UCLA Football Overcomes Slow Start to Defeat Michigan State
The ninth-ranked Bruins scored 28 unanswered points to maintain their undefeated season.
UCLA rallied from an early deficit to secure a 28-10 victory over Michigan State on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, remaining undefeated on the season. After trailing in the first quarter, the Bruins scored 28 consecutive points to defeat the Spartans.
UCLA's defense proved pivotal in shifting the momentum. In the second quarter, defensive back Malik Hartford forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Sammy Omosigho, leading to a touchdown that tied the game. Later, linebacker Donavyn Pellot intercepted a pass and returned it 67 yards, setting up another touchdown that gave UCLA a lead it would not relinquish.
Offensively, running backs Anthony Woods and Wayne Knight each scored touchdowns. Woods rushed for 112 yards, while Knight added 56 yards on the ground. Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach also contributed a 63-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. Dieffenbach completed 18 of 31 passes for 198 yards and one touchdown, and returned to the game in the third quarter after a midgame injury scare.
The Bruins' defense limited Michigan State to 156 total yards. The Spartans struggled offensively, partly due to injuries that depleted their quarterback and running back depth. Michigan State's early touchdown was the only score they managed in the game.
With the win, UCLA improved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in Big Ten play, marking their best start since 2005. This victory also extended head coach Bob Chesney's regular-season winning streak to 18 games, a streak that began during his tenure at James Madison.
UCLA will host Nevada next weekend in a nonconference matchup at the Rose Bowl.