UCLA Defenders Break Down Michigan State, Aidan Chiles Matchup

The UCLA Bruins (1-4, 1-1 Big Ten) rode the high of upsetting No. 7 Penn State for exactly one day.

Ahead of them is another challenge -- try not to be one-hit wonders.

That starts on Saturday against the Michigan State Spartans (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten), who are hosting the Bruins amidst a two-game losing streak. UCLA is looking to stay hot and the Spartans are grasping for a win.

One of the keys for the Bruins going into the matchup is MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles, a dual-threat quarterback who is capable of disrupting UCLA's surging defense.

ucl — Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) calls a play before the snap during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"Aidan, great guy," Bruins defensive back Scooter Jackson said during Tuesday's media availability. "He's a local kid. That was actually my rival when I was at Warren High School. He went to Downey. Great guy, great quarterback... Great arm, can run, great guy."

Mobile quarterbacks have been the bane of UCLA's defense early in this season, most notably during their winless start. Utah's Devon Dampier abused the Bruins with his mobility and athleticism in the season opener. UNLV's Anthony Coandrea did the same the following week, adding to it with an impressive passing game.

ucl — Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Croix Stewart (22) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Contain. Contain. Contain.

The name of the game in East Lansing for the Bruins is containment.

UCLA defensive end Jacob Busic, who had a stellar two-TFL, one-sack outing against Penn State, detailed the Chiles matchup as well on Tuesday, stressing that it's going to be important to contain the edges so the Spartans signal-caller is unable to extend plays, or even be comfortable.

"Sheesh," Busic said at the thought of rushing Chiles. "Well, I need to watch a little bit more film, but the film that I have watched, that's a challenge because you've got to keep him contained. You saw it on the flip side with Nico [Iamaleava], nothing's more disheartening than when it's 3rd-and-15 and the quarterback takes off for 50 yards. You're like, 'Oh my gosh!'

ucl — Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Kade Pietrzak (93) pressures Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

"We're going to have that challenge with Michigan State. He's an athlete, he can run, so we've got to keep him contained. We've got to rush, we've got to get him off his points. But when we do get him off his points, we got to make sure that he doesn't sneak out."

On the season, Chiles has thrown for 953 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions on 79-of-125 passing. On the ground, he's posted 177 yards and four touchdowns on 52 carries. A perfect example of the dual-threat quarterback that has plagued UCLA's defense all season.

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Contain. Contain. Contain.

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