The UCLA Bruins edged the Maryland Terrapins 20-17 in front of 35,561 fans at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night.
UCLA entered as five-point favorites over a Maryland team that led the FBS in interceptions coming into the game. Sitting at 3-1 in Big Ten play, the Bruins are tied for the second-best record behind Indiana and Ohio State — both upcoming road opponents. Interim head coach Tim Skipper kept his message simple and consistent.
“We talked strain, we talked grinding. Every single play matters, we preach that,” Skipper said. “But literally, tonight, every single play mattered. It took everybody. Frias is a hardworking dude. He was buried on the depth chart at the beginning of the year. He just kept working, never complained.”
On the plane to Michigan State last week, Skipper taped notes to each seat asking, “Are you one-hit wonders?” The challenge worked — interim offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel’s aggressive play-calling helped UCLA score 38 unanswered points in a 38-13 win over the Spartans after falling behind early.
“Our whole motivation this week was the standard is the standard — playing winning football, executing, and doing what we needed to do,” Skipper said. “Disciplined football goes hand in hand. We’ve identified our style of play; now we need to match it every single Saturday.”
A delay-of-game penalty wiped out a 55-yard field-goal attempt on UCLA’s second drive, forcing a punt. Maryland struck first with a 24-yard field goal from Sean O’Haire to cap a 17-play drive lasting more than eight minutes.
With under three minutes left in the first half, linebacker Isaiah Chisom forced a fumble recovered by JonJon Vaughns for the game’s first turnover. Running back Anthony Frias II broke loose soon after for a 55-yard touchdown run — one of four carries that totaled 97 yards.
“It means the world to me. I’m just so grateful for God blessing me,” Frias said. “I came here with my dad to watch the Rose Bowl 10 years ago. I’m just so happy all the work is coming to fruition.”
Both teams opened with three-and-outs. Maryland quarterback Malik Washington faced early pocket pressure, his first two passes deflected — one nearly intercepted by Rodrick Pleasant, who finished with three passes defended.
“We took this game with pride,” Pleasant said. “They throw the ball a lot. That was our motto this week: put it on us.”
After averaging 40 points over their previous two games, UCLA led 7-3 at halftime. During intermission it was announced that next week’s matchup at Indiana would host Big Noon Kickoff at 9 a.m.
“A month ago I wouldn’t have believed it,” Skipper said. “That is awesome. It means we’re doing something right.”
Maryland head coach Michael Locksley praised Skipper’s squad afterward.
“I give credit to Coach Skipper and his staff and his team,” Locksley said. “They fought for four quarters. They’re tough, playing together, and playing for each other.”
Late in the game, a targeting penalty on linebacker Trey Reddick led to his ejection. Four plays later, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava was intercepted by Jalen Huskey — who was also ejected for targeting. The Terrapins suddenly found themselves without two of their best defenders in a one-score contest.
“I’m not a victim,” Locksley said. “It’s my job to coach the football team, and I’m going to stick to that.”
Maryland went for it on 4th-and-2 with 5:16 left in the third quarter instead of kicking a field goal that would’ve cut the deficit to one. Washington’s pass was broken up by Andre Jordan Jr. Two plays later, Jamare Glasker’s pick-six gave Maryland its first lead.
Early in the fourth, UCLA’s Kwazi Gilmer was flagged for an illegal block in the back on a long Jalen Berger run — even though replays showed no contact. The call drew loud boos from the Rose Bowl crowd.
With 7:44 left, Mateen Bhaghani missed a 56-yard field goal wide left. But with four seconds remaining, he redeemed himself with a 23-yard game-winner.
“It was a very special moment,” Bhaghani said. “I’m super appreciative of our offense — Nico and Frias really put their hearts out to get me down there.”
UCLA (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) travels to Bloomington on Thursday ahead of its matchup with Indiana, set for a 9 a.m. kickoff on Saturday.
