The UCLA Bruins grinded out a 20-17 win over Maryland at the Rose Bowl, their third straight victory since the coaching change. It wasn’t pretty, but it showed how far this team’s discipline and balance have come under Tim Skipper.
Early on, neither offense could move the ball. UCLA opened with a three-and-out and a punt pinned inside the 10. Maryland quarterback Malik Washington gave the Bruins flashes of déjà vu from facing Arizona’s Devon Dampier earlier this year, using his legs to keep drives alive. But UCLA’s defense held firm. Linebacker JonJon Vaughns and Isaiah Chisom helped stop an early drive, forcing a field goal. Vaughns and Chisom have been crucial parts of the defense this season, with both in the top percentile in the nation for tackles.
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UCLA Bruins Survive Maryland 20-17
Is it a great day to be alive and to be a Bruin?
The breakthrough came on a second-quarter burst from Anthony Frias II, who broke through the right side for a 55-yard touchdown run, the Bruins’ longest play of the season. He finished with 97 yards on just four carries and a touchdown, averaging 24 yards a pop. That’s one of if not the best performances from a back this season. That gave UCLA a 7-3 halftime lead despite uneven play from quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Nico looked much more like the first half of the season with many questionable decisions and overthrows.
The second half turned messy. Iamaleava threw another interception, an eight-yard pick-six, and lost a fumble as Maryland flipped the lead. UCLA’s offensive line had no answers for the Terps’ pass rush, and Maryland’s defense, which leads the country in interceptions, made the young quarterback pay for forcing throws.
But when they needed a response, Iamaleava delivered. A series of quick passes and motion sets led to a 14-yard touchdown to Mikey Matthews, capping a penalty-filled drive that swung momentum back. Iamaleava finished 21-of-35 for 221 yards, one touchdown, and two picks.
Defensively, they tightened up down the stretch. The secondary, led by Rodrick Pleasant and Key Lawrence, looked sharper than in recent weeks. The group totaled 14 pass breakups and limited Maryland to 337 total yards. Vaughns added six tackles, and Chisom forced a key fumble that set the tone early.
The Bruins finished with 414 total yards and held the ball for 33 minutes, showing a clear edge in control despite the turnovers. It wasn’t efficient, but it was another step forward for a team rebuilding its confidence. UCLA is now 3-1 in BIG10 play and if they keep it up next week vs Indiana could have a shot at a Bowl game.