Early Gophers’ defensive stops give way to second-half secondary miscues.
Behind the strength of a tenacious defense and an explosive passing game, the 8th-ranked UCLA Bruins defeated the Minnesota Gophers 34-20 today at Huntington Bank Stadium. For three quarters, the Gophers continued their impressive defensive play until some big Bruins pass plays exposed their defense. The Minnesota offense again played sluggishly as they failed again to score in the first quarter and punted the ball away five times.
Gophers’ defensive coordinator Danny Collins’ defense held tough but were foiled several times by long UCLA pass plays. Coming into the game, the Bruins were known for their strong rushing attack. But Minnesota had no answer for UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, who burned them on several long passing plays.
Bruins Take the Early Lead
UCLA struck first blood when, on the first drive of the game, kicker Mateen Braghani booted a 37-yard field goal to put the Bruins up by three. It was set up by a 54-yard bomb from Dieffenbach to Semaji Morgan, who was eventually brought down at the Minnesota 16-yard line. The Bruins’ quarterback exploited a secondary miscue to hit a wide-open Morgan.
The Gophers failed to capitalize on their next possession when Drzewiecki missed a 56-yard field goal attempt wide right. Then the Bruins took advantage of their excellent field position, marching 72 yards in seven plays, culminated by a one-yard Wayne Knight scamper around the left side for a touchdown and a 10-0 UCLA lead. Dieffenbach did most of the damage with his legs, scrambling for 31 yards on three carries.
Gophers Come Back
Late in the first quarter, Lindsey methodically led the Gophers on an 11-play, 61-yard drive punctuated by a hard-nosed running game and 21-yard receptions by Jalen Smith and Jacob Simpson. The drive ended with a three-yard Darius Taylor lunge for a Minnesota touchdown. This cut the Bruins’ lead to three.
On the subsequent UCLA drive on fourth and 2 from the Gophers’ 27-yard line, Minnesota cornerback John Nestor stuffed Knight for no gain, ending the Bruins’ drive. With 59 seconds remaining in the half, Minnesota middle linebacker Maverick Baranowski intercepted a Dieffenbach pass at the UCLA 44-yard line. Six plays later, Drzewiecki kicked a 37-yard field goal to tie the game as time expired in the first half.
UCLA Takes the Lead
On their first drive of the second, the Gophers offense launched a short drive after a Quayd Hendryx 35-yard kickoff return. But the drive stalled, and on fourth down, Drzewiecki’s 56-yard field goal attempt into a stiff wind sailed right, and the Bruins took possession on their own 38-yard line. But UCLA came right back with a four-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a Dieffenbach 27-yard strike to Noah Fox-Flores for a Bruins touchdown and a seven-point lead.
The Gophers failed to move the ball on their next drive and on fourth down, the Bruins’ Troy Leigber blocked a Tom Weston punt, and UCLA recovered the ball on the Minnesota 20-yard line. Four plays later, Gophers defensive end T.J. Bush sacked Dieffenbach, forcing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Theorin Randle, who was brought down at the Minnesota 30. The drive stalled, but the ensuing punt pinned the Bruins down at their own one-yard line.
Teams Trade Scores
After a short UCLA punt, Lindsey drove the Gophers down the field, highlighted by a Noah Jennings 26-yard reception that he advanced to the Bruins’ three-yard line. On second and 4 from the UCLA four-yard line, Lindsey executed a play-action pop pass to tight end George Rohl for a touchdown, leaving the game knotted at 17.
However, the Bruins came right back when Dieffenbach hit a streaking Aidan Mizell down the middle for a 75-yard touchdown connection, bolting to UCLA back into the lead. They ran a crossing pattern, which is a route that challenged the Minnesota secondary all game.
Gophers Fail to Mount a Comeback
The Gophers added a fourth-quarter 36-yard Drezwiecki field goal, but the Bruins came right back as Dieffenbach once again hit Mizell with another 75-yard bomb to up their lead to 31-20. Lindsey attempted to bring Minnesota back, but his long pass intended for Smith was intercepted by UCLA’s Scooter Jackson at their own 44.
The Bruins added a late field goal to close out the scoring, taking a home, well-played 34-20 victory. Dieffenbach finished 8-for-16 for 303 yards and three touchdown passes. Mizell caught two passes for 150 yards and the two scores.
Summary
For the game, Lindsey was 19-37 for 205 yards with one touchdown pass and a pick. Taylor led all rushers with 46 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Smith was the leading Gophers receiver with five catches for 85 yards. Baranowski paced all Minnesota tacklers with nine and added the one interception. Fellow linebacker Joey Gerlach was close behind with eight tackles.
Next Up
Next week, the Gophers (5-4, 3-3) travel to Happy Valley to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. Game time is scheduled for 6 or 6:30 p.m. CST.
