Penn State Bounces Back by Defeating UCLA 42-28 in Exciting Showdown

No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions secured a 42-28 victory over the UCLA Bruins in Pasadena, marking a crucial bounce-back win following a recent double-overtime loss to Oregon. The game, held at the Rose Bowl and broadcast on CBS, showcased an offensive showdown and featured standout performances from both quarterbacks. The matchup was highly anticipated, as UCLA—winless entering the contest—looked to pull off a major upset against a top-10 team, while Penn State sought to regain momentum after a tough Big Ten schedule. Despite pregame predictions favoring Penn State by nearly four touchdowns, the Bruins, led by transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava, kept the contest competitive deep into the fourth quarter. From the outset, UCLA’s offense, guided by new coordinator Jerry Neuheisel, showed surprising efficiency. Iamaleava connected with Kwazi Gilmer for an early touchdown, and the Bruins executed a successful onside kick that set up a field goal, giving UCLA its first lead of the season. Penn State responded with a methodical drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown run from Kaytron Allen. The second quarter saw UCLA extend its lead thanks to another Iamaleava touchdown pass and a three-yard QB keeper. By halftime, the Bruins had built a 27-7 advantage, buoyed by a 54-yard field goal from Mateen Bhaghani. However, Penn State’s resilience showed after the break. Quarterback Drew Allar, who finished with 148 passing yards and 77 rushing yards, connected with Khalil Dinkins for a 40-yard touchdown. Special teams also stepped up, as Dani Dennis-Sutton’s blocked punt was returned by Audavion Collins for a Nittany Lions score. Statistically, the Bruins outgained Penn State with 440 total yards to 305 and achieved 22 first downs to Penn State’s 18. Iamaleava finished with 166 passing yards, two touchdowns through the air, and three rushing scores, demonstrating his dual-threat capability despite facing heavy pressure from Penn State’s defensive front. Kaytron Allen proved vital for Penn State, recording 50 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The fourth quarter featured a back-and-forth exchange of scores. Allar’s 27-yard scramble set up Allen’s second touchdown, pulling Penn State within six. Yet, Iamaleava engineered a crucial drive, capping it with a seven-yard rushing TD and a successful two-point conversion to Gilmer, sealing the win for the Bruins. Despite the loss, Penn State maintained a high win probability throughout much of the contest, according to ESPN Analytics. For the Bruins, this game marked a much-needed offensive breakthrough and a sign of progress under Neuheisel, while questions remain about their ability to close out games. Meanwhile, Penn State’s defense, led by edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, recorded a sack but couldn’t contain Iamaleava in critical moments. Looking ahead, Penn State will aim to regroup as they continue their Big Ten slate, while UCLA seeks to build on this performance and secure their first win of the season. For bettors, the outcome validated the consensus that UCLA could cover the spread, as highlighted by CBS Sports analysts.