Skipper Explains How UCLA’s Defense Flipped the Script

The Bruins' interim head coach explains that the change was really quite simple.

Michigan State's Makhi Frazier, center, is tackled by UCLA after a gain during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the biggest stories amidst UCLA's stunning turnaround has been Jerry Neuheisel and the revamping of the Bruins' offense. Although most would argue that the most necessary change came on the other side of the ball.

UCLA's defensive lows were very, very low. Through the first three games, anyone who watched the Bruins on that side of the ball could make an argument that they were the worst in all of college football.

It got so bad that defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe reportedly felt guilty about DeShaun Foster's firing and mutually agreed to part ways with the program. The grade for UCLA defensively through the first three games was a sure fire F.

But Tim Skipper and senior defensive assistant Kevin Coyle completely revamped the defense, allowing 67 points in their last three games, 37 of which came in their upset win over Penn State last week.

How It All Changed

During Monday's media availability, Skipper broke down how they were able to turn around the Bruins' defense.

UCLA's interim head coach Tim Skipper celebrates after a Bruins touchdown against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

• "We really work on the fundamentals," Skipper said. "I think it's more fundamentals than it is actual scheme. We're tackling at practice. I mean, we're full pads on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We do drills when we get to endo time that specifically are to use your eyes, feet and hands...

• "Just fundamental stuff and then giving them a game plan that we hope will be successful against opponents we play, and then them executing it. And to me, being a defensive player and a former player myself, when you're confident and you know what's going on, you play a lot better and you play faster and stuff starts clicking."

Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA defensive back Key Lawrence (4) holds a towel with the Michigan State logo after defeating the Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

The Bruins have another test on their hands in the Rose Bowl against a surging Maryland team. The Terps started the season hot, but are coming off two close losses to Washington and Nebraska. Saturday's homecoming game may prove to be even more difficult than the Bruins' last two.

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