For nearly 30 minutes, UCLA football could not find the end zone. Then, the Bruins’ rushing attack took over.
After being held scoreless in the first half, UCLA erupted for 28 second-half points to defeat San Diego State 28-10 Saturday night in its home opener at the Rose Bowl.
The Bruins (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) relied on a dominant ground game and stifling defense to pull away from the Aztecs (1-1, 0-0 Pac-12), scoring four rushing touchdowns while holding San Diego State to less than 200 total yards.
Fifth year running back Wayne Knight rushed for 97 yards on 13 carries and scored three touchdowns for the second consecutive game, giving him six rushing scores through two contests. Senior quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 14 of 22 passes for 151 yards and added a key 25-yard run that helped set up UCLA’s first touchdown.
With senior wide receivers Mikey Matthews and Landon Ellis sidelined, senior wide receiver Semaj Morgan stepped up for the Bruins, hauling in six receptions for 73 yards and adding a 25-yard punt return that gave UCLA favorable field position in the third quarter.
Neither offense found much rhythm early. UCLA’s best scoring chance came in the second quarter when sophomore wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. broke free for a 45-yard reception that moved the Bruins deep into San Diego State territory. UCLA reached the Aztecs’ 2-yard line, but Iamaleava’s pass into the end zone was intercepted by cornerback Mike Lindsay, sending the game into halftime scoreless.
The Bruins finally broke through in the third quarter. Following Morgan’s punt return, Knight powered in an 8-yard touchdown run to give UCLA a 7-0 lead.
After San Diego State cut the deficit to 7-3 with a field goal, UCLA responded with a nine-play, 75-yard drive capped by another Knight touchdown.
The defense then delivered the game’s turning point when fifth year linebacker Jalen Woods intercepted San Diego State quarterback Jayden Denegal. Woods finished with nine tackles, one sack and the first interception of his career. Senior running back Jaivian Thomas later punched in a 1-yard touchdown to extend UCLA’s lead to 21-3.
San Diego State scored its lone touchdown on a 19-yard pass from Denegal to Jackson Ford, but Knight answered immediately, breaking free for a 36-yard touchdown run to seal the Bruins’ 28-10 victory.
UCLA has now outscored opponents 42-10 in the fourth quarter this season and will host Purdue next Saturday in its Big Ten opener at the Rose Bowl.
