Five takeaways from Chesney's first win with UCLA

The UCLA Bruins made a strong debut under head coach Bob Chesney, defeating the California Golden Bears 45-24 in a blowout victory. Here are five key takeaways from their first game:

1. Leadership under Chesney: Chesney's coaching led the Bruins to play with grit and determination, even when trailing 24-24 in the third quarter. The Bruins bounced back, winning the fourth quarter 21-0 to clinch the win.

2. Three-headed rush: UCLA's rushing attack proved to be a formidable force, with Anthony Woods, Jaivian Thomas, and Wayne Knight forming a powerful trio. Woods led with 118 yards (8 carries, 2 TDs), Knight added 71 yards (8 carries, 3 TDs), while Thomas contributed 41 yards (5 carries).

3. Defensive pressure: While the Bruins' defense had issues pressuring Golden Bear quarterback Tosh Lupoi in the first half, they managed to make life difficult for him throughout the game. Sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was consistently pressured, resulting in three sacks and a fumble recovery by senior defensive lineman Amier Washington.

4. Turnovers: The Bruins defense capitalized on Golden Bear quarterback Tosh Lupoi's struggles, resulting in two crucial turnovers. Senior defensive back Ta Shawn James intercepted Lupoi twice, while Washington recovered one of his fumbles. This significant improvement in the turnover department promises a more competitive game for the Bruins moving forward.

5. Captaincy: Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered a strong performance, throwing 184 passing yards, rushing for 29 yards and a touchdown, and contributing an interception. Senior linebacker Sammy Omosigho led the defense in tackles (14), a sack, and two tackles for loss, aligning with defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler's vision for the team.