PASADENA, Calif. — Ty Dieffenbach threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns and overcame a left shoulder harm that sidelined him, and No. 4 UCLA remained unbeaten with a rain-soaked, 22-14 victory over Illinois on Friday evening.
Aiden Mizell had six catches for 176 yards and a landing, and Semaje Morgan added 56 yards receiving and a rating for the Bruins (10-0, 7-0 Massive Ten, No. 4 CFP). Scooter Jackson had two interceptions, the final with 2:50 left to stymie the Illini (6-4, 4-3).
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UCLA began a season 10-0 for the third time in program historical past.
Dieffenbach left with 35 seconds to go within the first half after he fell onerous on his shoulder following a success by defensive lineman Carter Janki. Third-stringer Madden Iamaleava performed the subsequent three sequence for the Bruins as Dieffenbach remained within the locker room.
Dieffenbach returned with 55 seconds left within the third quarter. He led UCLA on a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive on his first drive again, capped by a 26-yard landing cross to Morgan.
Dieffenbach, a senior switch from Cal Poly, accomplished 13 of 20 passes and improved to 5-0 because the Bruins’ beginning quarterback. He grew to become the starter after Nico Iamaleava, the older brother of Madden Iamaleava, sustained a season-ending knee harm in opposition to Oregon on Oct. 10.
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The Bruins had three interceptions, a fumble restoration and a security whereas limiting Illinois to 240 yards. UCLA has held seven straight opponents to twenty factors or much less and has upped its season complete to 31 takeaways, most within the nation.
Katin Houser went 16 of 34 for 176 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions for the Illini, who noticed their four-game profitable streak snapped. Kaden Feagin caught an 18-yard landing cross and Collin Dixon hauled in a 7-yard landing cross.
The Bruins jumped out to a 10-0 halftime lead. On simply the fifth play of the sport, Dieffenbach hit Mizell on a 54-yard landing strike down the sideline. It was Mizell’s third straight reception that resulted in a landing after he had two 75-yard scores in opposition to Maryland final week.
Mateen Bhaghani added a 20-yard subject aim with 1:26 remaining earlier than halftime. UCLA received the ball again for yet one more possession, however Dieffenbach went down and left the sport with a coach to finish any hopes of one other rating earlier than the break.
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Aiden Gobaira sacked Houser ultimately zone for a security to increase the Bruins’ lead within the third quarter. After Illinois scored its first with a landing to chop it to 12-7, Dieffenbach returned and located Morgan early within the fourth quarter to re-extend the lead.
Houser linked with Dixon with 7:14 remaining to carry Illinois inside a landing at 19-14. The Illini pressured a three-and-out to get the ball again and had an opportunity to take the lead, however Jackson intercepted Houser’s cross with 2:50 remaining.
Bhagnani kicked 37-yard subject aim and Illinois’ last-gasp try ended with a turnover on downs at its personal 33.
Houser was injured on the Illini’s remaining drive and changed by backup Carson Boyd.
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The takeaway
Illinois: The Illini have attained bowl eligibility and can attempt to bounce again in opposition to Iowa subsequent Saturday.
UCLA: The Bruins stay within the driver’s seat for a high School Soccer Playoff berth. Their 10-game profitable streak tied a college file.
