UPDATE: UCLA’s struggles continue as they suffered a heartbreaking 17-14 loss to Northwestern in their Big Ten Conference opener on September 30, 2023. This defeat leaves the Bruins searching for their first win of the season, now standing at 0-4 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten.
Despite a frantic late-game push, UCLA could not overcome persistent issues that have plagued them throughout the season. Under new interim coach Tim Skipper, the team exhibited signs of life but ultimately fell short, echoing the struggles experienced during the tenure of dismissed coach DeShaun Foster.
The Bruins found themselves in a crucial situation late in the game, trailing by three points. After a strong defensive stand, including a notable third-down sack by Gary Smith III, UCLA regained possession with just 1:29 remaining. However, a devastating sack of quarterback Nico Iamaleava by Anto Saka coupled with a false start penalty left the Bruins with only eight seconds on the clock and deep in their own territory.
Iamaleava, who showcased his talent throughout the match, completed 19 of 27 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for a team-high 65 yards on 14 carries. His resilience gave UCLA fans a glimpse of hope, especially after he connected with wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer for a 29-yard touchdown that narrowed Northwestern’s lead to 17-14 with just over six minutes left in the game.
Northwestern’s defense, however, effectively managed the clock, forcing UCLA to punt after a critical third-down pass was batted down by A.J. Fuimaono. The Wildcats, now 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten, capitalized on their early momentum, scoring on their first three possessions and establishing a daunting 17-0 lead.
The Bruins’ inability to stop the run was evident, yielding an alarming 7.5 yards per carry. Backup running backs tore through UCLA’s defense, with Caleb Komolafe scoring a touchdown with minimal resistance, further highlighting the team’s defensive woes.
In a disappointing turn of events, UCLA suffered another setback early in the second half when edge rusher Kechaun Bennett was ejected for targeting, compounding the team’s struggles on defense. The Bruins managed to block a 20-yard field goal attempt by Northwestern, showcasing a glimmer of defensive prowess, but inconsistency marred their overall performance.
UCLA’s highlights were few and far between, with a notable sack by edge rusher Anthony Jones and a creative play by Jaivian Thomas, who ran for a first down on a direct snap during a punting situation. The half ended on a positive note with a 28-yard field goal by Mateen Bhaghani, providing a sliver of hope as they finally got on the board.
As the season progresses, the Bruins find themselves on the brink of a winless season, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. The upcoming matchups will be critical for UCLA to regain momentum and avoid a historic low. Expectations remain high as they seek to turn around their fortunes under new leadership.
UCLA’s next challenge awaits, and the pressure mounts as they strive for their first victory. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can find its footing in the coming weeks.
