Though there has been little optimism for the Bruins entering their first season in the Big Ten, history shows that UCLA has done well against their new conference.
In a post on X by Mark Schipper, the Bruins boast a 48-42-3 record versus all Big Ten opponents. Many games between the Bruins and the Big Ten have been in the Rose Bowl, but in regular season matchups, the Bruins still have a historically winning record.
Of the teams the Bruins will face this season, UCLA has an 18-13 record all-time. Will that translate to this season in the win column? It is more complicated.
The Bruins have a tough schedule in 2024, but several teams they face this fall are not exactly top-tier opponents. Between Nebraska, Indiana, Rutgers, Minnesota, Iowa, and Penn State, there are some winnable conference games.
To have a prayer at making a bowl game, the Bruins will need to take care of business against their unranked opponents. If UCLA can pull an upset in a few, the more the better. But with a winning record against the Big Ten all-time, there should be optimism for Bruins fans in their new conference this season.