It might all be misplaced bravado, but regional sources tell us that the Bruins actually feel they can beat Indiana, such is the confidence infused into the team by impressive interim Tim Skipper. The current Hoosiers, however, are a legit national power, and not likely to oblige, but reminded its backers the risks of laying near 4 TDs when Michigan State slipped in the back door last Saturday. The Bruins have playmakers, especially QB Nico Iamaleava, with a new OC in jerry Neuheisel showing some panache. It's a different UCLA team under Skipper, as even Curt Cignetti noted as much in his weekly IU presser. Play UCLA

The noon (ET) kickoff and the overflowing Indiana bandwagon have contributed to a line that opened ridiculously high and has gone higher. Hoosier backers point to UCLA's low ranking in various metrics, but this has been two seasons for the Bruins. Toss out the first. IU coach Curt Cignetti properly noted that while the visitors' SU record is 3-4, it essentially is 3-0. Since the coaching change, UCLA is actually 3-1 outright, with a forgivable three-point loss at Northwestern days after the new regime took over. Both teams beat Michigan State by identical scores (38-13). While Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is a Heisman contender, there is little dropoff to Bruins counterpart Nico Iamaleava.

Despite the Hoosiers playing arguably better than any other team in the country, this particular matchup vs UCLA could provide a bit of a challenge than originally thought. When you look at how much better the Bruins are playing offensively, it gives them a puncher's chance to keep within striking distance of Indiana, especially with how they are able to effect the pocket defensively. Expect their best efforts on the road in Bloomington.