Voltar
The UCLA Bruins have done it again. It was far from easy but UCLA picked up yet another victory, knocking off Minnesota 34-20 to move to 9-0 in Bob Chesney’s first season with the Bruins.
Minnesota didn’t go down easily, forcing a pair of turnovers to stick around in the game. Golden Gophers QB Drake Lindsey began the fourth quarter with a game-tying touchdown pass but from there, it was all UCLA.
UCLA’s offense sealed the win by running the same concept on back-to-back plays. On the first play of consecutive drives, the Bruins went deep to wide receiver Aidan Mizell and both times it resulted in 75-yard touchdowns. Mizell has been a terrific deep threat for the Bruins this year, adding a dimension to the offense.
Mizell had the two catches for 150 yards, finding the end zone on both occasions. The two bombs helped out Ty Dieffenbach’s numbers, who ended the game going 8-16 through the air with three picks and an interception. There were missed opportunities for the UCLA offense on Saturday but it didn’t ultimately cost them. Dieffenbach also added 27 yards on the ground on four carries
It was a solid showing for the UCLA defense but the team didn’t generate turnovers like they have for much of the season, getting just one interception in the game. The unit plays a physical brand of football and it’s been the team’s strongpoint this season.
Outside of the Mizell bombs, there weren’t many explosive plays for the UCLA offense. Noah Fox-Flores broke open for a big touchdown in the first half but outside of that it was Wayne Knight. Knight scored yet another touchdown and added 109 rushing yards. Defenses have keyed in on Knight, it just hasn’t mattered.
UCLA will now have a short week, hosting Illinois Friday night at home for a chance to move to 10-0. Chesney transformed a 3-9 UCLA program to a CFP-caliber team in one offseason and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. UCLA could have crumbled in the fourth quarter, instead they dominated.