Indiana Dominates UCLA in Big Ten Opener

Photo creds: Antoine Belote

PASADENA, CA - In a historic matchup at the Rose Bowl, Indiana spoiled UCLA’s first-ever Big Ten Conference game, delivering a commanding 42-13 victory on Saturday night. The Hoosiers showcased offensive firepower and defensive discipline, leaving the Bruins searching for answers in front of their home crowd.

First Half: Indiana Sets the Tone

Indiana (3-0) came out firing on all cylinders, scoring on their opening drive with quarterback Kurtis Rourke finding wide receiver Miles Cross for a short touchdown. After a UCLA miscue on offense, the Hoosiers capitalized with another touchdown pass, this time to Ke’Shawn Williams, giving Indiana a 14-0 lead.

UCLA (1-1) struggled to gain traction as Indiana’s defense applied relentless pressure, forcing punts and limiting big plays. Justice Ellison capped another Hoosier scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, extending the lead to 21-0 late in the second quarter.

The Bruins finally showed signs of life with a drive culminating in a T.J. Harden rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-7 as the teams headed to halftime.

Second Half: Hoosiers Pull Away

The Bruins opened the third quarter with a promising drive, settling for a field goal to make it 21-10. However, any momentum UCLA built was quickly extinguished. Rourke orchestrated another methodical drive, connecting with tight end Zach Horton for a 17-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 28-10.

UCLA’s offense faltered under the weight of Indiana’s defense, managing just one more field goal for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers continued to roll, adding a 23-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. and a 14-yard rushing score from Elijah Green to seal the blowout.

Player Highlights

Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke turned in a stellar performance, completing 25 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Miles Cross led the receiving corps with six catches for 90 yards and a score, while Justice Ellison and Elijah Green contributed significant yardage on the ground.

For UCLA, quarterback Ethan Garbers completed 14 of 23 passes for 137 yards but struggled to find rhythm against a stout Hoosier defense. Running back T.J. Harden provided a spark with a touchdown, but the Bruins were otherwise held in check.

Coach Reactions

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti praised his team’s preparation and execution. “We knew this was a big game for both programs, and our guys rose to the occasion. This is what Big Ten football is about.”

UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster acknowledged the team’s struggles but remained optimistic. “This was a tough night, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow. We have to be better moving forward.”

What Lies Ahead

The victory cements Indiana’s position as an early Big Ten contender, and the Hoosiers will look to continue their winning streak next week against Charlotte. UCLA, on the other hand, faces a steep challenge as they prepare for a showdown against No. 16 LSU.

The loss serves as a stark reminder of the competition awaiting UCLA in their new conference. As the Bruins adjust to life in the Big Ten, Indiana’s decisive win sends a clear message: the Hoosiers are a force to be reckoned with this season.

Photo creds: Antoine Belote