News Summary
In a remarkable display of determination, UCLA defeated No. 7 Penn State 42-37 at the Rose Bowl, marking their first season victory and one of college football’s biggest upsets. Under interim coach Tim Skipper, quarterback Nico Iamaleava led the Bruins with five touchdowns, while the defense made crucial stops. Despite a late comeback attempt by Penn State, the Bruins held on for a historic win, signifying their first victory against a top-10 team since 2010.
Pasadena, California – In a stunning display of resilience and skill, UCLA pulled off a historic upset against No. 7 ranked Penn State, winning 42-37 at the Rose Bowl. This victory not only marked the Bruins’ first win of the season but is also recognized as one of the biggest upsets in college football this year, being only the fifth instance in history where a team with an 0-4 record or worse beat a top-10 ranked team.
The game was particularly significant for UCLA, as the Bruins had not led in any of their previous four games this season. They entered the match under the interim leadership of head coach Tim Skipper and offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel. Despite their losing streak, the Bruins demonstrated an extraordinary level of performance against a Penn State team that had recently come off a loss to No. 2 Oregon.
UCLA’s quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, was at the forefront of the Bruins’ offensive onslaught, accounting for all five of the team’s touchdowns. He completed two touchdown passes and added three rushing touchdowns, racking up a total of 166 passing yards and 128 rushing yards. The strong offensive performance by Iamaleava played a crucial role in UCLA’s ability to control the game.
Throughout the match, UCLA maintained possession for nearly 40 minutes and excelled in converting third downs, succeeding on 10 of 16 attempts. The Bruins made a decisive move early in the game with an onside kick recovery in the first quarter, gaining essential momentum as they quickly scored on each of their first five offensive drives.
Going into halftime, the Bruins had established a comfortable lead with a score of 27-7. However, in the second half, Penn State, directed by quarterback Drew Allar, made a notable comeback attempt, scoring 30 points. Ultimately, despite the late surge, Penn State could not close the gap and experienced their second loss of the season.
UCLA’s defense was also a significant factor in the win, highlighted by a crucial tackle for a loss in the final moments by Scooter Jackson, which helped secure the Bruins’ victory. This win signifies UCLA’s first victory against a top-10 opponent since 2010, underlining the importance of this achievement for the program.
As for Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin, the loss was disappointing. He noted issues such as missed assignments and critical turnovers that contributed to the team’s downfall and emphasized the need for greater cohesion among players moving forward.
In total, UCLA amassed an impressive 280 rushing yards, showcasing their dominance on the ground. Meanwhile, Penn State’s offense put forth a valiant effort but ultimately fell short in securing the win despite scoring two touchdowns in the final half.
This match will likely go down in history, not just for the scoreline but for the context surrounding it—UCLA’s resurgence in a pivotal moment of their season against a higher-ranked opponent. As the Bruins celebrate their significant victory, the focus now shifts to how they can build on this momentum in the coming weeks.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: UCLA Notches First Victory of Season, Stuns No. 7 Penn State
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins Football
- LA Times: UCLA Football vs. Penn State Recap
- Google Search: UCLA vs Penn State football 2025
- UCLA Bruins: Takes Down No. 7 Penn State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA Bruins Football
- SI: UCLA Joins Short List of 0-4 Teams to Beat Top-10 Foes
- Google News: UCLA Penn State football 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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