UCLA's Defense Shines in 20-17 Win, Iowa's Momentum's Halted

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (4-5, 3-4 Big Ten Conference), after a disappointing 1-5 start to their season, are trending upward after a 20-17 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3) in Pasadena, Calif. on Nov. 8.

First Quarter Mirage

The Bruins’ defense was the star of this game, holding Iowa to 265 yards of total offense and, more importantly, star running back Kaleb Johnson to only 49 rushing yards. However, that wasn’t the way things started on offense for the Bruins. After an early Ethan Garbers interception, the Hawkeyes went down the field thanks to a 32-yard completion from Brendan Sullivan to Jacob Gill and then a Keldon Johnson 2-yard rushing touchdown gave the Hawkeyes an early 7-0 lead. 

Another Garbers interception on the following UCLA drive would lead to a 10-0 lead and it appeared a third straight blowout could be on hand for the Hawkeyes in Pasadena. That was where the fun would end for Iowa fans. 

Fifth-String In, Sullivan Out

After two weeks straight of high-scoring offense, many thought Iowa had found their quarterback in Brendan Sullivan, some head-scratching decisions that featured a pair of interceptions led to Hawkeye fans feeling weary about Sullivan throughout, and then Sullivan had to be taken out of the game due to injuries.

In would come in the fifth-string quarterback Jackson Stratton who was previously a scout-team linebacker recently in practice to enter the game midway through the third quarter. 

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

UCLA Pulls One Out

Instead of doubling down on going to the air like some teams might do down two scores, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy decided to let running back TJ Harden put on a showcase against an Iowa defense that had been doing well against the run heading into the game holding teams to just an average of 106 yards per game. Harden and the Bruins’ offense would double that number putting up 211 rushing yards by the time the game commenced. Former UCLA running back and now head coach DeShaun Foster, of course, had to be proud of his running game tonight, and UCLA fans have to be proud of how their team has played recently. Foster, who garnered criticism for his puzzling press conference at Big Ten media day has his Bruins playing some great ball. 

For UCLA, they will enjoy this win, and then it’s onto next Friday (Nov. 15) against the Washington Huskies (5-4, 3-3) on the road for a clash with their old Pac-12 Conference rivals. As for Iowa, they have a bye next week and then prepare to take on the Maryland Terrapins (4-4, 1-4) at College Park, Md on Nov. 23.