Ty Dieffenbach’s 54-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell came early and set the tone for UCLA’s 22-14 victory over Illinois at the Rose Bowl. The connection between Dieffenbach and Mizell proved difficult for the Illini defense to contain all night, despite persistent rain in Southern California.
Dieffenbach completed six passes to Mizell for 176 yards, including two touchdowns. Even after leaving the game for nearly the entire third quarter due to injury, Dieffenbach finished with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns. When he was sidelined, third-string quarterback Madden Iamaleava stepped in to maintain the Bruins’ offensive rhythm.
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser struggled throughout the game, completing just three of seven passes in the first quarter and throwing three interceptions overall. One of those interceptions came late in the game on a fourth-and-8 play, when Bruins defensive back Scooter Jackson intercepted a desperation pass, sealing the win for UCLA.
The Illini also suffered a safety late in the second quarter when Houser was sacked in the end zone, adding two points to UCLA’s lead. The Bruins’ defense limited Illinois to just 71 rushing yards, well below their season average of 150 yards per game, as injuries to key running backs Ca’Lil Valentine and Javari Barnett forced fifth-years Jordan Anderson and Aidan Laughery to carry the load.
Laughery managed 49 yards on 16 carries, while Kaden Feagin led Illinois receivers with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Feagin’s touchdown reception came early, helping Illinois get on the board. Houser also found Colin Dixon for a late touchdown, closing the gap to 19-14.
Despite the challenging weather and the Illini’s efforts, UCLA controlled the game. The Bruins’ defense maintained pressure, and their offense capitalised on Illinois’ mistakes. Illinois entered Friday’s game riding a four-game winning streak but was unable to extend it against the undefeated Bruins, who improved to 10-0 on the season.
Illinois will return home to face the No. 16-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in their penultimate game. Meanwhile, UCLA looks to continue its unbeaten run as it heads deeper into the season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
