UCLA’s Skipper Shares ‘Most Disappointing’ Takeaway From Loss

A few days removed from the Bruins' fourth loss, Tim Skipper is disappointed in this one thing.

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

Saturday's 17-14 loss to Northwestern was one of the toughest watches for the UCLA Bruins (0-4, 0-1 Big Ten) so far this season.

Interim head coach Tim Skipper would say the same a few days removed upon watching the game film. During Monday's media availability, Skipper reflected on the most glaring issue from the loss, detailing something the Bruins have been struggling with all season.

"It was pretty much how I saw it. We started slow. That was the most disappointing this," Skipper said. "We were just a step late on a lot of things. Didn't use our three weapons: our eyes, our hands and our feet. You have to do that every single play. And as the game went on, you saw us getting a lot more comfortable."

The Bruins started the game down 17-0 before Mateen Bhaghani hit a field goal to go into halftime. To UCLA's credit, it was a much different team in the second half -- the defense shut out the Wildcats and the offense finally got some points on the board. But, again, it was too little too late.

"Defense, second half shutout. Offense, we were finally able to get some points on the board," Skipper added. "Just fell short, and I think a lot of it had to do with the way we started the game out. Some critical things throughout the game that happened.

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Braden Turner (9) tackles UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

"Penalties; we had six penalties for 60 yards, they had two penalties for 20. So, it's a 40-yard difference."

It's not going to get much easier than Northwestern looking ahead to the season. Starting Saturday, when the Bruins host No. 7 Penn State in the Rose Bowl, one of the toughest remaining schedules in all of college football stands in front of Skipper and his crew.

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UCLA Strength of Schedule Skyrockets in CFB Ranks

Going into their Week 5 matchup against the Wildcats, UCLA's remaining strength of schedule ranked 11th in all of college football, according to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI). Northwestern came into the season as one of the worst teams in the Big Ten.

Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

This explains why, with Northwestern off the schedule and the Bruins dropping the game, UCLA's remaining strength of schedule only got stronger. In ESPN's updated FPI, the Bruins' remaining schedule ranks No. 8 in college football.

The Bruins have to look forward to one of the toughest remaining Big Ten schedules in the conference, second only to Wisconsin, which is ranked third.

UCLA has three opponents in AP's latest Top 25, starting with No. 7 Penn State in the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

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