Washington Dominates UCLA in Potential Rose Bowl Farewell
In a potentially disappointing farewell, the UCLA Bruins faced a heavy defeat against the Washington Huskies, losing 48-14. This match may have marked UCLA’s final game at the Rose Bowl, where they have played for 43 years.
Game Overview
The game took place on Saturday night, with an announced attendance of 38,201 fans. However, as the match progressed, many fans departed, leaving the stadium notably empty.
Key Events
- UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered an injury in the third quarter, ending his return from a previous concussion.
- UCLA struggled offensively, with Washington dominating the field, achieving 426 total yards compared to UCLA’s 207 yards.
- UCLA’s offense included a late 37-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Luke Duncan to Mikey Matthews.
- Notable UCLA plays included an interception by defensive back Cole Martin and a fumbled return for a touchdown by Jamir Benjamin.
Turnovers and Mistakes
The Bruins’ performance was marred by multiple turnovers. They fumbled twice in the first half, with a particularly disastrous fake field goal attempt leading to a touchdown for Washington. Interim coach Tim Skipper highlighted that turnovers were critical to their loss, stating, “Turnovers are always going to kill you.”
Future of UCLA Football
Looking ahead, UCLA faces uncertainty about its playing venue and coaching staff. School officials are weighing options for the future, including a potential move to SoFi Stadium for the 2026 season opener. UCLA has a lease at the Rose Bowl that continues until 2044, which may complicate matters further.
Reflections on the Rose Bowl
Pasadena native and defensive back Cole Martin expressed emotional ties to the Rose Bowl, emphasizing its significance to him. “The Rose Bowl means a lot to me,” Martin said. The Bruins will need to address numerous shortcomings as they prepare for their remaining game this season, aiming for improvements in performance and strategy.
