Pasadena, CA. — No. 7 UCLA continued its impressive season Saturday, combining a relentless defensive performance with timely offense to shut out Nevada 27-0 at the Rose Bowl. The victory pushed the Bruins to 8-0 for the first time since 2005.
Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach contributed both through the air and on the ground, throwing a touchdown pass and adding a rushing score. But UCLA’s defense set the tone early, intercepting Nevada quarterback Luke Duncan three times in the opening quarter before adding a fourth pick in the closing seconds.
The shutout was UCLA’s first at the Rose Bowl since a 16-0 victory over Oregon on Nov. 24, 2007.
The Bruins wasted little time creating problems for Nevada. On the Wolf Pack’s opening offensive play, cornerback Scooter Jackson intercepted Duncan, giving UCLA an opportunity to get on the scoreboard. Mateen Bhaghani converted the turnover into a 26-yard field goal and a 3-0 advantage.
Nevada’s next possession ended with another interception. Running back Anthony Woods secured the ball after a pass from Duncan was tipped into the air near the UCLA 16-yard line.
The Bruins struck again when defensive back Derrick Barksdale recorded the team’s third interception of the first quarter. Barksdale returned the pick 26 yards for a touchdown, extending UCLA’s lead to 10-0 and bringing Duncan’s afternoon to an early end.
Duncan, who transferred from UCLA after Bob Chesney was hired last December, struggled to find a rhythm. He completed just one of eight attempts for 36 yards.
UCLA’s defensive improvement has been one of the defining features of its season. The Bruins now have 16 interceptions, a dramatic increase from the single interception they had recorded at the same point last year, when the team ultimately finished with only three victories.
Dieffenbach helped UCLA increase its advantage just before halftime, keeping the ball himself for a four-yard touchdown run. The score sent the Bruins into the break with a commanding 17-0 lead. He completed 16 of 30 passes for 178 yards.
UCLA continued its offensive momentum after halftime. Dieffenbach connected with Wayne Knight on a 12-yard touchdown pass to make it 24-0. The scoring reception was Knight’s 14th touchdown of the season. He also led the Bruins’ rushing attack with 53 yards on 11 carries.
Nevada had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard early in the third quarter, but Joe McFadden’s 48-yard field goal attempt fell short, leaving the Wolf Pack without an answer.
Bhaghani added the final points in the fourth quarter, converting a 38-yard field goal after UCLA put together an eight-play, 28-yard possession. The kick extended the lead to 27-0.
Nevada also made a change at quarterback, turning to fifth-year player AJ Bianco after Duncan’s departure. Bianco finished 6 of 13 for 71 yards. True freshman Reeve Slone, the Wolf Pack’s fourth-string quarterback, saw action during the final minutes.
UCLA’s defense made sure Nevada never threatened to get back into the contest. Defensive back Ty Lee secured the Bruins’ fourth interception in the final seconds, putting the finishing touch on a dominant performance.
With the victory, UCLA remained unbeaten at 8-0, while Nevada fell to 3-5.
