Penn State football has its first of three matchups against new Big Ten opponents this week as UCLA comes to Happy Valley for the first time since 1967 for the annual “Stripe Out” game.

The Nittany Lions will try to remain in the top 10 ahead of the toughest stretch of its schedule, and this week is a good opportunity to do that. UCLA had significant staff and roster turnover this offseason, with multiple coaches and players departing. Let’s preview the Bruins more before their trip to Beaver Stadium.

The Team

DeShaun Foster is in his first season as UCLA’s head coach. The former Carolina Panther and San Francisco 49er had a decent seven-year career from 2003-08 as an NFL running back with 3,570 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 1,129 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns.

Foster is one of the most accomplished running backs in UCLA history, with 3,049 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns while at his alma mater. He returned to his alma mater to replace Chip Kelly, who left to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator.

Regarding offensive coordinators, UCLA hired Eric Bieniemy to fill the role. Bieniemy was most recently fired from the Washington Commanders before moving out to Los Angeles. So far, Bieniemy’s offense is averaging just 14.8 points per game, which ranks 128th in the FBS.

Additionally, former UCLA defensive coordinator and Penn State alum D’Anton Lynn made a lateral move to take the same job at USC. Ikaika Malloe, who was an outside linebacker and defensive line coach with the program since 2021, replaced him.

Kodi Whitfield, who has also been with the program on two separate occasions, is in his first season as the special teams coordinator. Whitfield rejoined UCLA as the cornerbacks coach last year after serving as a graduate assistant from 2020-21.

UCLA is 1-3 this season. The Bruins lost 34-13 to No. 6 Oregon last week in Los Angeles, and their lone victory was a 16-13 win at Hawaii in week one.

UCLA is 4-2 all-time against Penn State. However, the Nittany Lions took the last game 21-6 in Los Angeles in 1968.

Offense

Ethan Garbers is UCLA’s starting quarterback, but he’s questionable to play this week. He’s going to “try” to play, however, he reportedly wasn’t seen practicing three consecutive days in the week leading up to the game.

Garbers has struggled this season, recording a 57.26% completion rate, three touchdowns, six interceptions, and 808 passing yards. His backup, Justyn Martin, is 2-for-5 on pass attempts for 12 yards this season.

If Garbers is out, it’s reasonable to assume running back T.J. Harden will carry the bulk of the work. He leads UCLA’s rushers with 141 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jalen Berger, who previously played for Wisconsin and Michigan State, and Keegan Jones are two other names to watch if the Bruins go run-heavy.

Rico Flores Jr. leads UCLA with 187 receiving yards and a touchdown. Tight end Moliki Matavao is second with 106 receiving yards. Kwazi Gilmer and J. Michael Sturdivant have also been contributors to the passing game with 92 and 62 receiving yards, respectively. Harden also has 88 receiving yards.

Josh Carlin is the starting center. Garrett DiGiorgio and Alani Makihele start at right tackle and guard, while Reuben Unije and Spencer Holstege start at left tackle and guard.

Defense

The Bruins allow 30.75 points per game. They’ve given up 476 yards on the ground and 1,164 in the air, and have allowed 15 total touchdowns.

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger leads UCLA with 34 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Kain Medrano lines up next to him and has 24 total tackles and a team-most four tackles for loss. Oluwafemi Oladejo also sees significant action as he has 16 total tackles and two pass breakups with a quarterback hurry.

Bryan Addison and Ramon Henderson are the two safeties. They each have an interception, but Addison’s 22 tackles are more than Henderson’s 16. Henderson, though, has a sack and three pass breakups.

K.J. Wallace, who has four pass breakups, is the nickelback. Jaylin Davies is at right cornerback, while Devin Kirkwood is the left cornerback. They’ve combined for three pass breakups and 19 total tackles.

Up front, Devin Aupiu is at right defensive end with five tackles. Siale Taupaki, Jay Toia, and Keanu Williams also play significantly. Taupaki leads the group with 15 tackles.

Special Teams

Mateen Bhaghani is 8-for-9 on field goal attempts. He’s averaging 63.2 yards per kickoff over 15 attempts. Meanwhile, Brody Richter is averaging 44.54 yards over 13 punt attempts.

Logan Loya has one punt return for 11 yards. Keegan Jones has five kickoff returns for 96 yards.