PASADENA–After a scoreless first half where both defenses ruled, UCLA put up 28 points in the second half in their home opener. On Saturday,  September 12 the UCLA Bruins running game took over, as UCLA knocked off San Diego State at the Rose Bowl.

Bruins Running Wayne Knight scored three touchdowns in a rapid succession. Knight scored on runs of 8 yards in the third and 7 and 36 yards in the fourth, the James Madison transfer’s second straight game with three TDs.

“When the light shines on you,” Knight said, “it’s your time to make that play.”

Jalvian Thomas added a 1-yard TD in between Knight’s two fourth-quarter scores for the Bruins (2-0).

In 2026, UCLA’s defense has been ferocious.  The Bruins didn’t give up a touchdown until the game’s final 2:28 when Jackson Ford caught a 19-yard pass from Jayden Denegal.

A critical error in the red zone cost the Bruins the games first touchdown.

The Bruins eventually got the ball to the 2-yard line on the drive, but Iamaleava was intercepted in the end zone by Mike Lindsay after underthrowing to a wide-open Brayden Loftin.

Despite the slow start, UCLA Head Coach Bob Chesney realizes the importance of his team responding to adversity.

“It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty and we need one of those,” Chesney said. “I loved the resolve that we had and I liked the energy we came back out with in the second half.”

Bruins Quarterback Nico lamaleava netted 57 rushing yards on 13 attempts for his sixth career game with at least 50 yards rushing. In the air, the quarterback was 14 of 22 for 151 yards and one interception.

UCLA finished with over 200 rushing yards, giving the team back-to-back 200-plus yard rushing performances to start the season after doing so just once last year.

The Bruins are (2-0) for the first time since 2023. Chesney has won 12 consecutive regular-season games dating back to last season at James Madison.

Next week, BIG 10  conference play gets underway at the Rose Bowl. As Purdue will face UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, September 19.

It’s a night game, kickoff is slated for 8:00 PM.