UCLA football entered Autzen Stadium in stronger shape under Bob Chesney through its No. 21 ranking. Now the Bruins have proven the Big Ten title race must include them. UCLA throttled heavy favorite Oregon 17-15, featuring a confident Chesney leading them.
But Bruin fans really will love Chesney's declaration after toppling the No. 13 team in the land.
“This is not the normal UCLA,” he bluntly told CBS Sports sideline reporter Jenny Dell postgame. “I think when you add the recruiting the west coast and all the things we get looked over on, that's all changing right now. I think today's a good start to that.”
Chesney, though, promises that there's “a lot more work to do.” But UCLA made this aspiring national title contender Ducks team work.
Chesney's brilliant defensive display frustrated Oregon starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, to the point coach Dan Lanning benched him. UCLA snatched the football twice on interceptions facing Raiola, plus contained him to 43 yards.
Brock Thomas handled the reins behind center, but didn't fare much better. He even muffed a center-t0-quarterback snap exchange that rose as the final turnover for the Ducks. Oregon delivered a stunning six giveaways on the day, and arriving on a day both teams combined for eight total turnovers.
Even UCLA's offense became non-explosive or efficient. Oregon intercepted quarterback Nico Iamaleava twice before he needed to leave with a lower body injury. But backup Ty Dieffenbach ensured UCLA would stay unbeaten. He stepped in to continue the culture UCLA is building under the former James Madison coach.