PASADENA — It wasn’t pretty, but UCLA churned out its second consecutive win to begin the season after downing San Diego State 28-10 on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
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The Bruins are 2-0 to begin the year for the first time since 2023.
After rushing for three touchdowns in the season-opening win over Cal, Wayne Knight did it again, running for 97 yards and three scores as the Bruins dominated on the ground.
A week after linebacker Sammy Omosigho stole the limelight, Jalen Woods left his mark in the win by accumulating nine tackles, one interception, and one sack. Omosigho had five tackles, including two TFLs.
Woods and Omosigho are emerging as one of the best linebacker duos in the Big Ten.
Coming into the game, the Bruins knew that San Diego State would try to set the tone early with their physical run game.
The Aztecs went to running back Lucky Sutton early and often, but UCLA’s defense showed up well prepared and forced SDSU into uncomfortable passing situations.
SDSU quarterback Jayden Denegal completed 4 of 8 passes for 23 yards in the first half as the Bruins’ defense kept the senior on his toes for most of the afternoon.
Denegal completed 6 of 17 passes for 45 yards with a touchdown and interception.
Looking to strike first, Iamaleava made an ill-advised decision from the Aztecs’ 2-yard line, tossing a cross-body interception to give SDSU some life.
Mikey Matthews suffered an apparent leg injury while returning a punt in the second quarter for UCLA. He was helped off the field and did not return.
Despite owning the edge in time of possession and out-gaining SDSU by 69 yards, the Bruins went into halftime deadlocked in a scoreless tie with the Aztecs.
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Replacing Matthews as the punt returner, Semaj Morgan set up UCLA around midfield after the Bruins’ defense held SDSU to a three-and-out to begin the second half.
After a 25-yard run by Iamaleava, the Bruins pushed back into the red zone. Two plays later, Knight bulldozed through an SDSU defender, leading to an 8-yard touchdown run for the game’s first score.
The Bruins’ defense opened the second half by forcing back-to-back three-and-outs, setting the tone for a dominant third quarter. SDSU managed just 26 yards in the period as its offense struggled to gain any traction.
The Aztecs got on the board with a 46-yard field goal less than a minute into the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to four points.
On the ensuing possession, Morgan racked up 51 of his 73 receiving yards as he energized the Bruins’ drive. Iamaleava hit Morgan for a 31-yard reception and then again for a 20-yard completion to set up UCLA back inside the red zone.
Knight found the end zone for the second time on a 7-yard carry to make it 14-3 with 7:17 remaining.
Jaivian Thomas scored his first touchdown of the season on a 1-yard run, putting the Bruins comfortably ahead late in the fourth quarter.
The Aztecs didn’t go away and put together a quick scoring drive to make it 21-10 when Denegal connected with Jackson Ford for a 19-yard touchdown strike.
Knight put the game away with his final score on a 36-yard run with 2:18 left.
UCLA kicks off Big Ten play next Saturday with Purdue coming to the Rose Bowl for an 8 p.m. kickoff.
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More to come on this story.