The UCLA Bruins are on the hottest stretch of the season, winning two games in a row after a horrid start to their 2025 campaign. Going into this week, the Bruins took on the Maryland Terrapins, who hold a 4-2 record going into the game.
Bruins interim head coach Tim Skipper has done well at making a case for himself when it comes to becoming the UCLA head coach full-time next season, but there is still a ton of work to be done. Starting off the game, getting the ball and punting it away, however, wasn't the start UCLA wanted.
The first quarter saw a stalemate, with both UCLA and Maryland going into the second quarter with a 0-0 tie. Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava had 17 passing yards compared to the Terrapins' quarterback Malik Washington with 62 passing yards.
It was a scoreless first quarter between UCLA and Maryland, but the Terrapins will start the second quarter on UCLA's three-yard-line @SportingTrib
— Jack Haslett (@Jackmagic00) October 18, 2025
End Q1: Maryland and UCLA tied 0-0
— Christian Andriolas (@candriolnews) October 18, 2025
The Terps will open the second quarter on the Bruins 2 after a DPI call on 3rd & 7 set them up.
The run game fails to make splash plays as it was stuffed on 1st & goal from the 2.
The Terrapins got the scoring started first, adding a field goal to push the score to 3-0, Maryland. The Bruins' offense has done well in the last two games, but it had to keep steady if they wanted to take down the Terrapins. But the UCLA defense did what it had to do in that situation.
Missed opportunity by the Terps in the red zone.. the go up 3-0 on UCLA
— DeeLovesSports (@DeeLovesSports) October 18, 2025
While the Bruins were down, they weren't out, as they answered with scoring of their own, putting up a touchdown on a four-play drive. The UCLA offense has been averaging 40 points in its past two games, so getting on the board early was a good sign for Bruins fans.
Anthony Frias has UCLA's longest run of the season with a 55-yard touchdown run to the endzone! pic.twitter.com/Xrxb7lk9SF
— Thomas Murray (@Thomas_L_Murray) October 19, 2025
TOUCHDOWN UCLA !!! WHAT A RUN !!!
— T.O. (@TimeoutTom) October 18, 2025
Not much changed going into the end of the quarter, which the Bruins could only feel good about. Going into the third quarter, however, the Terrapins started to make some noise, moving into Bruins territory. But what has become common for UCLA as of late, the defense held its own, keeping the Bruins in the lead.
Ucla defense is amazing today
— wrong (@Jekistic) October 19, 2025
UCLA ACTUALLY HAS DBs NOW pic.twitter.com/G9Q713txju
— . (@larryberry33) October 19, 2025
Iamaleava and UCLA had a chance to get out of the end zone, but a quick pick-six to put Maryland on top. A blow that sucked the energy out of the stadium and the rest of the Bruins fans watching at home.
Good coaching by ucla LOL
— Himothy (@Mavs4lyfee) October 19, 2025
Our QB just threw into the quick flat and threw a pick six
Very next series; long throw complete then throw right back into the quick flat and nearly a fumble
Are coaches dumb
The Bruins' defense was on its game against the Terrapins, but the offense, which has been their strong suit, hasn't been there. With just over six minutes left, it was now or never. And the Bruins delivered an impressive touchdown to take a 14-10 lead with minutes remaining.
TOUCHDOWN UCLA!
— The Mighty Bruin (@TheMightyBruin) October 19, 2025
Nico finds Mikey Mathews streaking across the end zone on 3rd down to give the Bruins the 14-10 lead with 3:33 remaining.
And to add insult to injury, the UCLA defense took the momentum away from Maryland with an impressive interception.
PICKED OFF BY SCOOTER JACKSON @UCLAFootball take over on offense pic.twitter.com/KKomgs9oRY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025
And as UCLA has been playing as of late, another win lands in the laps of the Bruins, winning on a field goal.
UCLA is a machine
— Andy B (@FatSportsFan) October 19, 2025
UCLA is HOT and they have a big date in Bloomington.
— BannersInBloom (@BannersInBloom) October 19, 2025
Nobody wants to play UCLA right now
— Great2BeAMichiganWolverine (@MarkMat97709003) October 19, 2025
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