the offensive line has allowed just two sacks, but have not been tested yet like they will against UCLA.

“I think those guys are working hard, and they’re developing. I don’t know that we were really tested last week, and against Florida International, we ran the ball well,” Cignetti said. “Wasn’t real pleased with some of the protection issues we had. We’ll be tested this week like we have not been tested.”

The pass rush has been a strength for UCLA and despite losing their top pass rusher Laiatu Latu from a season ago, it seems they have not missed a beat in replacing his production.

In week one, the Bruins had five sacks as a team with five different players recording a sack.

Protecting Kurtis Rourke will be a key point of emphasis for Indiana football this weekend. There were some issues with that in week one which limited the success of the passing game.

In week two, the offensive line kept the quarterbacks clean which played a big factor in their ability to push the ball downfield and attack the Western Illinois secondary.

“I think Kurtis had the opportunity to make his drops, make his reads, and deliver the ball, which he didn’t always have that opportunity in the first game. I thought our protection, we cleaned that up significantly,” Cignetti said. “If you want a good quarterback, you’ve got to have protection. We separated on the outside, and he delivered the ball, and he played well. Wasn’t perfect, but he played well.”

There will be chances to attack the UCLA secondary as Hawaii’s number one receiver, Pofele Ashlock showed in week one. Despite a heavy pass rush disrupting their offense, Ashlock was still able to record nine catches for 112 yards and a touchdown.

RELATED: Two Indiana football receivers headline PFF highest graded receiver list

Elijah Sarratt should be able to cause problems for the UCLA secondary, but giving Rourke the time to find “Waffle House” downfield will be critical on Saturday.

Win the turnover battle

The Indiana offense has yet to turn the football over through two games this season. In their only game of the season, UCLA turned the ball over twice via two Ethan Garbers interceptions.

The Bruin defense made up for those mistakes forcing three turnovers of their own to win the turnover battle in week one.

Protecting the football is going to be critical for Indiana football on Saturday. Their defense has been so good through two weeks and after seeing the UCLA offense struggle in week one, you don’t want to give them any help.

Indiana has a weapon on special teams with punter James Evans. As bad as a three-and-out is for the offense, it is always going to be better than a turnover as you give Evans the chance to pin UCLA deep.

Kurtis Rourke has done a great job of protecting the football throughout his career with just nine interceptions to his 39 passing touchdowns over his last 24 games. Rourke will need to continue to protect the football against a UCLA defense that will be looking to make him uncomfortable.

Indiana will look to continue the success they’ve found at forcing turnovers on the other end of the field.

“[Bryant Haines’] defense keeps you off balance,” Cignetti said. “He’s going to find ways to create TFLs and sacks and free guys up or get them good matchups. We’ve got some good players over there.”

Bryant Haines’ defense has been aggressive and has forced three interceptions so far and will have the potential to add to that against Ethan Garbers.

Garbers has attempted at least 15 passes in eight games during his career, and has thrown at least one interception in five of those eight games. He struggled in week one against the Hawaii defense and should have an even harder test against the Hoosiers defense.

Win the battle of the trenches

The sample size is small, but Indiana football has dominated in the trenches thus far. They have averaged 278.5 rushing yards per game on 6.4 yards per carry. On the other side, they have allowed just 32.5 rushing yards per game on 1.2 yards per carry.

Indiana’s ability to impose their will has led to their two dominant victories. While allowing just 32.5 rushing yards per game is likely unsustainable, their ability to control the line of scrimmage will be crucial against UCLA.

In 2023 UCLA made the rushing attack the focal point of their offense, averaging 197.9 rushing yards per game.

In week one they struggled to get the run game going as they totaled just 71 yards on 3.6 yards per carry. Their starting RB TJ Harden totaled just nine yards on nine attempts.

As a result, the offense struggled to get going and was forced to rely on Ethan Garbers and the passing game.

If Indiana can mimic the success Hawaii found against the run it could be a long night for the UCLA offense.

On the other side of the football, it’s no secret that the Hoosiers want to run the football. The Bruins did a good job against the run in week one allowing just 51 rushing yards on just 1.8 yards per attempt.

The offensive line will have a difficult task against a UCLA defense that had 11 tackles for loss in week one.

If Indiana football can continue its rushing dominance, it will open up the entire offense as it forces UCLA to sell out against the run.

SEE ALSO: Indiana football ready for ‘a business trip’ as Curt Cignetti downplays ‘noise and clutter’ of UCLA matchup

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.