UCLA’s quest to scratch and claw its way to a bowl berth after a slow start to the season continues.
In front of a Rose Bowl crowd split 60-40 between UCLA blue and Iowa black during homecoming, the Bruins left the Hawkeyes black and blue thanks to a potent run game and strong defensive effort.
UCLA (4-5 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) extended its three-game win streak against conference opponents, defeating Iowa 20-17 in Pasadena.
With 4:59 left in the game, Mateen Bhaghani’s 27-yard field goal gave the Bruins a lead they did not surrender.
UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, right, and running back T.J. Harden celebrate after the team’s win over Iowa Friday at the Rose Bowl.
(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
The Bruins’ defense sealed the victory with a crucial third-down stop, forcing Iowa quarterback Jackson Stratton to toss an incomplete pass under pressure with 4:04 remaining. Iowa (6-4, 4-3) punted and UCLA’s offense picked up two first downs before running out the clock.
Once again plagued by penalties, UCLA allowed Iowa to stay in the game.
Iowa’s Drew Stevens hit a 57-yard field goal late in the third quarter, but UCLA’s Bryan Addison was called for a penalty for stepping on a Hawkeyes player while trying to block the kick. The play would have left the Bruins with a four-point lead, but Iowa accepted the penalty and continued its march to the end zone.
Iowa starting quarterback Brendan Sullivan took repeated hits and was replaced in the lineup during the Hawkeyes drive that extended into the fourth quarter.
Stratton, the fifth-string quarterback who was on the scout team last week but was promoted because of injuries, hit passes to convert twice on third down and Kamari Moulton ran for a one-yard touchdown that tied the score with 11:27 left in the fourth quarter.
Already one of the most penalized teams in the nation, UCLA exceeded its season averages for penalties (eight) and penalty yardage (70.1 yards per game), finishing with nine penalties for 84 yards.
UCLA’s defense and ground game, however, helped mask a series of errors throughout the game.
At halftime, UCLA held a seven-point lead despite three turnovers and numerous penalties.
Ethan Garbers committed two interceptions to start the game — one on a third down while scrambling from the Hawkeyes pass rush and the other with defenders in his face near the goal line.
Later, he fumbled in the red zone.
UCLA running back Keegan Jones runs past Iowa defensive back Jermari Harris at the Rose Bowl Friday.
(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
Trailing 10-0, UCLA turned things around in the second quarter, outscoring Iowa 17-0.
Garbers finished 21-of-34 passing for 204 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Iowa entered the game with the Big Ten’s top rushing offense, while UCLA ranked last in the conference. But the roles reversed Friday night, as UCLA thrived by feeding its running back trio of T.J. Harden, Jalen Berger and Keegan Jones.
UCLA receiver Kwazi Gilmer breaks a tackle by Iowa defensive back Deshaun Lee at the Rose Bowl Friday.
(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
While all eyes were on Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, the nation’s second-leading rusher and a midseason All-American, UCLA’s answer came from its backfield.
The trio stole the show, with Harden rushing for 125 yards in 20 carries, Jones contributing 38 and Berger adding 30 yards.
Overall, UCLA ran the ball more effectively than Iowa, finishing with 211 rushing yards.
The Bruins’ defense, ranked No. 11 in the nation, shut down Johnson. UCLA limited him to just 49 yards in 18 attempts — well below his 142.1 yards per game average.
UCLA’s defense kept pressure on Iowa throughout the game, with Carson Schwesinger grabbing two interceptions and Kain Medrano ripping the ball away to force another turnover.
Johnson scored on a two-yard run in the first quarter, giving him the Iowa single-season touchdown record.
