UCLA Football to Don Retro Uniforms, Honor Championship Legacy Against Michigan State

The UCLA Bruins football team is set to don throwback uniforms inspired by their 1954 national championship squad when they host Michigan State on Saturday. This game marks a significant moment for the program, blending its historic achievements with its current aspirations.

UCLA, currently ranked No. 9 with a perfect 6-0 record (4-0 in Big Ten play), is seeking its eighth 7-0 start in program history and its first since 2005. The Bruins are one of six remaining undefeated teams in the nation and have already secured bowl eligibility. The throwback uniforms are also reminiscent of those worn during the team's first Rose Bowl victory over Michigan State in 1966, a team that will be honored during a 60th-anniversary celebration.

This matchup also carries potential significance for the College Football Playoff, with a quarterfinal game scheduled to be played at the Rose Bowl on January 1.

Quarterback Situation

The game could feature a battle of backup quarterbacks. Michigan State starter Alessio Milivojevic is listed as questionable, potentially forcing freshman Kayd Coffman into his first career start. Coffman has appeared in one game but has not thrown a pass. UCLA, meanwhile, has found stability with Ty Dieffenbach at quarterback. He has stepped in for Nico Iamaleava, who is sidelined with an injury. Dieffenbach threw for a career-high 264 yards in UCLA's previous game against Wisconsin.

Team Focus and Expectations

UCLA enters the game as a two-touchdown favorite, a situation the team also faced against Purdue earlier in the season. Coach Bob Chesney emphasized the team's focus on consistent execution rather than the betting line. "The standard doesn’t rise or sink, the standard is the standard," Chesney stated. "There are still elevations that need to happen, but it’s not anything based on your opponent, it’s based on yourself."

Coaching Connections

Chesney expressed admiration for Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald, whose tenure at Michigan State began this season after his departure from Northwestern. The two coaches have met at events, and Chesney noted his respect for Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald's Spartans have a strong defense but have struggled offensively, averaging only 21.3 points per game.

Community Engagement and Injuries

UCLA is looking to increase attendance for its remaining home games, with last week's crowd of 36,045 against Wisconsin being a season high. Chesney has been engaging with the community, inviting students from a Greek life flag football tournament to practice. "It takes a village and we need them," Chesney said. "We need those people at the game and we need them to have a true connection to this team."

In addition to Iamaleava, UCLA will be without injured cornerback Rodrick Pleasant and safety Tao Johnson. Michigan State running back Jaziun Patterson is also questionable, which could increase the workload for other running backs on the team.