Ty Dieffenbach threw two touchdown passes and overcame an injury to guide UCLA to a 22-14 victory over Illinois at the rain-soaked Rose Bowl on Friday night, snapping the Fighting Illini’s four-game winning streak. Despite missing nearly the entire third quarter after an injury, Dieffenbach finished with 232 passing yards, including six completions to Aidan Mizell for 176 yards. Their early connection was crucial, with a 54-yard touchdown catch by Mizell on just the second pass of the game setting the tone.
The weather forced both teams to favour their running games, but UCLA’s defence limited Illinois to 71 rushing yards, far below the Illini’s season average of 150 per game. With key Illinois running backs Ca’Lil Valentine and Javari Barnett out for the season, Jordan Anderson and Aidan Laughery carried most of the workload. Laughery finished with 49 yards on 16 carries.
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser struggled to find consistency in the wet conditions. He completed only three of seven passes in the first quarter and threw three interceptions overall. The turnovers hindered Illinois’ chances, including a critical interception by UCLA defensive back Scooter Jackson on a fourth-and-8 play late in the game that helped seal the Bruins’ win. Houser also suffered a safety when he was sacked in the end zone, adding two points to UCLA’s lead.
Despite the difficulties in the passing game, Houser connected with Kaden Feagin and Colin Dixon for touchdowns. Feagin caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Dixon added four receptions for 36 yards and a score. Feagin’s 18-yard touchdown reception gave Illinois a momentary lead, and Dixon’s touchdown helped close the gap in the second half.
UCLA’s third-string quarterback Madden Iamaleava stepped in during Dieffenbach’s absence and helped maintain the offensive rhythm, preventing Illinois from capitalising when Dieffenbach was sidelined.
The Bruins improved to 10-0 overall and 7-0 in conference play, keeping their unbeaten record intact as they approach the final stretch of the season. Illinois fell to 6-4 and 4-3 in the conference.
Illinois will return home next week to face No. 16 Iowa in their penultimate regular-season game.
According to Yahoo Sports.
