Get Off My Pylon: UCLA Shakeup and Utah-Texas Tech Showdown

On this week’s Get Off My Pylon, host Matt Zemek broke down a dramatic stretch in western college football. Week three is in the books, and as conference play looms, the storylines are heating up.  And things couldn’t have gotten any warmer at UCLA.

UCLA Fires DeShaun Foster After Embarrassing Loss

The biggest bombshell as the Bruins dismissed head coach DeShaun Foster after a humiliating 35–10 home loss to New Mexico. Foster, a beloved alum, lasted just three games before the administration pulled the plug. Zemek noted that the move, while painful, was unavoidable: “When you lose by 25 at home to New Mexico, that’s a coach killer.” The Bruins now face not only a coaching search but also pressure to replace athletic director Martin Jarmond, whose indecision last year left UCLA empty-handed when USC scooped up defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

Oregon and USC: Early Tests, Bigger Challenges Ahead

Oregon rolled past Northwestern, but Zemek questioned how much the Ducks have truly proven. With Montana State, Oklahoma State, and now Northwestern on the résumé, Oregon still hasn’t faced a top-tier quarterback. That will change soon when the Ducks head to Penn State in late September for what Zemek calls “the biggest Big Ten game of the month.”

Meanwhile, USC impressed in its 33–17 win over Purdue. New quarterback Jayden Maiava looked comfortable early, flashing poise and dual-threat ability that Lincoln Riley’s offense thrives on. Still, concerns linger about the Trojans’ secondary, which gave up chunk plays despite five sacks from the defensive front.

Utah vs. Texas Tech: Week Four’s Spotlight

Looking ahead, the showdown between Utah and Texas Tech in Salt Lake City is shaping up as one of week four’s marquee matchups. Both teams have crushed inferior opponents, but this Fox Big Noon kickoff (10 a.m. local time) will be a true test. With Joey McGuire’s Red Raiders surging and Kyle Whittingham’s Utes seeking a return to national relevance, Zemek sees the contest as a toss-up: “One of the best matchups of the week, by far.”

From UCLA’s turmoil to Utah’s upcoming spotlight, the western landscape is shifting fast. Conference play promises even more fireworks.
Listen to “Get Off My Pylon: UCLA Shakeup and Utah-Texas Tech Showdown” on Spreaker.