This game was very similar to the first game of the year: high scoring, an insane rushing attack, opportunistic defense and timely turnovers/mistakes by the opponent allow the Bruins to gain the edge late to secure the victory. The statistics for the Bruins offense are similar to what you would see in a video game. They had 645 yards of total offense, 11-14 on third down, 7.7 yards per carry, and 52 total points. And last night, they needed every bit of that output because Purdue had an incredible offensive night as well. Ryan Browne is definitely the best QB they have faced so far this year. He really impressed me. The guy makes super quick decisions, throws people open and reads defenses well. I am sure that Chesney & Co. are not happy about letting up 38 points (and if it weren’t for an illegal man downfield penalty and an interception it could have been 50+) but Browne & Townsend were balling. That was a different level of offense from Cal & SDSU.
The Offensive Line
Any time a team scores 50+ points and gains 600+ yards in a game the headlines are going to be about the players that scored the touchdowns, but anyone who knows football knows that this doesn’t happen without a great performance from the line. Here are a few moments that highlight how good the blocking was last night:
- Brayden Loftin lead block for Nico - I loved this play. UCLA does such a great job with misdirection, Nico fakes a handoff to Wayne Knight (the defense has to respect that) and keeps the ball to run off tackle on the right side. Loftin, a pulling TE, comes around the corner and levels the defender to spring Nico down field for a 30 yard gain untouched. It is usually very difficult for offensive players to win the prized Chesney hammer award, given to the player who had biggest hit during the game (only the toughest and meanest offensive players have ever gotten this award. Go back through the history of Chesney Hammer award recipients, any offensive guy who gets that award is a bad dude), but let me be the first to submit my support for Loftin’s candidacy for the award. This block deserves it.
- Knight’s first touchdown run - Knight runs into the endzone untouched and the combo blocks on the left side are a thing of beauty. Watch all the way through to the replay from the tight shot. The blocking is so good that the pulling guard has no one to block
- Anthony Woods’ touchdown to put UCLA back on top - My guy Eugene Brooks pulls with Loftin to open up a running lane so big that you could drive a truck through to score a TD and stifle the Purdue momentum to start the second half
Nico Iamaleava & Wayne Knight
Nico had what was clearly his best game of the year so far. He took a couple tough hits/cuts during the game but he consistently stood in the pocket and delivered some beautiful passes. 19-31 for 276 yards and 3 TDs no INTs and 55 yards on the ground is a monster night.
Wayne Knight continues to have a dream season, adding 177 yards on the ground with 9.8 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns. The spin move on his big run in the fourth quarter to set up a touchdown is one of the best spin moves I have ever seen. I think that guy is still laying on the ground. Shout out to the ref for the assist with the mean pick!
The Defense
As I said earlier, this wasn’t the best night for the defense as Browne/Townsend were on fire. Sammy Omosigho continues to make a big impact on the game. 12 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles could easily be attributed to the small difference in this game. If he is playing for Purdue last night, do the Boilermakers win the game? Something to think about.
Taking a step back
A couple facts to close out that demonstrate how much Chesney and the staff have turned the team around in one year:
- This win matches the season total from last year (3)
- First 50+ point performance for UCLA since 2022
- Knight’s start to the season is putting him in the conversation with the best UCLA backs in the past 25 years such as Maurice Jones-Drew & DeShaun Foster
- Attendance still sits around 30K, what are you people in California doing? Going to the beach? Get your butts to the Rose Bowl and watch this team, the beach will be there when football season is over.
