UCLA Stuns No. 7 Penn State, Ends 16-Game Top-10 Losing Streak
UCLA, a winless team, secured a surprising 42-37 victory over No. 7 Penn State. This win ended their 16-game losing streak against Top-10 teams, with Nico Iamaleava leading the upset with five touchdowns.
Overview
- UCLA secured a stunning 42-37 victory over No. 7 Penn State, marking the first time in 40 years a winless team has defeated a top-10 opponent.
- Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a transfer from Tennessee, led UCLA's offense with an impressive five touchdowns, showcasing his talent in the upset win.
- The victory ended UCLA's 16-game losing streak against Top-10 teams and secured their first win of the season, avoiding a winless record.
- UCLA's explosive offense scored on its first five possessions, building a significant 20-point lead against Penn State early in the game.
- UCLA dominated offensively, accumulating 446 total yards, including 280 rushing yards, significantly outperforming Penn State's 357 total yards.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a dramatic underdog triumph, emphasizing UCLA's dire pre-game circumstances and the historical significance of their upset victory. They use evaluative language to highlight the "stunning" nature of the win and the team's turnaround, focusing on UCLA's explosive performance and the end of their losing streaks.
"UCLA stunned the Nittany Lions 42-37 on Saturday, becoming the first 0-4 or worse team to beat a top-10 team in 40 years."
Chicago Tribune"UCLA couldn’t get much lower."
Associated Press"Iamaleava was a maestro on third downs, leading the Bruins to a stunning victory over Penn State."
USA TODAYArticles (3)
Center (3)
FAQ
UCLA's win marked the first time in 40 years that a winless team defeated a top-10 opponent, and it ended a 16-game losing streak against Top-10 teams for UCLA.
Nico Iamaleava led UCLA's offense with five touchdowns, a career-high, showcasing both passing and rushing skills that were critical to the upset victory.
UCLA dominated offensively, accumulating 446 total yards including 280 rushing yards, significantly outperforming Penn State's 357 total yards.
The loss damaged Penn State's standing as a national title contender and increased pressure on the team, leaving little room for error in upcoming games against teams like Oregon and Indiana.
Yes, UCLA had a 16-game losing streak against AP Top-10 teams prior to this victory, with their last win over a top-10 opponent dating back to 2010.
History
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