UCLA is preparing to face San Diego State on Saturday, with the Bruins seemingly motivated by comments from Aztecs coach Sean Lewis. Lewis, addressing the difference in resources between his team and UCLA, stated he would take "me and mine against theirs — all their polos, all their khakis, all their resources, all that; put the ball down, let’s go play."
In response, some UCLA fans have embraced the "khakis and polos" imagery, with one fan posting a photo of their pre-game attire on X. Historically, the matchup has favored UCLA, with the Bruins holding a 1-22-1 all-time record against San Diego State heading into this weekend's game at the Rose Bowl. UCLA is currently a 12.5-point favorite.
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney has emphasized the importance of fan engagement, with the athletic department offering 300 free tickets to the game. The team is looking to boost attendance beyond recent home openers, which have seen lower turnout compared to the era of former coach Jim Mora. Chesney's first home game in 2012 drew 71,530 spectators.
Chesney has also focused on cultivating a high-energy atmosphere among his players, a trait he noted was evident in their recent victory. He described a moment before the fourth quarter where the team spontaneously broke into a dance while the score was tied and momentum seemed to be shifting towards their opponent. The Bruins went on to score the final 21 points of that game, a performance Chesney attributed to his team's unwavering belief in winning, contrasting it with a perceived "here-we-go-again mentality" he suggested may have existed previously.
The coaching staff is also addressing areas for improvement, particularly penalties. In their last game, the Bruins accumulated 110 penalty yards, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against center Riley Robell for retaliating after shots taken at quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Chesney acknowledged Robell's sentiment but stressed the need to avoid such infractions in meaningful games.
Looking ahead to San Diego State, Chesney anticipates a challenging contest. He suggested the Aztecs might present a tougher matchup than their previous opponent, Cal, highlighting their running game and special teams play, including two blocked punts in their opener. He noted the Aztecs' aggressive style and their tendency to utilize trick plays.