UCLA pulls away for victory over Purdue in Big Ten opener

UCLA offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy stressed that his offense needed to come out swinging Saturday against Purdue after going scoreless in the first half against San Diego State last weekend.

And the Bruins heeded the advice, scoring 21 first-quarter points before pulling away in the second half for a 52-38 win in their Big Ten opener Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

UCLA improved to 3-0 and matched last season’s win total with its first 50-point game against a Power Four program since November 2022. Bob Chesney joined Terry Donahue and Jim Mora as the only coaches to start their UCLA tenures 3-0.

UCLA 52, Purdue 38, end of game

UCLA started on its 12 after the interception.

Anthony Woods ran for five yards and another yard. Nico Iamaleava avoided pressure and passed to Wayne Knight for five yards.

Jaivian Thomas ran for 14 yards. Thomas ran for a loss of two yards.

Purdue called timeout with 2:35 remaining.

Anthony Woods ran for five yards and Purdue called a timeout with 2:30 left.

On third-and-five Iamaleava ran for six yards, taking a hit to extend his team’s drive.

The two-minute timeout was triggered.

Wayne Knight took a direct snap and ran for seven yards.

With the play clock running down, UCLA coach Bob Chesney called timeout.

On second-and three at the Purdue 45 with 1:07 left, Anthony Woods rank for two yards. After a Purdue timeout, Woods ran for nine yards.

UCLA took a knee and ran out the clock.

“I like our resolve and I like the way we fought today,” UCLA coach Bob Chesney told the Big Ten Network after the win, later praising Iamaleava for his toughness.

UCLA 52, Purdue 38, 5:42 left in fourth quarter

Purdue started on its 35 after the touchback.

Travis Terrell Jr. ran for three yards. Ryan Browne passed for six yards and UCLA was called for a face mask penalty.

On first down at the Purdue 49, Browne tossed an incomplete pass. Browne rolled away from pressure and passed to Asaad Waseem for 15 yards. Terrell ran for five yards. Browne passed to Waseem for 18 yards.

On first down at the UCLA 13, Browne passed into traffic on the right side of the end zone and the pass was intercepted by Rodrick Pleasant and returned to the UCLA 12.

UCLA 52, Purdue 38, 7:45 left in fourth quarter

UCLA started on its 26 after the Purdue punt.

Wayne Knight did a few video game-style spins and ran for 47 yards. Knight then carried the ball again for 21 yards.

Nico Iamaleava faked a handoff and passed to Landon Ellis for a six-yard touchdown.

Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point.

UCLA 45, Purdue 38, 9:19 left in fourth quarter

Purdue started on its 16 after the UCLA punt.

Ryan Browne tossed two incomplete passes then passed to Asaad Waseem for four yards under pressure.

Purdue punted to the UCLA 26 and the Bruins took a fair catch.

UCLA 45, Purdue 38, 10:06 left in fourth quarter

UCLA started on its 25 after the touchback.

Wayne Knight ran for 17 yards. Nico Iamaleava’s pass across the middle was deflected. Anthony Woods runs for one yard. On third-and-nine, Iamaleava rolled out of pressure and then ran for five yards.

On fourth-and-four at the UCLA 48, the Bruins tried to get Purdue to jump offside and took a delay of game penalty.

Curtis Gerrand punted to the Purdue 16 and the Boilermakers took a fair catch on the play.

UCLA 45, Purdue 38, 12:38 left in fourth quarter

Purdue started on its 30 after UCLA was offsides on the kickoff.

Jerrick Gibson ran for one yard. Ryan Browne passed to Chauncey Magwood for 14 yards. Browne passed to Asaad Waseem for 36 yards. Browne tossed an incomplete pass, but Darold Dengohe was called for roughing the passer even though he lightly hit Browne while he was still in bounds.

Gibson ran for an eight yards that appeared to be a touchdown, but it was reviewed and ruled short. Fame Ijeboi took a direct snap and ran for a one-yard touchdown.

Purdue hit the extra point.

UCLA 45, Purdue 31, 14:56 left in fourth quarter

UCLA started on its 25 after the touchback.

Nico Iamaleava held the ball too long and was hit hard as he tossed an incomplete pass. Iamaleava rolls out under pressure and throws an incomplete pass across his body. Iamaleava stayed in the pocket amid pressure and passed to Leland Smith for 16 yards.

Anthony Woods ran for nine yards. Iamaleava’s faked handoff and pass across the middle intended for Brian Rowe Jr. was tipped and fell incomplete. Wayne Knight ran for four yards.

Knight ran for two yards.

Iamaleava tossed an incomplete pass and was crushed on the play, appearing the injure his throwing shoulder. After he was treated on the field, Iamaleava walked off the field and appeared able to move both shoulders without wincing in pain.

Madden Iamaleava took over at quarterback. Knight ran for 12 yards. On first down, Madden tossed an incomplete pass to Landon Ellis. Woods ran for 14 yards. Jaivian Thomas ran for one yard.

Nico Iamaleava put his helmet back on and took back over the offense. He handed off to Thomas, who ran for a 17-yard touchdown.

Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point.

UCLA 38, Purdue 31, 4:29 left in the third quarter

Purdue started on its 25 after the touchback.

Fame Ijeboi ran for three yards. Ryan Browne overthrew Asaad Waseem deep. On third-and-seven, Browne tossed an incomplete pass but a flag was thrown. The Bruins were called for roughing the passer, extending the Purdue drive.

Browne tossed an incomplete pass, but UCLA was called offsides. Ijeobi ran for a loss of five yards and then for a gain of two. On third-and-eight, Browne tossed an incomplete pass.

Purdue faked a punt, with Browne completing a 47-yard pass to Antonio Harris.

On first-and-goal at the UCLA 8, Browne threw the ball away under pressure from Sahir West. Ijeboi ran for three yards. On third-and-goal at the UCLA 5, Browne passed to Chauncey Magwood for a five-yard touchdown but a flag was thrown after the Boilermakers were called for illegal formation.

On third-and-10, Browne passed an incomplete pass to Waseem and the Boilermakers were called for holding. On fourth-and-10, Purdue settled for a 28-yard field goal.

UCLA 38, Purdue 28, 8:58 left in the third quarter

Purdue stared on its 25 after a touchback.

Ryan Browne passed to Asaad Waseem for seven yards, but Sammy Omosigho forced a fumble recovered by Sahir West and returned five yards to the Purdue 27.

Jaivian Thomas ran for two yards. Thomas lined up in a wildcat and ran for 18 yards, twisting his ankle at the end of the play. Purdue’s Jojo Hayden was also injured on the play, triggering a timeout that Thomas used to try to shake off his injury.

Wayne Knight ran for a seven yard touchdown.

Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point. Purdue was offsides on the kick, but the penalty was declined.

UCLA 31, Purdue 28, 10:23 left in the third quarter

UCLA started on its 25 after a touchback.

Nico Iamaleava returned to lead the offense after limping off the field at the end of the first half.

Wayne Knight ran for eight yards and then for another six yards. Knight bounced outside for another seven yards. Iamaleava faked a handoff and passed deep to Brian Rowe Jr. for 43 yards.

On first down at the Purdue 11, UCLA was called for a false start. On first-and-15 at the Purdue 16, Anthony Woods slipped straight up the middle for a 16-yard touchdown.

Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point and UCLA reclaimed the lead without Iamaleava taking more hits.

Purdue 28, UCLA 24 13:01 left in the third quarter

Purdue started on its 25 after a touchback.

Ryan Browne passed to Xavier Townsend for 29 yards. Fame Ijeboi ran for two yards. Browne tossed an incomplete pass before connecting with Townsend for 14 yards. Browne passed to George Burhenn for 30 yards. Purdue hit the extra point to take its first lead.

UCLA 24, Purdue 21, end of second quarter

Purdue started on its 25 after a touchback and Ryan Browne took a knee to run out the clock.

The Boilermakers will receive the opening kickoff of the third quarter.

UCLA 24, Purdue 21, four seconds left in the second quarter

Wayne Knight returned Purdue’s kickoff to the UCLA 16, but the Bruins were called for holding.

UCLA started on its eight-yard line.

Nico Iamaleava ran for eight yards before triggering the two-minute timeout. Wayne Knight ran for four yards. Iamaleava passed to Semaj Morgan for 11 yards. Iamaleava passed to Landon Ellis for seven yards with 1:31 left. Knight ran for eight yards to the UCLA 46 with 1:23 left.

Iamaleava was sacked for a loss of 12 yards.

On second-and-20 at the UCLA 36, Iamaleava was flused from the pocket and passed to Brayden Loftin for five yards with 40 seconds left. On third-and-15, Iamaleavea passed to Leland Smith for 27 yards.

On first down at the Purdue 32, Iamaleava tossed an incomplete pass intended for Jaivian Thomas with 26 seconds left.

Purdue called timeout.

Iamaleava tossed an incomplete pass and Iamaleava passed to Leland Smith for 16 yards.

On first down at the Purdue 16, UCLA called timeout with 12 seconds left.

Iamaleava avoids a sack and throws the ball away. Iamaleava limped to the sideline as Mateen Bhaghani hit a 34-yard field goal.

UCLA 21, Purdue 21, 2:12 left in the second quarter

Purdue started on its 5 after a punt return and penalty.

Ryan Browne tossed an incomplete pass, but Scooter Jackson was called for pass interference.

On first down at the Purdue 20, Fame Ijeboi ran for one yard. Ijeboi ran for another yard. Browne passed Asaad Waseem for 37 yards.

On first down at the UCLA 41, Ijeoboi ran for eight yards to the UCLA 33. Browne was sacked by Sammy Omosigho for a loss of seven yards and was called for intentional grounding. On third-and-nine, Browne passed to Waseem for seven yards.

Purdue called timeout with 2:55 left in the second quarter.

Browne passed 13 yards Xavier Townsend along the right sideline and then passed to Townsend for a 20-yard touchdown. Purdue hit the extra point.

UCLA 21, Purdue 14, 9:55 left in the second quarter

UCLA started on its 39 after the punt.

Wayne Knight ran for one yard. Nico Iamaleava passed to Knight for four yards. Iamaleava scrambled for no gain.

UCLA’s Curtis Gerrand punted 48 yards and Purdue returned it 10 yards to the Boilermakers’ 18. Purdue was called for an illegal block in the back, moving the ball to the Purdue 9.

UCLA 21, Purdue 14, 9:55 left in the second quarter

On first down at the Purdue 24, Bryan Woode passed for 12 yards. Jerrick Gibson ran for no gain. Browne tossed an incomplete pass. Browne was sacked for a loss of 14 yards.

Purdue punted to the UCLA 39.

UCLA 21, Purdue 14, 9:55 left in the second quarter

UCLA started on its 21 after Wayne Knight returned the Purdue kickoff 17 yards.

Anthony Woods ran for nine yards. A Purdue player was injured on the play, triggering a timeout.

Woods ran for three yards. Iamaleava’s tossed a deep incomplete pass intended for Leland Smith, but Purdue was called for pass interference.

On first down at the UCLA 48, Iamaleava passed to Brian Rowe Jr. for 22 yards. Iamaleava’s right hand was hit and cut on the play. UCLA called timeout and was passing the ball during the break.

Madden Iamaleava replaced his brother. Jaivian Thomas ran for seven yards. Thomas ran for another two yards. On third-and-one at the Purdue 21, Thomas was dropped for a loss of three yards.

Mateen Bhaghani missed a 43-yard field goal wide right.

UCLA 21, Purdue 14, 13:45 left in the second quarter

Purdue started on its 25 after a touchback.

Fame Ijeboi ran for six yards. Ryan Browne passed for 13 yards. Ijeboi ran for five yards. Browne passed for four yards. Ijeboi ran for no gain. On fourth-and-one at the UCLA 43, Browne ran for two yards.

Ijeboi ran 10 yards. Browne tossed an incomplete pass and Ijeboi ran for on yard as time expired in the first quarter.

After a break, Browne passed to Asaad Waseem for 25 yards. On first-and-goal at the CULA five, Ijeboi ran for three yards. Ijeboi then took a direct snap and ran for a two-yard touchdown.

Purdue hit the extra point, trimming UCLA’s lead.

UCLA 21, Purdue 7, 4:34 left in the first quarter

Purdue started on its 25 after a touchback.

Quarterback Ryan Browne faked a handoff and ran for 18 yards.

Travis Terrell Jr. ran for one yard before Sammy Omosigho forced a fumble officials said was recovered by Sahir West at the Purdue 44-yard line. The play was reviewed and upheld.

Nico Iamaleavea tossed an incomplete pass. He then ran for a 14-yard gain.

On first down at the Purdue 30, Wayne Knight ran for two yards. Iamaleava rolled way from pressure and passed to Brian Rowe Jr. for nine yards, but UCLA was called for an ineligible receiver down field penalty. On second-and-13 at the Purdue 33, Iamaleava tossed the ball just out of reach for Rowe in the end zone. On third-and-13, Iamaleava passed to Brayden Loftin across the middle for a 22-yard gain. Jaden Mangham was called for a late hit on Iamaleava, who was slow to get up but seemed to shake off any ill effects.

Iamaleava option passed to Anthony Woods for a one-yard loss.

Wayne Knight bounced to the left of the line of scrimmage and rumbled forward for a six-yard touchdown. Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point.

UCLA 14, Purdue 7, 8:26 left in the first quarter

UCLA started on its 25 after a touchback.

Wayne Knight ran for a loss of three yards and UCLA was called for holding. Nico Iamaleava passed to Semaj Morgan for 14 yards. Iamaleava then ran for 32 yards.

On first down at the Purdue 39, Anthony Woods ran for three yards. Iamaleava tossed an incomplete pass, then he passed Jaivian Thomas for nine yards. Iamaleava finished the drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Morgan.

Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point.

UCLA’s passing attack is off to a remarkable start after relying solely on its ground game during its first two wins this season.

UCLA 7, Purdue 7, 11:45 left in the first quarter

Purdue started on its 25 after the touchback.

Ryan Browne passed across the middle to Xavier Townsend and he streaked up the left sideline for a 75-yard touchdown.

Purdue hit the extra point.

UCLA 7, Purdue 0, 11:56 left in the first quarter

UCLA 21 started on its 21 after the kickoff return.

Wayne Knight ran for 16 yards and Purdue was called for a face mask.

Nico Iamaleava passed to Landon Ellis for nine yards. Anthony Woods ran for three yards. Iamaleava passed to Knight for a 14-yard gain.

On first down at the Purdue 22, Knight ran for two yards. Iamaleava tossed an incomplete pass intended for Semaj Morgan. On third-and-eight, Iamaleava tossed to right corner of the end zone to Morgan for a 20-yard touchdown. Mateen Bhaghani hit the extra point.

It was UCLA’s first touchdown pass of the season and a strong way to open Big Ten play.

UCLA 0, Purdue 0, 14:54 left in the first quarter

Purdue won the coin toss and deferred to the second half.

Wayne Knight returned the opening kickoff to the UCLA 21.

The Rose Bowl is not sold out, but the free student tickets helped pack that section.

In a bid to pack the Rose Bowl and Pauley Pavilion, tickets to all UCLA home football and men’s and women’s basketball games will be free for undergraduate, graduate and extension students going forward, UCLA athletics announced Wednesday.

Previously, the Bruins had to purchase a Den Pass for $199 to gain access to home football and men’s basketball games. Students who have already purchased the Den Pass for the 2026-2027 academic year will be reimbursed.

“We have an exciting team led by [head football coach] Bob Chesney and a lot of momentum surrounding UCLA Athletics,” new UCLA chief executive and athletic director Tim Harris said in a news release. “Now it’s time for our students to help set the standard. Arrive early. Be loud. Be relentless. We can’t wait to see a sea of Bruin Blue at the Rose Bowl this Saturday.”

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It was hard to replicate the excitement that Week 1 brought UCLA players and fans.

After knocking out rival Cal in front of a sold-out crowd in Berkeley, the UCLA football team suffered an emotional letdown during the first half against San Diego State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. The prospect of playing coach Bob Chesney’s first home game wasn’t enough to bring out the best in the Bruins from the opening kickoff.

UCLA promoted Saturday’s 28-10 home-opening victory against San Diego State like a friend’s band does a local show — by telling all his friends to tell all their friends to come.

By buying up tickets — 300 by UCLA CEO of Athletics Tim Harris and 300 more by the Champion of Westwood NIL collective — to distribute to fans.

By having its frontman — new head coach Bob Chesney — personally invite people to the Rose Bowl: “I told you it would be different on our side; we need it to be different on their side as well.”

By getting everyone excited, in the aftermath of last weekend’s thrilling season-opening win at Cal, about the new tune they’re singing. By building anticipation, getting the hopes up of people like El Monte’s Aaron Flores, a lifelong UCLA fan, who will tell you he’s ready for some winning after seasons of suffering from “Battered Bruin Syndrome.”

Games are won and lost on special teams.

Precision and execution on punts and kickoffs can pin teams in their own end zones, stopping drives before they even get started.

Electric returners can flip the field and change the trajectory of a game in one play.

And a big foot can mitigate the pressure of a two-minute drill and create scoring opportunities as far as midfield.

Short-term memory. Coaches stress it — and UCLA needed it Saturday in its home opener against San Diego State.

After his team reached the red zone only once in the first half — on a drive that culminated with an interception near the goal line — Bob Chesney probably wanted to forget about how the Bruins played in the first 30 minutes of his coaching debut at the Rose Bowl.

Fortunately for Chesney, he can feel better about how UCLA performed in the second half.

Scoring all of their points after halftime, the Bruins defeated San Diego State 28-10 to remain unbeaten on the young season.

While Purdue is not projected to be a Big Ten juggernaut this season, UCLA coach Bob Chesney and his team expect to be challenged during their first game against Big Ten competition on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

The Boilermakers’ defensive line features five high-impact players that are at least 6-foot-3, and a nose tackle who weighs in at 301 pounds and anchors a defensive front that ranks second in the Big Ten with 17 tackles for loss.

“They’re talented in who they’re as individual players, there are some game-wreckers in there,” Chesney said. “They are as vertical as can be, they jump out of their stances, they’re jumping snap counts and they’re violent. They pose a giant problem, and we are not going to be able to push them around, and we are not going to be able to find ourselves in a spot where they tire. This is going to be a battle on the inside throughout the entire course of that game.”

While UCLA’s ground attack has dominated through the first two games of the season — rushing for 277 yards and six touchdowns against California and 214 yards and four scores against San Diego State — it might be harder for the Bruins’ running backs to have their way against the Purdue defense.