UCLA Breaks Open a Defensive Battle to Defeat Gophers 34–20 — New Leaf News

Early Gophers’ defensive stops give way to second-half secondary miscues.

Behind the strength of a tenacious defense and an explosive passing game, the 8th-ranked UCLA Bruins defeated the Minnesota Gophers 34–20 today at Huntington Bank Stadium. For three quarters, the Gophers continued their impressive defensive play until some big Bruins pass plays exposed their defense. The Minnesota offense again played sluggishly as they failed again to score in the first quarter and punted the ball away five times.

Gophers’ defensive coordinator Danny Collins’ defense held tough but were foiled several times by long UCLA pass plays. Coming into the game, the Bruins were known for their strong rushing attack. But Minnesota had no answer for UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, who burned them on several long passing plays.

Bruins Take the Early Lead

UCLA struck first blood when, on the first drive of the game, kicker Mateen Braghani booted a 37-yard field goal to put the Bruins up by three. It was set up by a 54-yard bomb from Dieffenbach to Semaji Morgan, who was eventually brought down at the Minnesota 16-yard line. The Bruins’ quarterback exploited a secondary miscue to hit a wide-open Morgan.

The Gophers failed to capitalize on their next possession when Drzewiecki missed a 56-yard field goal attempt wide right. Then the Bruins…