Nevada (3-4) heads to the Rose Bowl for the first time Saturday, facing No. 7 UCLA (7-0) in a nonconference matchup. The Wolf Pack’s pass defense and return game will be tested against a Bruins team with a powerful rushing attack and one of the nation’s top defenses. Kickoff is at 1:15 p.m. PT on the Big Ten Network.

By the Numbers
  • UCLA averages 233.0 rushing yards per game; its defense allows 15.3 points and 272.9 total yards per game.
  • Nevada allows 153.9 passing yards per game, sixth-best in FBS, and opponents convert 29.2% of third downs.
  • UCLA has forced 22 turnovers; Nevada has scored on 22 of 24 red-zone trips (95.2%).
  • UCLA leads the series 1-0 after a 58-20 win in 2013.
Yes, But

Nevada’s defense ranks among the nation’s best against the pass, but UCLA’s top-10 rushing offense presents a different challenge. The Bruins are unbeaten, though starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava is injured and Ty Dieffenbach has taken over.

State of Play
  • UCLA is 7-0 overall and 5-0 in Big Ten play after beating Michigan State, 28-10.
  • Nevada is 3-4 and coming off a 28-13 win over San José State.
  • Linebacker EJ Smith is averaging 10.9 tackles per game, while Nevada’s kick-return unit averages 32.3 yards per return.
What’s Next

The matchup hinges on whether Nevada can slow UCLA’s ground game and turn its defensive stops into scoring chances. The Wolf Pack will also need to protect the ball against a Bruins defense that has forced 22 turnovers.

Bottom Line

Nevada’s defensive strength gives it a route to make this competitive, but containing UCLA’s run game and avoiding costly turnovers will be essential against an unbeaten, highly ranked opponent.