Picture this: a football team that started the season without a single win, transforming into a force capable of dominating top-tier opponents and sparking dreams of playoff glory. It's not just inspiring—it's the kind of comeback story that makes you question everything you thought you knew about sports underdogs. And UCLA is living it right now, proving they're far from a fleeting success. But here's where it gets controversial: is this sudden rise a testament to brilliant coaching moves, or could it be dismissed as lucky breaks that won't last? Stick around, because this team's journey is packed with twists that might just change how you view college football turnarounds.
The drama unfolded in East Lansing, Michigan, where every UCLA player boarding the team plane was handed a simple sheet of paper. Scrawled in bold letters were six words posing a direct challenge from their interim coach: 'ARE YOU A ONE-HIT WONDER?' Just days after their shocking upset of Penn State, the Bruins had a chance to respond—and boy, did they ever.
Absolutely not! They were ready for round two, and it was a blockbuster.
Building on the momentum of their first big win under a reshuffled coaching team, UCLA kept the magic alive, evolving from a team with zero victories to something much bigger. Are they now a Big Ten giant? A contender for the College Football Playoff? Or perhaps the year's ultimate sports redemption tale? Saturday's 38-13 demolition of Michigan State at Spartan Stadium suggests the sky's the limit for these Bruins, who are climbing higher with each game.
For newcomers to college football, it's worth noting that the Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences, packed with storied programs like Michigan State, where rivalries run deep and every win feels like a statement. UCLA, representing the University of California, Los Angeles, entered as underdogs but left as victors, showcasing how quick changes can ignite a team's fire.
Led by playcaller Jerry Neuheisel, UCLA's offense exploded for 38 straight points after allowing Michigan State an early touchdown. The Bruins, now 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, dominated the Spartans (3-3, 0-3), who struggled to keep up. On defense, under de facto coordinator Kevin Coyle, the team forced a fumble, shut down every fourth-down attempt, and limited Michigan State to just 253 yards. Quarterback Aidan Chiles was sidelined early in the third quarter after a brutal collision with defensive tackle Keanu Williams—a hit that highlighted the Bruins' aggressive style.
At the helm was interim coach Tim Skipper, whose leadership infused the team with an energy and purpose that was absent under previous coach DeShaun Foster. That motivational note on the plane seats was one of many tactics he employed to breathe life into a stagnant squad. 'It was just a little reminder, that's all it really was,' Skipper explained playfully. 'It's kind of like Santa Claus—you don't know how the presents got there, but they got there.'
And this is the part most people miss: Skipper's approach might position him as a stronger candidate for UCLA's permanent coaching job than even Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith, a local favorite who's often mentioned in job rumors. It's a wild shift from the team that stumbled to an 0-4 start. 'In my mind,' Skipper shared, 'I've kind of blocked out everything until I've been sitting in this seat and I just see us getting better every single day, that's my whole entire goal, just get better every single day, and that's all I'm really worried about.'
The turnaround was so evident that UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond even chatted with a reporter in the press box during the third quarter, praising the staff changes that reignited the team. There's no arguing: this is a vastly different group from the one that couldn't secure a win under Foster. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava captured the vibe perfectly: 'I think just getting back to childhood memories and when we used to play this when we was younger, and just going out there and having fun with it,' he said after throwing for 180 yards and three touchdowns. 'We were uptight the first four games, and I feel like we went out there and let our hair flow and we were playing for fun.'
Once unable to hit double-digit points, UCLA's offense is now firing on all cylinders. A standout performer emerged in running back Jalen Berger, who scored three touchdowns and racked up a season-best 89 yards against his old team—mixing a rushing score with two receiving TDs. Even on a day when he didn't need to scramble much, as the team amassed 238 rushing yards, Iamaleava was spot-on, completing 16 of 24 passes without a turnover, and only running six times for a modest three yards.
By halftime, the Bruins led 24-7, having scored more points in just that game and a half under Neuheisel (66 total) than in their entire first four games combined (57). 'The plays coach Jerry has been putting us in have been great, just putting us in great positions to go out there and be successful,' Iamaleava noted. 'And then everything's clicking right now. O-line is doing a great job getting our run game open. And then the receivers are doing a great job getting open on the field.'
Their defense, meanwhile, was a wall—grabbing another turnover and grinding Michigan State to a halt after the Spartans' initial scoring drive. Special teams added flair, executing a fake punt that echoed their trickery against Northwestern two weeks prior. Punter Cole Martin took the snap and dashed for 20 yards to a first down, catching Michigan State off guard. 'Very similar,' Skipper laughed, 'but it went the opposite way—same formation, different direction.'
That deception led to points: Iamaleava hooked up with Berger for a short touchdown, then later hit wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala for a 12-yard score. Edge rusher Devin Aupiu forced a fumble early, recovered by tackle Siale Taupaki at the 32, setting up the drive. Even a missed field goal by Mateen Bhaghani, clanging off the upright, couldn't derail the Bruins' momentum.
Their 24-point streak inflated the halftime lead, leaving Michigan State fans booing their team into the locker room during what was meant to be a celebratory homecoming. 'Best part really is just the togetherness we have in the locker room,' Martin reflected. 'We came together. We've never altered. We've always stayed together. Nobody's quit on one another. And that was really the best part for me, just knowing that whatever we go through, we're going to have each other at the end of the day.'
Just a week after stunning the football world, UCLA remained the headline act—again.
But let's stir the pot a bit: some fans might argue this revival is all smoke and mirrors, fueled by playing weaker opponents or lucky calls, rather than true talent. Others see it as proof that the right motivation can flip any script. Do you believe UCLA's transformation is real and here to stay, or could they fizzle out like so many 'one-hit wonders'? Is Tim Skipper the coach to lead them long-term, or should they look elsewhere? Share your hot takes in the comments—we're curious to hear your side! For more on UCLA's journey, check out related stories on the Los Angeles Times website.
