UCLA vs. Michigan State 2025 Recap: Bruins Extend Hot Streak, Win 38-13

The most exciting headline entering the Saturday morning kickoff was how well UCLA’s offense could replicate its performance from the previous week. Offensive play-caller Jerry Neuheisel overcame his first-game jitters and had a full week to prepare for the Spartans. Although the Blue and Gold couldn’t match the 42-point performance, the 38 they scored against Michigan State fared well in a 25-point win.

The Bruins have now won their second straight game, moving to 2-4 (2-1 Big Ten) on the year. Let’s learn about the ins and outs of this contest in our UCLA vs. Michigan State 2025 game recap.

UCLA Bruins vs. Michigan State Spartans 2025: Week 7 Recap

Everything that UCLA struggled with in the first handful of games has now worked itself out. The Bruins are winning the turnover, third-down and time-of-possession battles, and it has led to a better product on the field. They are controlling the tempo and not remaining complacent. They are straining their way to victory as interim head coach Tim Skipper likes to put it.

Bruins Recover From Slow Start

After a stunning start to the game last week, the Bruins entered Spartan Stadium sluggish. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava started the contest a bit out of rhythm, missing his targets a few times past the sticks. UCLA’s opening drive was short-lived with a punt resulting from a three-and-out.

On the other side, Michigan State took its first possession 59 yards on 10 plays for the game’s first touchdown. The poor tackling of the Bruins allowed the Spartans to easily convert on three third downs. Mobile quarterbacks have diced up UCLA all year long, and the legs of Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles continued that trend early. It was a disaster waiting to happen.

However, the defense settled in quickly. They were making crucial stops on third and fourth downs to give their offense momentum in plus territory. After the opening score, the Bruins’ defense turned into a brick wall, forcing two turnovers and three punts on just 18 plays for 37 yards in the first half. The final thirty minutes remained the same as UCLA held the Spartans to 157 yards and six points — both of which mainly accumulated in garbage time.

The biggest factor in the Blue and Gold’s defense holding its opponent to the lowest total all season was the pressure the four-man rush generated. It was dominating the line of scrimmage and blowing plays up.

Jalen Berger Revenge Game

The former near 700-yard rusher for Michigan State, Jalen Berger, had his best day as a Bruin. The transfer returned to Spartan Stadium for the first time since his departure and had a field day. On the morning, Berger had a season-high 83 rushing yards on 13 carries and 24 receiving yards on three catches en route to a three-touchdown performance. The senior also had four rushes that exceeded 10 yards.

Moreover, Berger’s rushing and receiving touchdown in the first half marked the first time a Bruin has done so in any half since 2022.

His rushing touchdown to open up UCLA’s scoring was the first touchdown that didn’t feature Iamaleava. All prior scores had come either from the arm or legs of the talented quarterback.

UCLA’s Impactful Running Back Room

Entering the contest, we emphasized how important it was for the running back room to take a load off of their quarterback’s legs. Saturday, the Bruins did just that.

Of the 238 rushing yards the Blue and Gold accumulated, 209 of those were produced from the backs. Even though Iamaleava is extremely lethal when he extends plays and uses his feet to gain yards, having days where his running backs can dominate the ground is beneficial.

Berger wasn’t the only tailback to find the end zone; Jaivian Thomas had his first score for his new team.

Bruins Thrive With Aggressive Nature

The urgency and aggressiveness UCLA has shown starts at the helm. Skipper has brought life back into this football program, and it can be credited to his optimism. He has the utmost confidence in his players and continues to command an aggressive-minded team.

Alongside him is Neuheisel, who’s revamped the offensive scheme to complement the skills of his stars. Before he took over the play-calling responsibilities, UCLA was left to rot. But now, for the second straight time this season, the Bruins notch 30 points against respectable competition.

Furthermore, the first half struggles are nonexistent. Saturday against Michigan State, the Bruins scored 24 points in the first 30 minutes and stringed together four consecutive scoring drives.

UCLA Week 8 Outlook

UCLA will have a comfortable flight back home to Westwood before it prepares to host Maryland next Saturday at 4 p.m. PST. The Bruins will aim to remain perfect against the Big Ten, as the Terrapins will look to play party spoiler.