Michigan State at No. 9 UCLA: How to Watch and Preview

WHO: Michigan State Spartans (2-5, 0-4) at No. 9 UCLA Bruins (6-0, 4-0)

WHERE: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California

WHEN: Saturday, October 24, at 3:30 p.m. ET

WATCH: CBS

As bleak as it may look, the Spartans' season is actually turning a page toward a brighter future.

Michigan State started the season 2-0 but has since lost five straight games. The first three of those five losses came by a combined score of 89-26. However, something changed after those games. Despite taking L's in each of their last two contests, the Spartans have lost by a combined four points, including a one-point overtime loss to Illinois and a three-point last-second loss to No. 24 Northwestern.

Despite being jam-packed with injuries across the entire team, Michigan State has found a way to band together and trust one another enough to give everything it has on every play.

It seemed to start with new head coach Pat Fitzgerald flipping the bird to the referees a couple of weeks ago. The gesture may have cost Fitzgerald $10,000, but it became a priceless rallying cry for the Spartans.

Unfortunately, the injuries aren't going away. Michigan State will have to continue relying on its next-man-up philosophy, with 17 players listed on the availability report. That includes the Spartans' top four cornerbacks and top linebacker, all of whom have already been ruled out. Michigan State's starting quarterback, running back and left tackle are also listed as questionable.

On top of the injuries, the Spartans still have plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball. According to Big Ten statistics, Michigan State ranks last in the conference in points per game (21.3) and total yards per game (290.3).

Defensively, the Spartans allow the sixth-most total yards per game (332.7) and the fourth-most rushing yards per game (140.7). Those numbers could be particularly concerning against a UCLA team that boasts the Big Ten's fifth-best rushing offense.

UCLA enters its seventh game of the season without a blemish on its resume. The Bruins are a perfect 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play, making them the top team in the Big Ten standings. However, they sit third among Big Ten teams in the AP Poll, behind No. 3 Ohio State and No. 6 Indiana.

Points were not hard to come by for UCLA during its first four games, as the Bruins averaged 47.25 points per contest. However, as the competition has intensified, UCLA has found ways to win with its defense.

The Bruins have won their last two games by a combined score of just 34-22. Two weeks ago, UCLA upset Oregon, 17-15, before taking down Wisconsin, 17-7, last week. That same Wisconsin team defeated Michigan State 31-3 earlier this season.

Overall, UCLA averages 35.5 points per game, ranking sixth in the Big Ten. The Bruins lean heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 169.5 yards per game, which ranks fifth in the conference.

Passing has been a different story. UCLA ranks last in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (158.2), and after starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava went down with an injury, there were questions about how the Bruins would hold up.

However, backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has performed well since stepping in, helping lead UCLA to its victory over Wisconsin last week.

These two teams are fighting for different things, but pride sits atop both agendas.

UCLA embarrassed Michigan State during the Spartans' homecoming game last season, and the opportunity for revenge will be fresh on Michigan State's mind. The Spartans have dropped five straight games, but their recent performances have shown a team that continues to fight despite its struggles and mounting injuries.

Meanwhile, UCLA is looking to remain undefeated, continue climbing the rankings and strengthen its position in the College Football Playoff race.

The Bruins have found ways to win even as their offense has cooled off, while Michigan State will need to overcome significant personnel losses to compete on the road.

For UCLA, the goal is to keep its perfect season alive. For Michigan State, it is an opportunity to turn its recent progress into a much-needed victory.

It all starts Saturday at the Rose Bowl.