BERKELEY, Ca — UCLA’s first game under coach Bob Chesney turned into a fourth-quarter statement.
The Bruins scored 21 unanswered points in the final 15 minutes, pulling away from California for a 45-24 victory Saturday night at California Memorial Stadium and giving Chesney a winning debut.
UCLA appeared in control after taking a 24-17 lead into halftime, but Cal responded with a 14-play, 85-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter to tie the game at 24. The Bruins answered by taking over on the ground, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Wayne Knight, one of Chesney’s transfers from James Madison, provided the biggest spark. Knight scored twice in the fourth quarter on runs of 31 and 4 yards, finishing with three rushing touchdowns in his UCLA debut.
“The run game was amazing,” Knight said. “Our offensive line, our tight ends, everybody was just doing their job, and it made it easy for us to make plays.”
Anthony Woods also delivered a major performance for the Bruins, rushing for 118 yards on only eight carries and adding two touchdowns. His 53-yard touchdown run with 1:17 remaining capped the scoring and sent UCLA fans into celebration.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was efficient in his first game with UCLA, completing his opportunities through the air while the Bruins leaned heavily on their running game. UCLA finished with 277 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
The Bruins initially built a 21-10 advantage late in the second quarter before Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele sparked the Golden Bears’ comeback. Sagapolutele connected with Mason Mini for a touchdown with 13 seconds remaining in the first half, cutting UCLA’s lead to 21-17.
Cal carried that momentum into the third quarter. Adam Mohammed capped the Golden Bears’ long drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 24 with 3:50 remaining in the quarter.
Knight broke through for a 31-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving the Bruins a 31-24 lead. After UCLA’s defense forced another Cal possession to stall, Knight scored again from 4 yards with 2:58 remaining.
“That’s what we talked about all week — staying together when things get hard,” Chesney said. “Our guys showed a lot of toughness, especially after they tied the game.”
UCLA’s defense also delivered when the Bruins needed it most. Ta’Shawn James intercepted Sagapolutele twice in the fourth quarter, helping shut down Cal’s comeback attempt and allowing UCLA to seize control.
Sagapolutele finished with 271 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Bruins consistently pressured him and forced critical mistakes late.
The victory gave UCLA a 1-0 start to the Chesney era and spoiled Cal’s debut under new coach Tosh Lupoi.
For the Bruins, the message was clear: After a competitive three quarters, UCLA finished the game with authority.
UCLA will return home for its next game against San Diego State on Sept. 12.