**UCLA Wins Close One: 20-17 Over Iowa**

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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UCLA Wins Close One: 20-17 Over Iowa in Thrilling Season Opener

The UCLA Bruins kicked off their 2023 season with a nail-biting 20-17 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in a game that went down to the wire. The game, played in Pasadena, California, was a defensive battle with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm.

Bruins Defense Shines in Tight Contest

UCLA's defense was the story of the game, holding Iowa's potent offense to just 17 points and forcing three turnovers. The Bruins' defensive line was particularly dominant, sacking Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara four times and consistently disrupting the Hawkeyes' offensive flow.

Key Defensive Plays:

• Interception: UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau intercepted McNamara in the end zone in the fourth quarter, stopping a potential game-tying drive.
• Fumble Recovery: Defensive end Gabriel Murphy recovered a fumble by Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the second quarter, setting up a UCLA field goal.

Offensive Struggles, But Key Plays Made the Difference

While the Bruins' offense struggled to consistently move the ball, they made just enough key plays to secure the win. Quarterback Ethan Garbers threw for 180 yards and a touchdown, connecting with wide receiver Jake Bobo on a crucial 49-yard reception that set up a touchdown in the third quarter.

Key Offensive Plays:

• Touchdown Pass: Garbers found Bobo for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give UCLA a 17-10 lead.
• Field Goal: UCLA kicker Nicholas Barr-Mira kicked a 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to extend the Bruins' lead to 20-17.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams scoring just one touchdown each. UCLA took a 10-7 lead into the break. The second half was much more exciting, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals. The game came down to the final minutes, with Iowa driving down the field looking for the game-tying score, only to be thwarted by Muasau's interception.

Looking Ahead: A Test of Resilience

The Bruins' victory over Iowa was a testament to their resilience and the strength of their defense. It also revealed some areas for improvement on the offensive side of the ball. With a challenging schedule ahead, UCLA will need to continue to build on this win and work towards offensive consistency.

This win is a positive sign for the Bruins, who will be looking to build on this momentum throughout the season.