Bruin Report Online: A UCLA Athletics podcast

In this special basketball edition of the postgame BROCast, Dave recaps UCLA's huge season-opening win over No. 5 Arizona in Las Vegas.

The No. 22 Bruins were the tougher and better team on Monday, dominating the glass and limiting turnovers against the Wildcats, eventually winning 84-75 after leading by as many as 16.

UCLA did it all without Filip Jovic, limiting UCLA to very little size on the interior. Despite that, the Bruins were far more physical and tougher on the glass than Arizona, repeatedly winning rebounds against taller Arizona defenders. Case in point: Jaylan Petty, all 6'0 of him, was the second-leading rebounder for UCLA with seven in the game.

The Bruins dealt with foul trouble in the first half but thanks to the efforts of the newcomers, including Petty, Nikola Kusturica, and Joe Philon, were able to not only hold serve in the first half, but push the lead to 14 at the break. Philon led all players with a +26 +/- in his 12 minutes.

Arizona went on a run in the second half to cut the lead to 71-70, but the Bruins showed some early signs of mental fortitude in withstanding the run and then re-establishing an insurmountable lead in the closing minutes. It was a great win for the program. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the postgame BROCast, Dave recaps UCLA's 27-0 win over Nevada, which featured four interceptions for the Bruin defense.

I talked about the defensive performance against the Wolfpack, with the Bruins picking off former UCLA quarterback Luke Duncan three times in the first quarter, including a pick-six, to jump out to an early 10-0 lead. I also touched on the performance of the edge rush, with Sahir West and Aiden Gobaira having their most productive games of the season.

I also talked about the offense being pretty ineffective, with the Bruins struggling more than you'd like to move the ball. Ty Dieffenbach was fine, but missed some throws. His offensive line struggled some in both pass protection and run blocking, though the running backs were able to make something out of nothing with some regularity.

I then touched on the importance of being 8-0, and how UCLA is in control of its own destiny heading into the final four games of the season -- but that the Bruins will need to continue to improve on offense as defenses like Minnesota and Michigan loom on the horizon. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the BROCast, Dave and Tracy talk about UCLA football being No. 7, Nico Iamaleava's status for next year, and the basketball teams heading into the season.

We recapped the Michigan State game and then previewed the Nevada game, discussing what we think of Ty Dieffenbach, and how the defense has become a truly elite unit. We also talked about the likelihood of UCLA being in the Big Ten title game.

We then discussed Nico Iamaleava's status for next year, in light of his desire to return to UCLA. We talked about the ins and outs of his decision over the next year, and what UCLA will need to do at the quarterback spot heading into the 2027 season.

We then previewed the basketball season for men's and women's basketball. The men's team opens with Arizona on Monday night in Las Vegas, while the women's team will start with Lehigh on Monday. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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Rivals recruiting analysts Brandon Huffman and Greg Biggins highlight UCLA's recruiting run the last two weeks, which saw them add their 2028 quarterback.

The discussion touches on how four-star quarterback Josiah Boyd became the Bruins' first offensive commit in the class of 2028.

Plus, a handful of predictions have gone in for the Bruins with a number of 2028 prospects.

Get all that, and more, in the latest episode. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the postgame BROCast, Dave recaps UCLA's dominant but weird performance against Michigan State, with the Bruins winning 28-10.

UCLA massively outgained the Spartans, but because of two fumbles that were weirdly returned from deep in Michigan State territory 50+ yards into UCLA territory, Michigan State was twice able to completely flip the field and prevent Bruin scoring opportunities.

Despite this, UCLA generated enough offense and had another dominant defensive performance, which prevented Michigan State from ever generating much offense. UCLA forced three turnovers of its own, including a great interception from linebacker Donavyn Pellot. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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Rivals recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman and Bruin Report Online staff writer Tracy McDannald recap a busy past week of UCLA football recruiting highlighted by the first 2028 commitment.

The discussion touches on how four-star linebacker Kaiden Buchanan's early decision is a product of ninth-ranked UCLA's fast start and national profile boost as the lone Big Ten or SEC school yet to lose a game this season.

Things may only just be getting started, as local four-star quarterback Josiah Boyd has now moved up his decision date and has UCLA in his final three while coming off a visit this past weekend. We dive into a whirlwind 72 hours that looked like the Bruins were trending for another four-star quarterback in the class.

Plus, UCLA hosted some key recruits committed elsewhere such as five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou (Ohio State) and four-star quarterback Dane Weber (California). Is it something? Is it nothing? #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the BROCast, Dave and Tracy talk about the Wisconsin win for UCLA football, the upcoming Michigan State game, quarterback Josiah Boyd's impending commitment, and the basketball exhibition game against Cal Baptist.

We began by recapping Wisconsin, which was arguably the most impressive win of the season for the Bruins, given how hard the Badgers played on defense, UCLA playing with a backup quarterback, and what we continue to see from the Bruin defense.

We then talked about the Michigan State game, where we're expecting a pretty profound UCLA win. The Spartans have been decimated by injuries, particularly on defense, and the Bruins are already 14.5 point favorites in the game.

We also discussed four-star quarterback Josiah Boyd's impending commitment on Saturday, with all signs pointing toward UCLA. We talked about the value of getting a quarterback this early, and the general state of football recruiting.

Finally, we talked about the basketball exhibition win over Cal Baptist, and while there weren't grand takeaways about the potential for this team, we did talk about the real optimistic sense we have about this group of newcomers, headlined by Nikola Kusturica. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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#UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the BROCast, Dave and Tracy break down UCLA's huge win over Oregon in Autzen, talk about Nico Iamaleava's injury, preview Wisconsin, and then talk about basketball practice heading into the season.

We talked about the dominant defensive performance in the win over then-No. 13 Oregon this weekend, and how the game itself wasn't particularly lucky -- UCLA had quite a bit of bad luck itself to not be up by a lot more early in the game. We also talked about the offensive performance and Ty Dieffenbach coming in to lead the team to the win.

We then shifted gears to talk about Nico Iamaleava and his injury, and the unfortunate position he's in heading into the end of the season and the offseason. If his injury is longterm, there are some hard decisions for him coming up as to his future, given the state of the sport with the Transfer Portal and NIL.

We previewed Wisconsin, and what we're expecting from the Badgers. We also debated whether this is a very important game or not.

Finally, we provided an update from what we've heard from basketball practice heading into the exhibitions, which begin next week. We also talked about Jalen Davis, the point guard officially visiting this weekend. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the BRO recruiting podcast, Tracy McDannald and Brandon Huffman break down the impact of UCLA beating Oregon at Autzen. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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#UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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The latest episode of the Bruin Report Online recruiting podcast looks ahead to the storylines ahead of No. 21-ranked UCLA's contest at No. 13 Oregon this weekend.

Rivals recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman and BRO staff writer Tracy McDannald run through some of the names expected in Eugene who will have an interest in both the Bruins and Ducks.

Plus, a closer look at how UCLA head coach Bob Chesney and his staff handled the previous bye week and the overwhelmingly positive headlines generated through their actions.

The discussion also explains how the Bruins can still win the weekend if their 4-0 start does not survive the contest, how Chesney pushed all the right buttons on the recruiting trail to get to this point, and more. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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#UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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Finally, we closed with a call for fans to come out to the Rose Bowl for the remaining home games this year. It's hugely important for the program to have fans in the seats to close out the year. We also talked about the likelihood that UCLA is going to want to attack the Transfer Portal heavily, so it's absolutely essential to give to NIL if you have the means. You can give to Champion of Westwood here.

#UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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After a week off, the Bruin Report Online football recruiting podcast featuring Rivals recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman and BRO staff writer Tracy McDannald reflects on the implications of 23rd-ranked UCLA's 4-0 start to the season.

The discussion also touches on how much more important the Oct. 10 contest at No. 15 Oregon now is, as well as some of the Bruins' big home games as the calendar turns to October.

Plus, we touch on big development over the weekend in 2027 California wide receiver commit Charles Davis' decision to reopen his recruitment while not backing off his pledge, and more. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the postgame BROCast, Dave recaps UCLA football's 54-3 blowout of Maryland on Saturday.

I talked about the explosive performance from the run game, with Wayne Knight notching two explosive runs and a touchdown, with Troy Leigber pitching in a late long touchdown as well. I also talked about the fits and starts for the passing game, up until Aidan Mizell's long touchdown off a broken play.

I then shifted gears to the absolutely dominant defensive performance, with UCLA holding Maryland to three points -- and even those three points come with an asterisk, as Maryland likely should not have been awarded a first down on that drive to set up the field goal.

I then talked about being 4-0 and fun to watch, and how significant that is for the program. I also talked about the expectations heading into the final 2/3 of the season, and whether the Bruins have a chance against Oregon. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the BROCast Mailbag, Dave answers all of your questions about Bob Chesney's first year so far, the UCLA football team, and Mick Cronin's basketball team entering the leadup to the season. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the postgame BROCast, Dave recaps UCLA's 52-38 win over Purdue, including the offensive explosion and the defensive semi-implosion.

I talked about the play of Nico Iamaleava, the incredible rushing attack, and the importance of having a couple of big-bodied receivers back and available for this game in Landon Ellis and Leland Smith.

I also talked about what went wrong on defense, particularly at cornerback and in the pass rush, which allowed Purdue to pass for more than 370 yards. But I also touched on the opportunistic turnover creation, which helped keep this one from being a much closer game. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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In this edition of the BROCast, Dave and Tracy talk about Tim Harris' free student tickets initiative, the SDSU game, and then preview the Purdue game. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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The latest episode of the Bruin Report Online football recruiting podcast looks back on the first batch of UCLA football game visitors this season.

Rivals recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman and BRO staff writer Tracy McDannald go over some of the key top targets who were in attendance for the Bruins' 28-10 win over San Diego State and some of the themes based on the reactions gathered over the past few days.

The discussion turns to one of the most important visitors, 2028 four-star quarterback Josiah Boyd, who announced Wednesday that UCLA is in his top three along with Kentucky and Oregon.

Plus, a focus on how the UCLA coaching staff goes beyond just head coach Bob Chesney and the full-time assistant position coaches, the importance in investing in upgrades and amenities like the new end zone club at the Rose Bowl, and more in the latest episode. #UCLA #UCLAFootball #UCLABruins #UCLABasketball #On3

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