Both Indiana and UCLA brought win streaks into their matchup today, Indiana rising a seven-game win streak and UCLA rising a three-game win streak after starting the season 0-4. This is a bigger game for Indiana than some would think because this is an easy trap game for the Hoosiers, as the Bruins have looked better in the last three games, taking out then-ranked No. 7 Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who suffered a lot of criticism in the first couple of weeks of the season because of his poor play, has also stepped up and looked better. However, he was bound to face a tougher defense soon, and that day has come with Indiana.
With the early Noon kickoff, the Hoosiers were certainly not slow with their start, as on the Bruins' first drive, Iamaleava threw a pick-six to give Indiana the lead without even having their offense step on the field.
Throughout the first quarter, the Indiana defense absolutely hounded Iamaleava with two sacks and only allowed the transfer quarterback to complete one pass for 13 yards.
Nico Iamaleava is just getting swallowed by Indiana's defensive front. The UCLA quarterback has been sacked 2 X, thrown a pick-six, and has just been harassed all day. #iufb
— Jim Coyle (@jimcoyleISB) October 25, 2025
The offense line has not been able to stop this strong Indiana defense, which has looked better than last season. The Hoosier defense was Indiana's biggest thing they needed to upgrade from last season, and they certainly have.
UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava through one quarter: 1/6, 13 yds passing, INT, sacked twice
— Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) October 25, 2025
The offensive line will have to figure something out quickly.
There is still a second half to be played in Bloomington, but so far, the Hoosiers are looking to be able to rest their starters by the fourth quarter. Even though Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has an interception on his stat line, only his third of the season, from a batted ball at the line, the Hoosiers' offense has been humming.
Of course, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti won't smile until the clock hits triple zeros in the fourth quarter, and even then, he will still say his team has stuff to work on, but the Hoosiers are cruising through the Bruins right now.
With a 28-0 lead with a little under nine minutes left in the second quarter, Indiana is proving so far that they aren't falling for this trap game.