Key Catalyst Behind UCLA’s Defense Against Northwestern

Northwestern is missing one of its key offensive figures, but the Bruins' defense cannot let up.

Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) is brought down by the against the UCLA Bruins defense during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

For the first time all season, it seems the UCLA Bruins (0-3, 0-0 Big Ten) may be catching a break defensively.

Northwestern lost its lead rusher, Cam Porter, for the remainder of the season to a leg injury. The Wildcats' offensive strength is their ground game, something UCLA's defense has had trouble with all season, among many other things.

Sep 5, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (4) runs for a touchdown against the Western Illinois Leathernecks during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Does Porter's injury make a difference, though?

"No," Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper said Wednesday. "They're still doing the same stuff. They have a stable of backs. I mean, you wouldn't know unless you read up that the starter got hurt. I mean, other guys are stepping in, and they're very good players. We're gonna have to tackle them. We're gonna have our hands full, and we're gonna have to fly around and get 11 hats to the party."

UCLA has had one of the worst defenses in all of college football. Just a few days after DeShaun Foster was fired, defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe and the program mutually agreed to part ways. Skipper, in an effort to shore up a shoddy defense, made a crucial addition to the staff.

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UCLA Defense Gets Boost From Kevin Coyle Addition

Mar 3, 2019; Tempe, AZ, USA; Atlanta Legends head coach Kevin Coyle against the Arizona Hotshots during an AAF football game at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Of all the tribulations the UCLA Bruins (0-3, 0-0 Big Ten) have endured just four weeks into the 2025 season, their defense has by far been the weakest link.

It's not for a lack of talent, either. Bruins defenders have simply been undisciplined and not technical when it comes to things as simple as tackling or pursuit angles. Averaging 36.0 opponent points per game, a change was necessary.

Foster's special assistant and former Fresno State interim head coach, Tim Skipper, was handed the reins and he is now adding Kevin Coyle to his defensive staff.

Coyle served on Skipper's staff last season in Fresno State and will aid the UCLA interim in trying to turn around what is started to look like a lost season in Westwood. Coyle is currently serving as Syracuse's senior defensive analyst, where he was previously a defensive coordinator in the late 1990s.

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