Nebraska’s Defense Shines in 28-21 Victory Against UCLA: PFF Grades & Snap Counts
Nebraska achieved a significant milestone with a 28-21 road victory against UCLA, improving their season record to 7-3. The game was held in Pasadena, with the Huskers entering their final bye week of the 2025 campaign. Without quarterback Dylan Raiola, the team demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess.
Nebraska’s Defensive Performance
The Huskers faced a challenging task against UCLA’s offense, which features dynamic quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The Bruins averaged 4.2 yards per carry, tallying 157 rushing yards on 37 attempts. Despite this, Nebraska’s defense made crucial stops, showcasing an outstanding performance overall.
- UCLA’s total yards: 348
- Nebraska’s tackles for loss: 3.5
- Nebraska’s sacks: 2.5
- Nebraska’s quarterback hurries: 10
The defensive line, featuring mostly underclassmen, performed confidently, contributing significantly to the game. This effort reflected the unit’s growing maturity as the season progresses.
Linebacker Highlights
In the linebacker position, veteran Javin Wright led the defense with nine tackles, raising his season total to 72. The absence of senior Dasan McCullough allowed Dylan Rogers to start, where he initially struggled but gained valuable experience. Meanwhile, Vicent Shavers had a remarkable outing, earning a high run-defense grade and contributing seven tackles.
Secondary Contributions
Nebraska’s secondary played a crucial role in stopping UCLA’s ground game, making a total of 28 tackles. Safety DeShon Singleton had an impressive match, with 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, and additional quarterback hurries. His versatility has been pivotal to the defense throughout the season.
- DeShon Singleton’s season tackles: 56
- Pass breakups: 4
- Interceptions: 2
The cornerback duo of Ceyair Wright and Andrew Marshall effectively limited UCLA’s aerial threats, allowing minimal yards and receptions throughout the game. Their contributions were vital in maintaining the integrity of Nebraska’s secondary.
Looking Ahead
The victory underscores Nebraska’s strategic depth and defensive strength, allowing true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef to secure a win in his first start. The defense’s ability to restrict UCLA to 21 points proved instrumental in clinching the game.
As they prepare for their next matchup against Penn State, Nebraska will aim to maintain its defensive momentum. If the defense continues to limit opponents to roughly 19.8 points per game, it positions the Huskers for a successful end to the season.
This gritty performance not only marks a key win for coach Matt Rhule but also showcases the potential for continued improvement as the Huskers seek to build on their current success record.
