UCLA secured a decisive 28-10 win against San Diego State at the Rose Bowl with a robust defensive performance and a standout game by running back Wayne Knight.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 14 of 22 passes for 151 yards, throwing an interception as UCLA rallied in the fourth quarter to score 21 points, improving their record to 2-0 for the season.
Knight ran for 97 yards, while Semaj Morgan, a senior wide receiver, caught six passes for 73 yards, contributing significantly after a scoreless first half.
During the first half, UCLA reached the red zone only once, ending in an interception near the goal line. Coach Bob Chesney likely wished to forget the initial 30 minutes of his debut at the Rose Bowl. However, the Bruins’ performance in the second half turned the tide.
In the second half, UCLA scored all their points, maintaining an unbeaten streak this season. Iamaleava faced challenges, resulting in 151 yards with one interception and no passing touchdowns in his first two games.
The quarterback’s critical mistake came early in the second quarter when a pass intended for tight end Harry Lodge was intercepted by San Diego State’s Mike Lindsay.
With leading receivers Mikey Matthews and Landon Ellis absent, Morgan emerged as a key player by catching six passes for 73 yards and setting up UCLA’s first touchdown through a 25-yard punt return.
The Bruins’ rushing game delivered again, accumulating 214 yards and four touchdowns. Knight led the ground offensive, scoring three touchdowns for the second consecutive game with 97 rushing yards on 13 carries.
Though the offense struggled initially, UCLA’s defense dominated from the beginning, restricting Aztecs quarterback Jayden Denegal to just 45 yards on six-of-17 passing.
Linebacker Jalen Woods contributed by intercepting Denegal in the fourth quarter, leading to UCLA’s third touchdown. The Bruins maintained a strong pass rush, recording two sacks following their previous performance against Cal.
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