Bear Down, Turn Up!

A California Battle Ends in a 45-24 Win for the UCLA Bruins over the California Bears.

At a glance this game seems like a big, comfortable win for the Bruins. If you missed this one, it was a tight contest all the way up until the fourth quarter.

In a game predicted to be a tight battle by the betting lines, UCLA favored by only 2.5, we got exactly what we thought. Well, for a majority of the game. The first half of the game started as a primetime boxing match as both offenses were trading blows. With six-seconds left in the first half, UCLA hits a 38-yard FG to take a 24-17 lead into the half. The third quarter continues as the late rounds approach in this boxing match. California, down 7, caps off a grueling 14-play drive with a 1-yard rushing TD by RB Adam Mohammed. Now, enter the final round, tied 24-24. UCLA starts to deliver some devastating blows leading to a brutal KO! A fourth-quarter takeover by UCLA results in a 21-0 run for the Bruins with the help of two interceptions by their defense. UCLA opens up their 2026 campaign with a late smackdown to start off 1-0.

Key Stats/Leaders

• UCLA RB Wayne Knight (8 Carries, 71 Yards, 3 TDs; 2 Receptions, 30 Yards)

• UCLA RB Anthony Woods (8 Carries, 118 Yards, 2 TDs)

• California RB Adam Mohammed (28 Carries, 120 Yards, 1 TD; 7 Receptions, 46 Yards)

What’s Next?

• UCLA looks to keep their ground game established as the come home to take on San Diego State (UCLA opens -11)

• California looks to clean up turnovers (4 total) when they travel to take on Syracuse (California opens +3.5)