Tony White’s alma mater is coming to town.
That’d be UCLA, where White — Nebraska’s defensive coordinator — played four seasons at linebacker from 1997-2000. For three of those seasons, White was teammates with current Bruin head coach Deshaun Foster.
“Great running back,” White said of Foster, with whom he’s kept in touch over the years. “Even better dude."
So Saturday’s game between NU and UCLA will be a reunion of sorts for White. It’s a not a new thing for a well-traveled assistant coach who has faced the Bruins before.
“I did it at San Diego State, I did it at ASU,” White said of his time at SDSU and Arizona State. White said he roots for the Bruins “every day of the year” minus the week that’s on NU’s doorstep.
UCLA has generally struggled in its transition from a spread offense to what coach Matt Rhule calls a “sophisticated” NFL attack, coordinated by former Kansas City Chiefs play-caller Eric Bieniemy. UCLA ranks 125th nationally in yards per game (302.1) and 127th nationally in points per game (17.4).
White said he sees “elements” of the Chiefs’ offense in what Bieniemy runs, but it’s “tough,” in a single training camp, for a college team to adjust to the scheme, so the Bruins are “playing to their personnel” — good tight ends and running backs.
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers drew praise from White and Husker cornerback Ceyair Wright — who, as a member of USC’s team in 2023, faced the Bruins.
“He reads the defenses well,” Wright said of Garbers, who completed 18 of 31 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns against USC last year. “He gets his throws off quickly. We’ve got to be tight in our coverage.”
Said White: “He gets the ball out of his hands quick, he knows who’s open…as a quarterback, he is running the offense. He is truly running the offense — getting them into whatever plays they need to be in.”
The Bruins lean on their pass offense because they have the nation’s weakest run game. UCLA averages 64.57 yards per game and 2.54 yards per play.
Photos: Nebraska football at No. 4 Ohio State — Oct. 26
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs the ball during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska defenders celebrate after a missed field goal by Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Ohio State's Will Howard (18) winds up to throw the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to players during the first half of the game against Ohio State on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates after a good run and first down during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans watch nervously during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players huddle on the field during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate with Nebraska's John Hohl (90) after his field goal during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) winds up to throw the ball during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) yells during the game Saturday.
MEGAN NIELSEN, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Ben Scott (66) blocks Ohio State's Cody Simon (0) in the foreground during the first half of a college football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Ohio State's Tyleik Williams (91) during the first half of a college football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) hands his head after a play during the first half of a college football game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's John Hohl (90) practices his kick prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Kenny Van Kirk and Kellie Buschini, wife of Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13), watch as Nebraska warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Terry Miller, Maloni Miller and Mckayla Cholewinski watch as Nebraska warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Cholewinski traveled from Lincoln and her parents, the Millers, traveled from Cleveland for the game.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) warms up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players warm up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players warm up prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) runs a drill during warmups prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans walk on a pathway between fall-colored trees prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska staff greet fans as they arrive at Ohio Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives at Ohio Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans greet the Nebraska players as they arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players greet fans as they arrive at Ohio Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans line up to greet the Nebraska players as they arrive prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard looks for an open receiver against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate (left) runs after a catch as Nebraska defensive back DeShon Singleton pursues on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated press
Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, center, cuts up field between Nebraska linebacker John Bullock, left, and defensive back Isaac Gifford during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Ohio State defensive lineman Kenyatta Jackson celebrates making a tackle for a loss against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola scrambles away from Ohio State defenders during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Ohio State receiver receiver Carnell Tate (right) catches a touchdown pass over Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, right, celebrates his touchdown against Nebraska with teammate tight end Gee Scott during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day argues with a game official during the second half against Nebraska on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Ohio State defensive backs Denzel Burke, left, and Jordan Hancock celebrate their win against Nebraska during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Ohio State defensive lineman Caden Curry (left) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Ohio State defensive back Davison Igbinosun (left) stops Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell on fourth down at the goal line on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard throws a pass against Nebraska during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule directs his team against Ohio State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Nebraska's Jacory Barney (left) runs past Ohio State defensive backs Lorenzo Styles (center) and Denzel Burke during the second half Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell, right, stiff arms Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass against Ohio state during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Ohio State defensive back Denzel Burke, left, tackles Nebraska receiver Isaiah Neyor during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell, top, scores a touchdown against Ohio State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
Nebraska defensive lineman Jimari Butler (left) tackles Ohio State quarterback Will Howard on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Jay LaPrete, Associated Press
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day argues with a referee during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Jay LaPrete
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