In a shocking twist to a dismal start, UCLA's interim football coach Tim Skipper led the Bruins to a thrilling 42-37 victory over No. 7 Penn State on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl. It was the team's first win of the season, snapping a four-game skid that had fans questioning everything. Just weeks ago, on September 14, head coach DeShaun Foster was unceremoniously fired after an 0-3 record, capped by a humiliating home loss to New Mexico. The move came swiftly, leaving the program in disarray and sparking immediate concerns about roster stability in this era of rapid player transfers.
Skipper, a 25-year coaching veteran with deep ties to the West Coast scene, stepped in as interim head man. His debut didn't go smoothly—a narrow 17-14 defeat to Northwestern kept the losses mounting. But the Penn State upset, powered by quarterback Nico Iamaleava's sharp plays and a suddenly revitalized offense, changed the narrative overnight. This marks the first time since 1985 that a team starting 0-4 or worse has toppled a top-10 opponent. Indeed, the win feels like a lifeline, especially after offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri mutually parted ways with the program on October 1. Skipper promoted Jerry Neuheisel, son of former UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, to the play-calling role, and the results spoke volumes.
Behind the scenes, UCLA's search for a permanent coach is heating up. The university assembled a high-powered committee in late September, packed with executives who turned around the NFL's Washington Commanders. Names like Tony White from Florida State are floating as leading candidates, though perceptions of UCLA's commitment to football—despite millions invested—linger as a hurdle. Moreover, the program's financial constraints have long been a sore point, contributing to years of mediocrity. However, this recent surge under Skipper might just boost the Bruins' appeal in the coaching carousel.
With the Big Ten schedule intensifying, Skipper's squad faces tough tests ahead. And yet, in the unpredictable world of college football, such momentum raises intriguing possibilities for what's next.