UCLA football withstood losing the football multiple times and briefly losing quarterback Nico Iamaleava Saturday. The No. 21 Bruins rose as the latest to shake the college football world up, stunning Oregon 17-15.

UCLA won in sloppy fashion, including needing to turn to Ty Dieffenbach following Iamaleava's lower body injury. Plus Oregon bottled a high-powered UCLA offense that dropped more than 50 points in its last two games. And forced two Iamaleava interceptions including a Koi Perich pick in the end zone during the second quarter.

But coach Bob Chesney pivoted to his area of expertise to prevail in Autzen Stadium. Defense reigned supreme for the visitors from Westwood, California. Including forcing a stunning seven Oregon turnovers (six before the fourth). Ducks coach Dan Lanning even pulled his starting quarterback Dylan Raiola after throwing two interceptions and settling for just 43 yards passing.

UCLA took advantage of stunning ball security woes. Even when Oregon's third QB option Brock Thomas took over. Thomas mishandled this snap late for the sixth and final turnover.

Following this play, Oregon has 6 turnovers and 5 first downs in the game. pic.twitter.com/vhzZ2EigkK

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 10, 2026

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But Oregon looked worse on third downs thanks to the brilliant defense Chesney drew up for the Ducks. Oregon at one point went 0-for-10 on third down. UCLA has proven to become one of the nation's best units at forcing three-and-outs, allowing only one first down in the last 25 attempts.

Defensive backs Ta'Shawn James and Tao Johnson picked off Raiola. Defensive linemen Tyson Ford and Amier Washington pounced on two loose fumbles. Fellow UCLA defenders Jalen Woods, Anthony Sacca and Dante Lovett recovered the other loose footballs.