PASADENA, Calif. —Washington delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday night, rolling past UCLA 48–14 at the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. accounted for four touchdowns, and linebacker Alex McLaughlin added a 59-yard fumble return as the Huskies (8–3, 5–3 Big Ten) secured their second straight victory.
The win marked Washington’s first back-to-back triumph since early October and just its second victory at the Rose Bowl in the past three decades after entering the matchup 1–9 in its previous 10 games at the historic venue.
The Huskies embraced the moment—players even found red roses placed on their pillows Friday night.
“We made the game big,” head coach Jedd Fisch said. “We told them, ‘You’re playing in the Rose Bowl—go win it.’ They didn’t shy away from the stage; they’re improving every week.”
Washington Strikes Early and Controls Throughout
Williams completed 17 of 26 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Dezman Roebuck for an 18-yard score and Decker DeGraaf for another from 24 yards out. He also added touchdown runs of 25 and 11 yards.
Washington’s offensive line dominated the trenches, paving the way for 212 rushing yards. UCLA managed just 58 on the ground and trailed significantly in first downs (25–10) and third-down conversions (2-for-13).
“Our D-line dominated up front,” McLaughlin said. “That makes everything easier for the rest of us.”
Fisch agreed, praising the defensive performance: “They were physical, they were aggressive, they went after the football.”
Bruins’ Struggles Continue
UCLA (3–8, 3–5) dropped its fourth straight game, matching its longest skid of the season. The loss came amid uncertainty over whether it might be the program’s final regular-season appearance at the Rose Bowl, due to an ongoing dispute between the university and the City of Pasadena regarding the stadium lease.
“It’s a special place,” interim coach Tim Skipper said. “Just the aura, the field—the whole experience.”
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava returned after sitting out last week’s loss at Ohio State while in concussion protocol. But the Tennessee transfer struggled, throwing for just 69 yards on 16-of-26 passing before leaving after being sacked for a 15-yard loss by Washington’s Bryce Butler in the third quarter. Luke Duncan, who started the previous week, finished the game.
UCLA’s only offensive highlight came late in the third quarter when Duncan found Mikey Matthews for a 37-yard score. The Bruins added a fourth-quarter touchdown on Jamir Benjamin’s 1-yard fumble recovery.
Key Turnovers Shift Momentum
Down 20–0 in the second quarter, UCLA attempted a fake field goal that unraveled quickly. McLaughlin scooped up the loose ball and raced 59 yards for a touchdown, extending Washington’s lead.
“I’ll take the heat for it,” Skipper said of the failed trick play.
Earlier, Cash Peterman lost a fumble at the Washington 41, one of several Bruins miscues that buried any chance of staying competitive.
Fan Exodus
The crowd of 38,201 brought UCLA’s home attendance average to 37,282 for the season. Many fans headed for the exits by the end of the third quarter, with Washington ahead 34–7.
Takeaways
Washington:
The Huskies have positioned themselves for a second straight bowl appearance under Fisch. Last year they closed the season with a Sun Bowl loss to Louisville.
UCLA:
The Bruins continue their coaching search amid legal disputes surrounding their potential move to SoFi Stadium after 43 years at the Rose Bowl. Skipper is unlikely to be retained as the permanent head coach.
Up Next:
Washington: Hosts No. 6 Oregon to finish the regular season.
UCLA: Travels crosstown to face No. 16 USC in their rivalry finale.
