After UCLA’s 0-4 rocky start this season, Tim Skipper has given fans a reason to believe again. Since Skipper took over, they haven’t lost three consecutive games. But after two losses against Nebraska and Indiana, the Bruins sit at 3-6. That reality points to the need for a change, and a rising coach with a $3M price tag, especially one making waves at James Madison, could be the perfect fit.

During Saturday’s appearance on StateFarm, Rick Neuheisel of CBS Sports, the father of UCLA’s interim OC Jerry Neuheisel, shared, “I’m hearing Bob Chesney from James Madison at UCLA. He’s gotta make a decision.” At 48, Chesney has done one thing everywhere he’s gone: win. He’s climbed every rung of the CFB ladder and never slipped. His career record? A sharp 128-51. At James Madison, he’s in year two and already sitting at 17-5.

With a track record like that, it’s no wonder programs are lining up to get a piece of Chesney’s success. But if not UCLA, Penn State could lure this talent, even though Mike Elko remains their top target. As the father of UCLA’s interim OC said, “With Mike Elko re-upping with Texas A&M, which is being reported, it seems like Penn State still got a spot.” There’s enough reasoning behind it, too.

“Chesney’s from the state of Pennsylvania, so maybe he’s waiting for something a little bit close to home,” according to Rick. But Chesney has never coached in the Power Four. Still, every stop has looked the same, and the success speaks for itself. He turned Holy Cross into an FCS powerhouse before landing in Harrisonburg. At Salve Regina, he stacked winning seasons like it was routine.

Now under his guidance, the Dukes sit atop the SBC with a 9–1 record. With that, the growing coaching speculation fits him perfectly. Even Virining Tech drew interest. But the Madison HC didn’t buy any distraction, as his focus was crystal clear. “We’re trying to win games, stay focused, and not worry about anything else,” said Chesney.

And then he didn’t take time to shut down all rumors with his bold take. “These are things that are important for the community and for the guys who got us here. It’d be foolish and unfair to just brush it under the rug and say it doesn’t exist because it does,” added the Madison HC. Still, you don’t know the Universe’s plan.

Here, you can’t overlook the Bruins’ rise under Skipper. UCLA achieved a major upset, defeating PSU 42-37, in his second game as interim HC. Now, Tim Skipper has a chance to do something that no UCLA coach has pulled off since Dick Vermeil. Yes, beat a No. 1 team. But as a 31.5-point underdog, can the Bruins do that under the interim HC?

Tim Skipper’s take of OSU before the clash

UCLA heads on the road to face the nation’s top team: the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes. The odds may not favor the Bruins, but interim coach Skipper isn’t treating this like a Goliath matchup. “The team better be excited for this one,” he said. “There’s no bigger opportunity right here. We’ll be ready to go—night kickoff, under the lights, let’s play.”

Skipper knows what he’s up against offensively. Ohio State quarterback and Heisman favorite Julian Sayin leads an arsenal of weapons, with running backs and receivers ready to attack any weakness. “As soon as you start to load that box, it’s on for those guys. They’ll attack you like crazy. We have to be ready every down. No excuses,” Skipper warned.

Defensively, the Buckeyes are just as imposing. Skipper marveled at their discipline and physicality. “They line up, play fast, play violent, and they play together. You don’t see that kind of unselfishness every day,” he said. For UCLA, it will take perfection in every phase to keep pace and avoid getting exposed by a team built for dominance.