Bob Chesney’s UCLA Bruins are a battle-tested group. UCLA defeated a strong Wisconsin team 17-7 on Saturday to move to 6-0 on the season. Chesney’s team leaned on his defense, who held the Badgers to just the one score.

So far this season, UCLA has battled for victories against Cal, Purdue, Oregon and Wisconsin while having a bit more breathing room against San Diego State and blowing out Maryland. These close games gives the Bruins confidence to come out on top in close games, which will be needed against Michigan, USC and potentially into the postseason.

Chesney took the podium following another gritty win, continuing a truly remarkable start to his tenure with the Bruins.

“Just a battle. These guys came to play, obviously Wisconsin, hats off to them, their coaches and their ability to tame our run game,” Chesney said. “The physicality that this game was played with, by both parties. You’re watching them downhill, you’re watching us downhill.”

It was a strong showing from both team’s defenses. UCLA held Wisconsin to just 66 passing yards while the Bruins had a season-low 120 rushing yards. There were two turnovers, both being UCLA interceptions, but aside from the trick play pick by Semaj Morgan, it was a clean game for the UCLA offense.

“I love what our defense did today. We had opportunities to come up with an interception or two and we came up a little short but to hold them to 66 passing yards is a pretty big deal,” Chesney said. “I thought overall we did a good job. We were physical inside but the pass game is what I was impressed with.”

Penalties were prevalent yet again, which has been a theme for UCLA this season, with the Bruins having eight flags for 78 yards (could have been more) while Wisconsin was called for 10 flags for 108 yards. New starter Ty Dieffenbach had a fine showing too, going 22-33 through the air while showing true arm talent and the moxy to make big throws.

“What a job to stand in there and have the confidence to do what he did. The third down throws that he was able to make, and see the game as clean as can be, and get us in the right call and the right protections,” Chesney said of Dieffenbach. “It was a really reassuring day for us with him.”