UCLA's Bob Chesney Aims for Historic Start Against Maryland

UCLA head coach Bob Chesney has the opportunity to achieve a 4-0 start in his debut season, a benchmark last met by a Bruins football coach in 1949. That year, Henry Russell “Red” Sanders led UCLA to an undefeated start, a historical note that contrasts with the school's basketball program at the time, then coached by John Wooden.

Sanders’ successful tenure included a national championship in 1954, though it was cut short by his untimely death before the 1958 season. Since Sanders, no UCLA football coach has managed to replicate such a strong opening to their tenure.

Chesney’s current team, the Bruins (3-0), will face Maryland (2-1) on Saturday. A victory would not only secure the 4-0 start but could also see the Bruins enter the national rankings, having already received 10 votes in the latest AP poll. The game is scheduled to be televised on the Big Ten Network.

Key storylines to watch include the protection of UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has taken hits in recent games. Coach Chesney acknowledged Iamaleava's ability to run but emphasized the need for him to prioritize his safety. "He’s pretty special when he gets a chance to run," Chesney said, "but he’s just got to make sure he just keeps himself safe."

On defense, linebacker Sammy Omosigho has emerged as a standout performer. Having learned the "Peanut Punch" technique from former NFL cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Omosigho leads the nation with four forced fumbles. He also ranks highly in tackles and tackles for loss.

UCLA’s secondary will face a challenge against Maryland’s quarterback Malik Washington, who had a strong performance in his team's recent loss, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns. This comes after the Bruins’ defensive backfield struggled against Purdue's Ryan Browne in their last game.

Meanwhile, Maryland coach Mike Locksley is under significant pressure following consecutive 4-8 seasons. The team's recent 35-26 loss to Virginia Tech has fueled fan frustration, with Locksley acknowledging the team's need to perform better. "I understand why the fans are frustrated," Locksley stated. "They’ve earned the right for us to play better than we have."

For Chesney, the road trip to Maryland will also include a personal tradition. Four busloads of his family and friends are expected to attend the game, a practice that has continued since his first head coaching job in 2010. Chesney expressed deep appreciation for this support, highlighting the close bonds forged in his hometown of Kulpmont, Pennsylvania.

"I’m extremely appreciative of that," Chesney said. "There’s a lot of people in there that I owe a lot to, right? You don’t do this on your own, and I think growing up in that town, growing up with those people and just the true close bonds that we have, it’s family, and I think you know that makes it special."