Pasadena, Calif. –UCLA faced a tough test Friday night, going up against Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, the nation’s second-leading rusher. But the Bruins’ defense rose to the challenge, limiting Johnson to his lowest rushing total of the season and jumpstarting their own ground game in a thrilling 20-17 victory.
UCLA’s T.J. Harden recorded his first 100-yard rushing game of the season, while quarterback Ethan Garbers threw two touchdown passes to help secure the Bruins’ third consecutive win. Carson Schwesinger also contributed two interceptions, helping UCLA maintain control.
“We knew this would be a big challenge, and we were ready for it,” Schwesinger said.
Harden finished with 125 yards on 20 carries, marking the fourth time in his career he surpassed the century mark. His 15-yard rush after a late timeout sealed a first down and secured the victory for UCLA.
“I knew I had to step up,” Harden said. “We saw our chance to run against them, and we executed.”
The Bruins led in total yards, 415-265, including a significant 211-80 advantage in rushing. Johnson, who had been averaging 142.1 rushing yards per game, was held to a season-low 49 yards on 18 carries.
“They ran the ball efficiently, and we didn’t,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “They played the way they wanted.”
The game took a turn when Iowa’s quarterback Brendan Sullivan sprained his ankle in the third quarter after a hit from UCLA linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo. Backup Jackson Stratton entered and led the Hawkeyes on a 13-play scoring drive, culminating in a Kamari Moulton 2-yard touchdown to tie the game at 17 early in the fourth quarter.
However, Mateen Bhaghani’s 27-yard field goal with just under five minutes left put the Bruins ahead for good. Bhaghani also kicked a 57-yard field goal in the second quarter, the second-longest in UCLA history.
“We came out and played our game,” said UCLA coach DeShaun Foster. “The team wanted to control the ground, and we did.”
Garbers completed 21 of 34 passes for 204 yards, overcoming three first-half turnovers. His two interceptions in the first quarter led to 10 Iowa points, and a fumble near the goal line kept the Bruins from scoring twice in the red zone.
He rallied with two touchdown passes in the second quarter. After Bhaghani’s field goal, Garbers connected with Titus Mokiao-Atimalala for a 2-yard score, then hit Logan Loya on a 29-yard touchdown with seconds left in the half.
“I didn’t start the way I wanted,” Garbers admitted, “but I trusted my teammates and kept pushing.”
Iowa scored first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening minutes on Johnson’s 2-yard run, marking the Hawkeyes’ first touchdown on an opening drive this season. It was Johnson’s 21st touchdown, setting Iowa’s single-season records for touchdowns and points.
“Disappointing outcome,” Ferentz said after Iowa dropped to 6-4. “We didn’t play well enough in any area to expect to win.”
Despite the loss, Johnson recorded his seventh 100-yard game this season, finishing with 135 yards and three touchdowns. He now has 20 rushing touchdowns and a record 126 points on the season, ranking seventh on Iowa’s single-season rushing list.
Up Next:
Iowa: Plays Maryland Away on Nov. 23.
UCLA: At Washington next Friday.
