The UCLA Bruins silenced any talk that their upset win over then–No. 7 Penn State was a fluke. Traveling to East Lansing, Michigan, the Bruins shook off an early seven-point deficit and exploded for 38 unanswered points to take down Michigan State, 38–13.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The UCLA Bruins silenced any talk that their upset win over then–No. 7 Penn State was a fluke. Traveling to East Lansing, Michigan, the Bruins shook off an early seven-point deficit and exploded for 38 unanswered points to take down Michigan State, 38–13.
With the win, UCLA improves to 2–4 overall and 2–1 in the Big Ten, while the Spartans fall to 3–3 and 0–3 in conference play.
Berger’s Homecoming
Running back Jalen Berger, a transfer from Michigan State, led UCLA’s ground game with a season-high 89 yards on 12 carries.
“It felt good being back here, but we just treated this like any other opponent,” Berger said. “They’re just someone in the way of the mission.”
Head coach Tim Skipper praised Berger’s performance, noting the personal significance of the game.
“(Berger’s) been working hard since I’ve been here,” Skipper said. “He’s a great kid. He doesn’t smile much—he just goes to work. I’m excited for him. It’s good to see him have a game like this, especially here.”
Finding Their Swagger
This Bruins team is playing with renewed energy and confidence. There’s a noticeable swagger—on and off the field—that was missing earlier in the season.
“I think we just went back to having fun like when we were kids,” said quarterback Rico Imaleava. “The first four games we were uptight. Now, we’re just letting our hair flow and playing for fun.”
Imaleava completed 16 of 24 passes for 180 yards, leading an offense that ran 66 plays and punted only twice.
“The plays Coach Jerry has drawn up have been great,” Imaleava added. “He’s putting us in great positions to be successful.”
Defense Delivers
UCLA’s defense, anchored by Compton native Scooter Jackson, was equally dominant. Jackson tallied seven tackles (four solo) as the Bruins forced two fumbles, stopped four fourth-down attempts, and held Michigan State to just 253 total yards and 14 first downs.
Coach Skipper said the team’s goal after the Penn State win was to prove they weren’t “one-hit wonders.”
“That was the message starting Sunday,” Skipper said. “We wanted to cement who we really are and play 60 minutes of football—and we did that today.”
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Bruins return home to host Maryland at the Rose Bowl, while Michigan State heads to Indiana.