UCLA, which had lost all its previous games this season, achieved a stunning 42-37 victory over No. 7 Penn State. This marks UCLA’s first win and is considered the biggest upset of the college football season.
UCLA’s shocking win against ranked opponent
The Bruins, after starting 0-4, managed to overwhelm the Nittany Lions with a strong offense, amassing 446 total yards, including 280 rushing yards. They were up 27-7 at halftime.
Penn State, which was coming off a tough loss to Oregon, was expected to win comfortably but struggled against UCLA’s aggressive offensive performance throughout the game.
Penn State unable to mount successful comeback
Despite being down by 20 points, Penn State tried to recover after halftime, including a blocked punt. However, a fumble early in the third quarter hindered their momentum, and they failed to score on a crucial fourth down attempt.
UCLA’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered an exceptional performance with multiple touchdowns, helping his team stay ahead until the end despite Penn State’s late surge.
Implications for both teams moving forward
This loss marks a significant setback for Penn State, known for typically defeating lesser opponents. The team’s future remains uncertain as they prepare next week to face Northwestern.
Penn State head coach James Franklin faces scrutiny over this unexpected loss, which adds pressure on the team’s upcoming games.
