{"id":1061,"date":"2025-09-16T17:05:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T17:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/?p=1061"},"modified":"2025-09-16T17:06:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T17:06:28","slug":"get-off-my-pylon-ucla-shakeup-and-utah-texas-tech-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/get-off-my-pylon-ucla-shakeup-and-utah-texas-tech-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Off My Pylon: UCLA Shakeup and Utah-Texas Tech Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nOn this week\u2019s<\/a> Get Off My Pylon<\/em>, host Matt Zemek<\/a><\/strong> 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.\u00a0 And things couldn’t have gotten any warmer at UCLA.<\/p>\n

UCLA Fires DeShaun Foster After Embarrassing Loss<\/h2>\n

The biggest bombshell as the Bruins dismissed head coach DeShaun Foster after a humiliating 35\u201310 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: \u201cWhen you lose by 25 at home to New Mexico, that\u2019s a coach killer.\u201d 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\u2019Anton Lynn.<\/p>\n

Oregon and USC: Early Tests, Bigger Challenges Ahead<\/h2>\n

Oregon rolled past Northwestern, but Zemek questioned how much the Ducks have truly proven. With Montana State, Oklahoma State, and now Northwestern on the r\u00e9sum\u00e9, Oregon still hasn\u2019t faced a top-tier quarterback. That will change soon when the Ducks head to Penn State in late September for what Zemek calls \u201cthe biggest Big Ten game of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, USC impressed in its 33\u201317 win over Purdue. New quarterback Jayden Maiava looked comfortable early, flashing poise and dual-threat ability that Lincoln Riley\u2019s offense thrives on. Still, concerns linger about the Trojans\u2019 secondary, which gave up chunk plays despite five sacks from the defensive front.<\/p>\n

Utah vs. Texas Tech: Week Four\u2019s Spotlight<\/h2>\n

Looking ahead, the showdown between Utah and Texas Tech in Salt Lake City is shaping up as one of week four\u2019s 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\u2019s Red Raiders surging and Kyle Whittingham\u2019s Utes seeking a return to national relevance, Zemek sees the contest as a toss-up: \u201cOne of the best matchups of the week, by far.\u201d<\/p>\n

From UCLA\u2019s turmoil to Utah\u2019s upcoming spotlight, the western landscape is shifting fast. Conference play promises even more fireworks.
\nListen to “Get Off My Pylon: UCLA Shakeup and Utah-Texas Tech Showdown” on Spreaker.<\/a>
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