BERKELEY– The Bob Chesney era at UCLA began with a 45-24 win over former PAC-12 foe, the California Golden Bears on Saturday night, September 5. It was a rowdy sellout crowd of 54,283 at Memorial Stadium, both teams entered the season with new coaches and high hopes.

“It was a lot of fun,” Chesney said. “That was a battle.” At one point, Cal evened the contest at 24-24 in the third quarter.

UCLA ran away with the inaugural game of the season in the fourth quarter. Wayne Knight ran for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Knight, who came from James Madison along with Chesney, scored on a 31-yard run midway through the fourth.

Defensively, UCLA got big plays from three newcomers. Linebacker Sammy Omosigho totaled a career-high 14 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss. Ta’Shawn James collected two interceptions and Derrick Barksdale added a sack out of the defensive backfield.

Knight finished with 71 yards rushing and three TDs. Bruins Nico Iamaleava threw for 184 yards and ran for a score. UCLA finished with 277 yards rushing and six touchdowns on the ground.

“We got a lot of guys in there that can make plays,” Knight said. “It’s never going to drop off with any of us. That’s going to be a huge testament for a lot of games that we win this season.”

The teams traded TDs on the opening drives and then the final two minutes of the first half were especially eventful. It started when Sagapolutele lost a fumble on a sack in his own territory. Iamaleava then threw an interception in the red zone to Kingston Lopa in the final minute of the half.

 

Anthony Woods broke free for a 53-yard run on the Bruins’ final possession for his second touchdown and UCLA’s sixth — all on the ground. Last season, the Bruins ran for eight.

 

Since the demise of the Pac-12 in 2023, the Golden Bears and Bruins hadn’t met. Saturday still had all the feelings associated with “Pac-12 After Dark” chaos.

UCLA’s top three running backs rushed for 230 yards on 21 carries, an average of 10.5 yards per carry, while Cal’s top three running backs ran for 140 yards on 33 carries, an average of 4.3 yards per carry.

In addition, the defense made crucial stops and forced key turnlvers. Coach Chesney understands the recipe for success with UCLA football is a strong running game combined with a ferocious defense.

The Bruins return for their home opener on Saturday, September 12 at 4:15 p.m. PT, when San Diego State visits the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.