Offensive Stat Predictions Versus Penn State

UCLA faces off against a strong No.7 ranked Penn State team

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

UCLA will take on an angry No. 7 Penn State team, which just lost in a double-overtime thriller to Oregon; they are hoping to re-establish themselves as a dominant team with a blowout win against the 0-4 Bruins.

The Bruins have their work cut out for them against Penn State; they are no New Mexico or UNLV. UCLA needs its stars to step up and make an impact in this game.

Nico Iamaleava | Quarterback

Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) warms up before the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

To start the season, Nico Iamaleava has passed for 788 yards. Four touchdowns and three interceptions. Iamaleava has also had his best season in terms of completion percentage, with a rate of 65.3%. He is currently leading the Bruins in rushing with 204 rush yards on the season, on pace to break his season-career high.

Against ranked teams throughout Iamleava's career, he has averaged 174 passing yards. His best game against a ranked team came against Alabama, where he was able to pass for 194 yards and a touchdown. Iamaleava knows what it takes to be successful against tough teams similar to Penn State.

Prediction versus Penn State: 18-27 on 176 passing yards, a touchdown pass, and an interception. On the ground, 44 yards on 10 carries.

Anthony Woods | Running Back

Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Woods (6) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Bruins' running game hasn't been pretty to start the season. Woods has been the No.1 back for the Bruins, getting most of the carry share to start the season. He wasn't utilized much in the loss against Northwestern, surprisingly, given his performance versus New Mexico.

UCLA has split the workload game-to-game with their backs to start the year. Javian Thomas got most of the carries last game against Northwestern, so it wouldn't be shocking to see Woods get a majority of the touches against a struggling Penn State run defense.

Prediction versus Penn State: 13 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. In the air, four catches on 18 yards.

Kwazi Gilmer | Wide Receiver

Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) runs past Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern (91) during the second quarter at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Kwazi Gilmer has been Nico Iamaleava's number one target this season. To start the season for the Bruins, Gilmer has put up 19 catches for 225 yards and one touchdown. Not bad, but definitely not the production UCLA wants from their top receiver.

Iamaleava needs one of the receivers for the Bruins to step up and make his job easier. While this might prove to be difficult against Penn State, Gilmer needs to have a big game. The opportunity should be there; Penn State struggled against Oregon receiver Dakortien Moore and earlier in the season, Marcus Bellon.

Prediction versus Penn State: 4 catches 67 yards, and a touchdown.

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper talks to a official during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Tim Skipper must get his stars involved early in the game. This game won't be easy, but it will be a test to see how the 2025 Bruins respond against good teams. These predictions might come off a little generous, but if the Bruins want to stay in the game, they need to exceed these expectations.

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