UCLA 20, Iowa 17: Game Recap, Nov 8

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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UCLA 20, Iowa 17: Bruins Outlast Hawkeyes in Thrilling Upset

The UCLA Bruins pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday, November 8th, defeating the highly ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 20-17 in a nail-biting game at Kinnick Stadium. The victory marks a significant statement for the Bruins, who are looking to make a strong push in the Pac-12 conference.

A Hard-Fought Battle

The game was a defensive slugfest from start to finish. Both teams struggled to generate consistent offense, with turnovers and missed opportunities hindering scoring drives. Iowa, known for their strong running game, found themselves held in check by the tenacious Bruins defense.

The key to the game was UCLA's ability to capitalize on their opportunities. In the second quarter, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson connected with tight end Michael Ezeike for a touchdown, giving the Bruins an early lead. The Hawkeyes responded with a field goal just before halftime, but UCLA held a slim 10-3 advantage going into the break.

Momentum Swings and Tight Finish

The third quarter saw Iowa take control, scoring a touchdown on a beautiful play action pass from Spencer Petras to Luke Lachey. However, UCLA answered back with a field goal of their own, keeping the score tight at 13-10.

The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair. Iowa took the lead on a field goal, but UCLA responded with a touchdown pass from Thompson-Robinson to Jake Bobo. The Hawkeyes had a chance to tie the game with a field goal in the final seconds, but the kick sailed wide right, sealing the Bruins' victory.

Key Takeaways

• UCLA's defense was dominant. They effectively contained Iowa's rushing attack, forcing Petras to make tough throws and generating critical turnovers.
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson was clutch. The quarterback made crucial plays when the Bruins needed them most, especially in the fourth quarter.
• This is a huge win for UCLA's confidence. The Bruins have shown they can compete with top-ranked teams, and this victory will give them momentum going forward in the Pac-12 race.

Looking Ahead

UCLA will be looking to build on this momentum as they continue their Pac-12 schedule. This upset victory has injected a new sense of confidence into the team, and they will be looking to make a serious run towards the conference title.

The Hawkeyes, on the other hand, will need to regroup and figure out how to improve their offensive efficiency. They have a tough road ahead and will need to make adjustments to remain in contention in the Big Ten. This loss is a significant setback, but they have the talent and experience to bounce back.