UCLA Bruins losing streak continued Saturday night as they fell 21-17 to Minnesota in a nail-biting game at the Rose Bowl. Despite holding a halftime lead for the first time this season and showing flashes of promise, the Bruins’ struggles in key moments ultimately cost them the game. A late interception at Minnesota’s 1-yard line sealed UCLA’s fate on the final drive, dropping them to 1-5 on the season.
UCLA Bruins Fall 21-17 to Minnesota in Heartbreaking Finish
Strong Defensive Start
UCLA’s defense came out aggressive, showing toughness throughout the first half. Carson Schwesinger led the effort with a sack on a blitz, while the Bruins racked up 3 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Minnesota’s offense looked sloppy at times, but penalties and missed opportunities allowed them to stay in the game.
The defense held Minnesota to just 10 first-half points, and for the first time this season, UCLA went into halftime with a lead, up 10-0.
Garbers’ Up-and-Down Night
Ethan Garbers had a roller-coaster performance. He completed some good passes when given time but was ultimately undone by three costly interceptions, including one on UCLA’s final drive of the game. Garbers’ first interception came in the first half when a tipped pass was picked off by Minnesota. His second was similar, being hit as he threw it, signaling the need for better O-Line play.
While Garbers showed moments of poise, the offensive line’s inconsistency left him under pressure for much of the game. UCLA’s lone second-half touchdown came from a 42-yard strike to J. Michael Sturdivant, energizing the home crowd. When Garbers had time, he connected well, including a few effective screens to TJ Harden, who delivered a 32-yard reception.
With under a minute left, UCLA mounted one last drive, reaching their own 45-yard line. However, Garbers’ final interception came on a pass he kind of just chucked up near the goal line sealed the Bruins’ fate, leaving the score at 21-17 in favor of Minnesota.
Key Plays and Penalties
Minnesota capitalized on UCLA’s defensive lapses and penalties. The Bruins’ secondary struggled with discipline, committing costly pass interference and targeting penalties that allowed Minnesota to extend drives. Minnesota took the lead for good in the fourth quarter on a short touchdown pass to a running back, who ran a route into the flat, catching the Bruins’ defense off-guard.
Takeaways
Despite the loss, UCLA showed signs of improvement, particularly on defense, where Schwesinger and Oluwafemi Oladejo made key plays. Offensively, UCLA’s inconsistency continues to be a concern, especially in the sustaining drives, where missed opportunities and turnovers have plagued them all season.
With their record now at 1-5, UCLA will need to clean up their mistakes and find ways to finish games as they look ahead to the rest of their Big Ten schedule.