By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The UCLA Bruins are rolling, and lately they have been putting up points in bunches.
UCLA rolled to a 54-3 victory over Maryland in a Big Ten road game before 40,125 fans at SECU Stadium, improving to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
The Bruins jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the second quarter after neither team scored in the opening period. UCLA led 20-3 at halftime before putting the game out of reach after the break.
The Bruins outscored Maryland 14-0 in the third quarter and 20-0 in the final period.
Bruins Keep Rolling Past 50
It was the second consecutive week UCLA has scored at least 50 points. The Bruins defeated Purdue 52-38 at home the previous week.
UCLA has now scored 50-plus points in consecutive games for the first time since 1993. It is also the first time since 1973 that the Bruins have scored at least 50 points in consecutive conference games.
The Bruins are averaging 44 points per game, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten, trailing Ohio State, Oregon and USC.
“We want to play our best football and do it one play at a time, and I think that is where our guys have done a really good job,” UCLA coach Bob Chesney said.
Iamaleava Leads Balanced Attack
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 15 of 24 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown while connecting with eight different receivers.
Wayne “The Roadrunner” Knight continued his strong season, rushing for 100 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
Troy Leigber added 83 rushing yards on just five carries, including a 63-yard run.
Aidan Mizell also provided a big play through the air with an 83-yard touchdown reception.
The balanced offensive attack helped UCLA control the game and pull away from Maryland in the second half.
Defense Dominates
While the offense continued to produce, the Bruins defense was just as impressive.
Veteran linebacker Sammy Omosigho led UCLA with seven tackles, including six solo stops. Dante Lovett added six tackles, while Malok Hartford and Derrick Barksdale each recorded five.
Maryland managed only three points as UCLA shut down the Terrapins after the first half.
The 51-point margin of victory marked UCLA’s largest ever in a Big Ten game. It was also the Bruins’ largest victory against a conference opponent since a 66-10 win over Arizona on Nov. 3, 2012.
The 51-point margin was UCLA’s largest in a conference road game since the Bruins blanked Washington State 55-0 in 1955.
For UCLA, the message remains simple: keep playing one snap at a time and keep the momentum rolling.
The Bruins are now 4-0 and 2-0 in their first Big Ten season under Chesney, with an offense that continues to find another gear each week.