UCLA Bruins Extend Winning Streak with Comeback Victory Over Iowa on Homecoming Night
The UCLA Bruins are on fire. In a thrilling comeback, they secured their third consecutive conference win, upsetting the Iowa Hawkeyes on Homecoming night in Pasadena. The Bruins showcased their resilience, overcoming a tough challenge to continue their impressive run.
UCLA Bruins Rally for Third-Straight Upset, Defeating Iowa 20-17 on Homecoming Night
The UCLA Bruins (4-5) are heating up at the perfect time, pulling off a thrilling 20-17 upset over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Homecoming night. This victory marks their third consecutive win, and the dramatic comeback will be remembered as one of the most unforgettable moments of the season.
It was the first meeting between these two teams since the 1986 Rose Bowl, where UCLA also emerged victorious. The Bruins picked up where they left off, securing their biggest win of the year under the guidance of head coach DeShaun Foster, who has turned the team around in just a few short weeks.
The game didn't start in UCLA's favor. The Bruins found themselves trailing 10-0 early, and it seemed like their two-game win streak might come to an end. But they didn't flinch. Instead, they responded with 17 unanswered points, taking the lead with a go-ahead field goal midway through the fourth quarter.
UCLA’s offense and defense both played outstandingly, racking up 415 total yards and forcing three turnovers. The standout performer was junior running back T.J. Harden, who rushed for a season-high 125 yards. Harden's explosive performance helped silence critics who had labeled UCLA as one of the weakest running teams in the Big Ten.
Quarterback Ethan Garbers had a rocky start, throwing two interceptions on UCLA’s first two possessions, which led to the early 10-0 deficit. But Garbers bounced back, finishing the game with 204 passing yards and two touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the Bruins' comeback.
The defense also stepped up in a major way, with senior linebacker Carson Schwesinger making two interceptions—his first career picks—in a game-changing performance. Additionally, the Bruins' defense forced a key fumble and disrupted Iowa's offense throughout the night.
UCLA kicker Mateen Bhaghani was also clutch, hitting a career-long 57-yard field goal in the first half, which is the second-longest in school history. He would later kick the decisive field goal in the fourth quarter to put the Bruins ahead for good.
This victory is a testament to the Bruins' resilience, especially considering their rough start to the season, where they began 1-5 after facing four top-25 teams. But their early challenges prepared them for this moment. Down by double digits, they proved they had the grit and determination to fight their way back.
Now, with just two more wins needed to become bowl-eligible, the Bruins are one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, riding a three-game win streak. They will enjoy this victory for the next 24 hours before turning their attention to a tough road game against the Washington Huskies next week.
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