Bruins Secure 45-24 Victory
UCLA Defeats California 45-24 Behind Strong Rushing Attack and Late Defensive Interceptions
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Key Points
1
UCLA’s rushing attack totaled 279 yards and six touchdowns. Wayne Knight finished with 71 yards on eight carries in his debut, while Anthony Woods had 118 yards on eight carries.
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Ta’Shawn James, a transfer from Iowa State and one of UCLA’s 63 newcomers, was the defensive catalyst, forcing two fourth-quarter turnovers that helped produce 14 points.
3
Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele completed 24 of 41 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns, scoring on drives that ended with passes to Chase Hendricks and Mason Mini.
4
UCLA scored the game’s final 21 points after the teams were tied in the fourth quarter, with Knight’s two late touchdown runs and Woods’ 53-yard score turning the game decisively in the Bruins’ favor.
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UCLA’s offense showed early explosiveness, producing seven plays of at least 20 yards in the first half, matching the program’s season high from an earlier game.
UCLA dominated California 45-24 in Berkeley on Saturday, with running backs Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods combining for 189 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The victory marked the debut of new Bruins coach Bob Chesney, who watched his team score the game's final 21 points after trailing 24-24 in the fourth quarter 247sports. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava left late in the fourth quarter with a leg injury after a scramble and tackle, though coach Chesney said the calf was cleated and cramped rather than seriously injured 247sports.
UCLA's Rushing Attack Overwhelms Cal Defense
The Bruins' ground game was unstoppable, totaling 279 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Wayne Knight scored three times in his debut, recording 71 yards on eight carries. Anthony Woods added 118 yards on eight carries with two scores, including a 53-yard touchdown run lasportsreport. UCLA's offense produced seven plays of at least 20 yards in the first half alone, matching the program's season high from earlier this year.
Defensive Turnovers Seal UCLA's Fourth-Quarter Surge
Linebacker Ta'Shawn James, a transfer from Iowa State, forced two interceptions in the fourth quarter that helped UCLA produce 14 crucial points. James was one of 63 newcomers on the Bruins' roster this season and became the defensive catalyst in Chesney's debut 247sports. Knight's two late touchdown runs and Woods' explosive 53-yard score gave UCLA an insurmountable lead after the game was tied at 24-24.
Cal's Offense Keeps Pace Early Before Fading
California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele completed 24 of 41 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Chase Hendricks and Mason Mini for scores early in the game lasportsreport. Cal kept pace with UCLA through the third quarter, but couldn't match the Bruins' offensive explosion once the fourth quarter began. The Golden Bears' inability to generate stops on defense proved costly as UCLA's ground attack took over late.
Iamaleava Injury Creates Question Mark for Next Game
Iamaleava finished 14 of 22 for 184 yards and a touchdown before his exit. The UCLA quarterback scrambled late in the fourth quarter, fumbled, and was tackled in a play that left him with a painful leg injury 247sports. Chesney indicated the calf injury should not sideline Iamaleava long, saying the quarterback should be available for UCLA's next matchup against San Diego State. Iamaleava's younger brother Madden briefly replaced him.
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