Pasadena, Calif. — In a season filled with challenges, Ethan Garbers closed his college career on a high note, delivering a standout performance to lead UCLA to a 20-13 victory over Fresno State at the Rose Bowl.
The senior quarterback threw for 289 yards, completing 26 of 40 passes, including a decisive 2-yard touchdown to J. Michael Sturdivant with just 1:38 remaining. That score capped a 15-play, 78-yard drive that consumed over six minutes and secured the Bruins’ win.
“We wanted to finish strong,” Garbers said. “Everyone stepped up in the second half. Getting a win in my final game at the Rose Bowl is something I’ll never forget.”
T.J. Harden contributed a pivotal touchdown in the third quarter, helping UCLA (5-7) rally from a 10-6 halftime deficit. The Bruins, who started the season 1-5, finished strong, winning four of their last six games under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster.
“This game mirrored our season,” Foster reflected. “We faced challenges, but the team stayed resilient. They fought hard and found a way to make it happen after halftime.”
Second-Half Surge
Fresno State (6-6) led at the break, but UCLA seized momentum early in the second half. After forcing a quick three-and-out, the Bruins needed just four plays to march 56 yards. Harden’s 5-yard touchdown run, his second of the season, gave UCLA a 13-10 lead. The drive’s highlight came from tight end Moliki Matavao, who hauled in a 35-yard pass to set up the score. Matavao finished the game with career-highs in receptions (eight) and yards (120).
Garbers’ final season encapsulated UCLA’s struggles and resilience. After throwing nine interceptions and only four touchdowns in his first five games, he turned things around with 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions over the final six contests.
“I’m so proud of Ethan,” Foster said. “We emphasized how important it was to send our seniors out the right way, and he delivered.”
Fresno State Falters
The Bulldogs, led by quarterback Mikey Keene, entered the game with momentum but couldn’t maintain it in the second half. Keene, who leads the Mountain West in passing yards, completed 30 of 43 attempts for 219 yards. However, Fresno State’s offense struggled to sustain drives after halftime.
“We had a good rhythm in the first half, but those second-half lulls hurt us,” interim coach Tim Skipper admitted. “UCLA capitalized on the opportunities we gave them, and we didn’t do enough to respond.”
Fresno State’s lone touchdown came on a 7-yard pass from Keene to Raylen Sharpe in the second quarter. Dylan Lynch added two field goals, including a 42-yarder in the closing seconds to narrow the deficit to 20-13, but it was too little, too late.
A Memorable Finale
The victory marked UCLA’s first win over Fresno State since 2000, snapping the Bulldogs’ four-game series winning streak. For Garbers and his fellow seniors, it was a fitting end to their time at the Rose Bowl.
“This win means everything,” Garbers said. “It’s been a challenging journey, but finishing like this makes it all worthwhile.”
Up Next:
Fresno State: Will find out who they play and its bowl destination on December 8.
UCLA: Opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Utah.
