The UCLA Bruins captured a significant win over Iowa in front of a home crowd, showing progress in both their running game and defensive resilience.
Head coach DeShaun Foster, quarterback Ethan Garbers, and several key players reflected on the victory, sharing insights into the team’s growth and mentality. Here are the standout quotes from the Bruins and Hawkeyes after the game.
UCLA Bruins Head Coach DeShaun Foster
On the overall team performance: “Played a good game, came out and executed. We wanted to really stop the run, and we did that. Offensively, we were able to run the ball… But that was a really good team we were playing against. It’s good that we were able to protect home field and get a victory. I just like how resilient my guys are.”
On the team’s recent turnaround: “After those losses, it was tough. But I really think our season turned around after Minnesota. Just the type of loss that was, that bothered them… I always knew we had the talent, and it was baby steps. This is just where we’re at right now.”
On the improved running game: “I just think we had a little bit of juice, and they were fired up for the challenge. We went up against the No. 2 rushing offense in the country. I think they took pride in wanting to outrush them, and we did that.”
On getting his first win at the Rose Bowl: “It feels good. I got the game ball… But I’m a Bruin, and it was bothering me when we were losing. I’m not somebody that takes that lightly, and I just continued to push and push, and these guys never fought against me.”
Also Read: Did The UCLA Bruins Officially Become A Big Ten Team After Win Over Iowa?
UCLA Bruins Quarterback Ethan Garbers
On breaking through at home: “We really haven’t had our best performances at home this season… Coach Foster is not a losing guy. Everything he’s done in his life, he’s won. He’s a sore loser and a great winner. I’m just happy we were able to get it done for him tonight.”
On Iowa’s defense: “They’re a great defense, very well coached. I didn’t start the game how I wanted, especially with the turnovers. Throughout the game, we just kept working… I can’t dwell on the past, just have to keep moving forward.”
On the team’s three-game win streak: “It feels great, honestly. It’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish… We know how to win. We got the taste in our mouth, and it was up to us to go out there and execute.”
On the mindset for the season’s final stretch: “My mindset hasn’t really changed throughout the whole year. I’m taking it one day at a time… I think the goal is to win out and become bowl-eligible, and I think that’s what we’re going to do.”
UCLA Bruins Linebacker Carson Schwesinger
On the defensive game plan: “I think that’s a shoutout to the whole defense and the coaching staff… We went into this week knowing it was going to be a challenge and we were ready for it.”
On the momentum of the three-game win streak: “Nobody wants the taste of losing in our mouth, so when we keep winning, we want to keep building on that momentum going forward.”
On Coach Foster’s growth as head coach: “I think it all goes back to his pillars. His last one is ‘enthusiasm,’ and for me personally, that’s what he’s brought. Day in and day out, we’re having fun and loving what we do.”
UCLA Bruins Running Back T.J. Harden
On UCLA’s best-rushing game of the season: “I think we did a great job of picking up blocks and we opened up our playbook… We put ourselves in the best position to make plays. It was also the result of weeks of experience and learning.”
On running against Iowa’s defense: “We saw a few things from their defense, and we had the opportunity to run the ball against them… We just have to stick to our standard. Like Coach Foster always says – discipline, respect, enthusiasm.”
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz
On Iowa’s performance: “Obviously, it was a disappointing outcome for us… Nothing really clicked for us, nothing really looked great. We’ll try and recoup through the bye week, but yes, it was just a disappointing night.”
On UCLA Bruins ability to control the run game: “They’re pretty active. I saw them blitz a lot, and it got us off rather than negative yardage plays, which we haven’t had many of… Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the same to them.”
Iowa Defensive End Deontae Craig
On missed opportunities to stop UCLA Bruins: “We had a lot of third downs when we couldn’t get off the field… They executed in the tough moments, and we couldn’t. We’ll get back to the drawing board.”
On struggling with UCLA’s playmakers: “UCLA was in the Pac-12 last year, so we know they should get spread out and move the ball down the field… You can’t arm tackle these guys in the Big Ten. They’re gonna run through that.”
This victory gave UCLA its first home win of the season and marked a crucial step in their Big Ten campaign. Coach Foster and the team emphasized resilience and growth, and as they continue to improve, they look ahead with hopes of carrying this momentum through the final stretch.