In a stunning turn of events at the Rose Bowl on Friday night, the UCLA Bruins defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes with a commanding 216 rushing yards to Iowa’s mere 80, securing a decisive victory.
Entering the game, Iowa boasted the Big Ten’s top rushing offense, averaging 222.4 yards per game, while UCLA ranked last with an average of 73.9 rushing yards per game. However, the Bruins defied expectations, showcasing a revitalized ground attack that overwhelmed the Hawkeyes’ defense.
UCLA Bruins Show Dominance In The Trenches
UCLA’s offensive line played a pivotal role, creating substantial running lanes that allowed the Bruins’ running backs to exploit Iowa’s typically stout defensive front. This unexpected dominance in the trenches enabled UCLA to control the game’s tempo and maintain possession, keeping Iowa’s offense off the field.
On the defensive side, the Bruins effectively neutralized Iowa’s star running back, Kaleb Johnson, who entered the game averaging 142.1 rushing yards per game. UCLA’s defense held Johnson to a season-low performance, limiting his impact and forcing the Hawkeyes to rely on their passing game, which struggled to find a rhythm against a relentless Bruins pass rush.
This victory marks a significant milestone for UCLA, demonstrating their potential to compete against top-tier conference opponents. It also demonstrates they have the physicality to compete in the BIG Ten.
For Iowa, the loss serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need to address vulnerabilities exposed by the Bruins’ unexpected ground dominance.