UCLA’s pursuit
of bowl eligibility after a challenging start to the season continued on a
promising note as the Bruins defeated Iowa 20-17 at the Rose Bowl during
homecoming. In a stadium with a crowd split 60-40 between UCLA blue and Iowa
black, the Bruins showcased their resilience, relying on a potent running game
and an imposing defensive performance to outlast their Big Ten opponent.
Game Overview and Key Plays
The victory,
which extended UCLA’s win streak against Big Ten teams to four games, improved
their record to 4-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play. The game remained
tightly contested, with Mateen Bhaghani’s 27-yard field goal with 4:59 left in
the fourth quarter proving decisive. UCLA’s defense then made a crucial stand,
forcing Iowa’s fifth-string quarterback Jackson Stratton into an incomplete
pass under pressure on third down with 4:04 remaining. This stop led to an Iowa
punt, and UCLA’s offense managed to pick up two critical first downs to exhaust
the remaining time on the clock.
Penalty Issues
Despite the
win, UCLA’s performance was marred by penalties that allowed Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big
Ten) to stay in the game. The Bruins, one of the most penalized teams in the
nation, exceeded their average of 70.1 penalty yards per game by incurring nine
penalties for a total loss of 84 yards. This indiscipline was highlighted in a
pivotal moment when Iowa kicker Drew Stevens made a 57-yard field goal late in
the third quarter. Although Bryan Addison was flagged for stepping on a
Hawkeyes player while attempting to block the kick, which led Iowa to accept
the penalty and continue their drive, it set up Iowa’s momentum to score.
Turnovers and Resilience
Quarterback
Ethan Garbers had a rocky start, throwing two interceptions early — one while
scrambling under pressure and the other near the goal line with defenders
closing in. Later, he fumbled the ball in the red zone, further adding to the
team’s early woes. However, UCLA’s defense and Garbers’ subsequent recovery
helped shift the game’s momentum.
Trailing 10-0
in the second quarter, UCLA rallied, scoring 17 unanswered points. Bhaghani’s
57-yard field goal — the second-longest in school history — put UCLA on the
scoreboard and energized the team. Garbers followed up with two touchdown
passes: a short two-yard toss to Titus Mokiao-Atimalala that tied the game and
a 29-yard strike to Logan Loya that gave UCLA a 17-10 lead heading into
halftime. Garbers finished the night with 204 yards passing, completing 21 of
34 attempts with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Rushing Attack Takes Charge
UCLA’s trio of
running backs, T.J. Harden, Jalen Berger, and Keegan Jones, was pivotal in the
Bruins’ offensive strategy. Harden led with 125 yards, while Jones added 38
yards and Berger contributed 30, combining to give the Bruins a total of 213
rushing yards. This performance was notable considering Iowa entered the game
with the conference’s best rushing offense and UCLA ranked last in the Big Ten
for rushing. However, the roles reversed on this night, with UCLA’s ground game
outperforming Iowa’s.
Defensive Efforts
UCLA’s defense,
ranked No. 11 nationally, played a significant role in stifling Iowa’s star
running back Kaleb Johnson, who came into the game as the nation’s
second-leading rusher and a midseason All-American. The Bruins limited Johnson
to a mere 49 yards on 18 carries, far below his average of 142.1 yards per
game. Although Johnson managed to score a two-yard rushing touchdown that
secured his place in Iowa’s record books for single-season touchdowns, it was
not enough to lift the Hawkeyes.
Conclusion
UCLA’s ability
to rely on its defense and running game ultimately secured their hard-fought
victory despite penalties and turnovers. The win highlighted the Bruins’
resilience and determination to push toward a potential bowl berth. As UCLA’s
journey continues, their defense and emerging run game will remain pivotal in
their quest to turn the season around.
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