UCLA Bruins Gear Up for Efficient Starts Against Purdue

Los Angeles – The Bruins can’t afford another dead‑ball first half if they hope to outlast a more polished Purdue team in Saturday night’s Big Ten opener at the Rose Bowl.

“We can’t wait,” offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy said, a hint of impatience in his voice. “Every team out there can beat you, and you can beat them. The biggest thing for us is just staying on the gas pedal all four quarters.”

Quarterback junior Nico Iamaleava is still feeling the rhythm of Kennedy’s system. Against San Diego State, he finished 14‑for‑22 for 151 yards, tossed one interception from the 2‑yard line, and kept hunting for tight end Brayden Loftin in the red zone. “It’s all about trust,” Kennedy added. “You prove you’ve got each other’s backs, and that trust builds in the meetings, in spring camp, in fall practice – it’s not just on the field.”

Those “trust” moments translate into faster starts when the practice reps click. Kennedy noted that the last three days of preparation have felt smoother than the week‑leading‑up to the Aztecs game.

He broke down the week’s cadence: “Tuesdays are base‑downs, Wednesdays are situational, and Thursdays we pull it all together. Mistakes happen on Wednesday – new third‑down schemes, unfamiliar blitzes – but Thursday is the stress point where everything clicks.”

Defensively, UCLA must neutralize a duo that made life uncomfortable last week. Linebacker Charles Correa, an honorable‑mention All‑Big Ten honoree from 2025, logged 12 tackles in a 38‑26 loss to Wake Forest. Junior college transfer defensive end Jeremy Lewis added five tackles, 2½ for loss, and 1½ sacks.

On the opposite sideline, Purdue brings a different flavor. Running back Fame Ijeboi shares a high‑school alma mater – William Penn Charter in Philadelphia – with UCLA defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler. “He’s a good kid, fun to watch his growth,” Hitschler said. “He’s already hit the tape early, so we need to hit him hard and bring the physicality.”

Purdue’s junior quarterback Ryan Browne is also turning heads. He’s completed 32 of 42 passes for 329 yards and a touchdown, without a single interception. The Boilermakers have bolstered their receiving corps with Florida Atlantic transfer Asaad Waseem (6‑foot) and Iowa State’s Xavier Townsend (5‑11), giving Browne more reliable targets.

Hitschler summed up the challenge: “Last year Browne had to carry the load, which led to turnovers. Now he’s got better weapons, finds the seam, and we have to create our own takeaways.”

All eyes will be on the Bruins’ ability to start fast and stay steady. A quick opening drive could be the difference between a nail‑biter and another stagnant half.