UCLA Stays Perfect in Rain
Ty Dieffenbach overcame a shoulder injury to lead the No. 4 Bruins past Illinois, 22-14.
By Grace Almasi ·
No. 4 UCLA extended its undefeated season to a perfect 10-0 record with a 22-14 victory over Illinois on Friday night in Pasadena. The Bruins became only the third team in program history to start a campaign with ten straight wins. The game featured heavy rain and a physical battle that saw the visiting team limited to 240 total yards.
Ty Dieffenbach, a senior transfer from Cal Poly, threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns despite suffering a left shoulder injury. He left the game with 35 seconds remaining in the first half after a hard fall following a hit by Illinois defensive lineman Carter Janki. Third-string quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the game and played the next three series while Dieffenbach stayed in the locker room.
Dieffenbach returned with 55 seconds left in the third quarter. On his first play back, he launched a 26-yard touchdown pass to Semaje Morgan, capping a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive. The senior completed 13 of 20 passes in the win, improving his record to 5-0 as the Bruins' starter. He took over the position after Nico Iamaleava sustained a season-ending knee injury on Oct. 10.
Aiden Mizell was the primary offensive threat for UCLA, recording six catches for 176 yards and a touchdown. His 54-yard score on the fifth play of the game was his third consecutive reception that resulted in a touchdown. Scooter Jackson secured a key interception with 2:50 left in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Bruins recorded 31 takeaways for the season, the highest total in the nation.
The Illini, who fell to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Big Ten, saw their four-game winning streak end. Katin Houser completed 16 of 34 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns while throwing three interceptions. He was replaced by backup Carson Boyd during the final drive after sustaining an injury. Illinois will host Iowa next Saturday, while UCLA travels to Michigan for its next contest.
UCLA's defense held Illinois to 240 yards and generated three interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one safety. The Bruins have held seven consecutive opponents to 20 points or fewer. The win keeps UCLA in strong contention for a College Football Playoff berth as it moves toward a matchup with Michigan.
