During Indiana vs. UCLA football gameMemorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana, the No. 2‑ranked Indiana Hoosiers will host the struggling UCLA Bruins. The clash, slated for 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, pits quarterback Fernando Mendoza, quarterback of the Hoosiers against second‑year signal‑caller Nico Iamaleava, quarterback for UCLA. FOX Sports analyst Geoff Schwartz, a former Oregon tackle turned NFL pundit, has already called the game a "machine" performance for Indiana.
Game Overview
The Hoosiers come into the matchup unbeaten at 7‑0, cruising through the Big Ten with a defense ranked 15th nationally in pass efficiency. The Bruins, meanwhile, sit at 3‑4 and have slumped to 120th in points per drive. Both teams will be televised nationally on FOX, with a streaming option via the FOX Sports app and a 7‑day free trial on FOX One.
Statistical Matchup
- Indiana’s passing attack: 73.5% completion rate, 23 TDs, 2 INTs (Mendoza).
- UCLA’s passing defense: 24th‑ranked nationally.
- Indiana’s offense: 4th in yards per play, 11th in rushing success, 4th on third‑down conversions.
- UCLA’s defense: 135th on third‑down stops, but has limited first‑down conversions to 43% in the last two games.
Those numbers paint a picture of a balanced, high‑tempo Hoosiers unit versus a defense that’s still figuring out how to get off the ground.
Key Players to Watch
Fernando Mendoza – The senior has already logged 1,156 yards through the air this season. His 13‑yard‑per‑completion average makes him a constant deep‑ball threat. In the week‑leading win over Michigan State, Mendoza threw three TDs and no interceptions.
Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., the Hoosiers’ top receivers, have been described by Schwartz as “nearly unguardable.” Their route‑running and speed will test UCLA’s secondary, which has given up an average of 262 passing yards per game.
On the opposite side, Nico Iamaleava is still dealing with a sore knee suffered against Maryland. He threw a pick‑six that bounced off a screen, but he also showed flashes of mobility that could keep Indiana’s defense honest.
Betting Odds and Predictions
FOX Sports posted the following lines on October 23:
- Indiana –26.5 points (–111).
- Moneyline: Indiana –4167, UCLA +1460.
- Over/Under: 53.5 points (Over –111, Under –108).
Schwartz’s personal pick veers toward a 42‑9 shutout, yet he also oddly predicted an over of 58.5 points – a clear contradiction to the official total. Community forecasts on Hoosier Huddle range from a modest 34‑17 win to an outright blowout of 56‑10.
Fan and Expert Reactions
The Hoosiers’ fan base is buzzing. On the Hoosier Huddle board, a user named "Bison" wrote, “They look like a machine; if they keep this pace, we’re in the playoff picture with a week to spare.” UCLA supporters, meanwhile, expressed concern over Iamaleava’s knee, noting that “the more he scrambles, the more we risk further injury.”
FanDuel’s research shows UCLA is 3‑4‑0 against the spread this season, and over‑under hits have landed on the high side in seven of its nine games. That suggests the market is pricing in a high‑scoring affair – something the Hoosiers’ high‑octane offense certainly supports.
What Comes Next?
If Indiana covers the spread, they’ll solidify a top‑four seed in the Big Ten championship race and likely lock a spot in the College Football Playoff. A loss would be a shock‑wave, dropping them to at least the top‑eight and possibly handing the conference title to Ohio State or Michigan.
UCLA must win the next two conference games to stay bowl‑eligible. A respectable showing against Indiana could boost recruiting and give head coach Chip Kelly a morale lift before the final stretch.
Key Facts
- Date & time: October 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana.
- Teams: Indiana Hoosiers (7‑0) vs. UCLA Bruins (3‑4).
- Spread: Indiana –26.5.
- Over/Under: 53.5 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the game affect Indiana’s playoff chances?
A win by the Hoosiers keeps them in the top‑four of the College Football Playoff rankings and virtually guarantees a spot in the four‑team field. A loss would likely drop them out of the top‑six, forcing them to rely on conference championship outcomes and strength‑of‑schedule arguments.
What are the key stats that favor Indiana?
Indiana ranks 4th nationally in yards per play, boasts a 73.5% pass‑completion rate, and leads the Big Ten in third‑down conversions (71%). Their defense is 15th in pass efficiency, limiting opponents to 190 passing yards per game.
Is UCLA’s defense improving?
The Bruins have trimmed their third‑down conversion allowance to 43% over the past two games – a notable jump from a season‑average of 69%. However, they still rank near the bottom in points per drive (120th) and pressure rate (136th), indicating only modest progress.
What injury concerns could impact UCLA’s offense?
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava sprained his knee against Maryland. While he appeared mobile in the subsequent game, a lingering knee issue could limit his scrambling ability and affect timing with his receivers, especially in red‑zone situations.
What are the betting public’s expectations?
Most sportsbooks list Indiana as a 26.5‑point favorite, reflecting a consensus that the Hoosiers will dominate. The over/under sits at 53.5 points, but many bettors anticipate a higher total given Indiana’s high‑scoring offense and UCLA’s occasional defensive lapses.