MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Pasadena) – The UCLA Bruins got their first win of the season Saturday afternoon, stunning the Penn State Nittany Lions 42-37 in front of 39,256 at the Rose Bowl.

The Bruins came into the contest with a record of 0-4 while Penn State was 3-1 and ranked number 7. This is the first time in 40 years that a team with record of 0-4 or worse has beaten a team that was ranked in the Top Ten. (The last team to accomplish this was the UTEP Miners, who, in 1985, with a record of 0-6, defeated the then ranked #7 BYU Cougars 23-16.)

The Bruins offense accounted for 435 yards of total offense. This was a great debut for acting offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel, who took over the play calling after the departure of former OC Tino Sunseri.

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava had a stellar afternoon accounting for five touchdowns. He had 166 yards and two touchdowns passing while rushing for 128 yards and three scores. Additionally, he threw the pass that converted the 2-point attempt.

The Bruins led 27-7 at halftime but Penn State battled back to cut it to 27-21 in the third quarter and still trailed 42-35 with 4:11 left in regulation.

Penn State had a final opportunity to tie the game but the Nittany Lions turned the ball over on downs. UCLA failed to move the ball and chose to take the safety instead of punting from their own end zone making the score 42-37 with 23 seconds left. Penn State’s last two attempts fell incomplete, sealing the
victory for the Bruins and the celebration in Pasadena ensued.

UCLA won the coin toss and elected to receive. This proved to be the correct decision for the Bruins, as they were able to put together a 10 play, 75-yard drive, cumulating in an 11-yard scoring pass from Iamaleava to Kwazi Gilmer. The PAT was added by Mateen Bhaghani, making the score 7-0, with 10:26 remaining in the opening period.

The Bruins then attempted a bit of trickery, attempting an onside kick. The kick was recovered by Kanye Clark, giving UCLA the ball on the Penn State 46- yard line. This drive ended in a 24-yard Bhaghani field goal, making the score 10-0 with 7:20 remaining in the first quarter.

Penn State got on the board on their next possession, when Kaytron Allen scored on a 13-yard touchdown run. The extra point was added by Ryan Barker, making the score 10-7 after one quarter of play.

The Bruins extended their lead in the second quarter, when Iameleava connected with tight end Titus Modiao-Atimalala for a 6-yard score to make it 17-7, with 8:35 left in the opening half.

After a Penn State three-and out, UCLA continued their aggressive play, driving the ball 68 yards for their third score of the afternoon…a 3-yard touchdown blast by Iameleava and suddenly the Bruins were up 24-7, with 4:47 remaining before halftime.

Another unsuccessful Nittany Lions drive gave the Bruins the ball near mid field with 30 secionds remaining. UCLA moved the ball into position for a Bhaghani field goal attempt and he delivered from 54 yards out. UCLA took the 20-point lead into the half.

Penn State got the ball to open the second half. The Nittany Lions began their first drive of the second half from their own 25-yard line. After a Penn State fumble that was recovered by cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, UCLA began its first drive of the half from the Nittany Lions’ 38-yard line. The Bruin drive stalled, and Bhaghani missed a 56-yard field goal.

This gave Penn State the ball on their own 38. This time the Nittany Lions were able to convert, when Drew Allar connected with Khalil Dinkins for a 40-yard score. to. Barker again hit the kick making the score 27-14, with 11:28 left in the period.

Then Penn State got new life. The Bruins next drive stalled, and they were forced to punt. The punt was blocked and returned by Dani Dennis-Sutton for a 6-yard score making the score 27-21 with 7:19 remaining in the stanza.

The Bruins answered the Penn State onslaught, when Iamaleava scored his second rushing TD of the afternoon on a 1-yard rush and the lead was back to 34-21, with 2:55 remaining in the third quarter.

Penn State cut it to six early in the final period, when Allen added his second score of the afternoon on a 2-yard rush to make it 34-28 with 14:26 left in the game.

UCLA increased its lead when Iamaleava scored his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon on a 7-yard scramble. Iamaleava hit Gilmer on a quick pass on the two-point conversion and the Bruins were up 42-28 with 6:41 left.

The Nittany Lions weren’t done yet and again closed the gap when Allar hit Kyron Hudson
for a 15-yard score. Barker’s boot sliced it to 42-35 with 4:11 left but the Bruins were able to hold on for the five-point win.

Next week, the Bruins will take a road trip to East Lansing, MI, where they will face the Michigan State Spartans. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 AM PST.