UCLA 27-20 Nebraska (Nov 2, 2024) Game Recap

LINCOLN, Neb. — — Ethan Garbers threw for 2 touchdowns, linebacker Kain Medrano returned an interception for a landing to start out the second half, and UCLA held off Nebraska late to beat the Cornhuskers 27-20 Saturday.

The Bruins (3-5, 2-4 Large Ten) have received consecutive video games for the primary time beneath first-year coach DeShaun Foster following a 1-5 begin.

“This staff was constantly displaying how resilient they’re, they’re going to proceed to battle,” Foster stated. “This was a very good (opponent), that’s why they have been in a position to come again. They weren’t going to give up in any respect, they have been going to proceed to battle. That’s what Coach (Matt) Rhule instills in his gamers, so we’re simply excited to have the ability to get a victory in a hostile surroundings like this.”

The Cornhuskers (5-4, 2-4) have dropped three straight and misplaced freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola to a crushing hit on their second-to-last possession.

The Bruins, who led by 20 factors within the third quarter, had anxious moments earlier than their win was safe. Backup quarterback Heinrich Haarberg transformed a fourth-and-11 whereas shifting the Huskers into UCLA territory on their remaining possession. Kaylin Moore intercepted Heinrich’s go that deflected off Jacory Barney Jr. on the 13 with 29 seconds left, and the Bruins ran out the clock.

Garbers accomplished 17 of 25 passes for 219 yards and had a 57-yard run that arrange a discipline aim.

Garbers stated the Bruins have been seeking to get out to a quick begin on the highway, they usually did. They received the coin toss, took the ball and drove for a discipline aim.

“We must always have put seven on the board, however we solely bought three, so we’re cool with that,” Garbers stated. “We needed to set the tone early, come on the market and punch them within the mouth. And I feel we did an incredible job at present.”

The Bruins added to their 13-7 halftime lead with a pair fast scores. Medrano intercepted Raiola’s go on the primary play from scrimmage within the second half and returned it 38 yards for a landing.

Medrano stepped in entrance of the over-the-middle go supposed for Jahmal Banks and hurdled Raiola alongside the sideline to achieve the tip zone.

“I don’t know if anyone is aware of, however I was large receiver,” Medrano stated. “I bought some strikes up in there.”

Garbers’ 48-yard go to Kwazi Gilmer put the Bruins up 27-7 halfway via the third quarter. Their remaining 4 collection netted simply 42 yards and allowed the Huskers to make a recreation of it.

Raiola was damage when he took an enormous hit on the UCLA 2 after being flushed out of the pocket. He tried to re-enter a pair performs later however fell a couple of steps from the sideline and limped off holding his decrease again.

“I assumed I might battle via it,” stated Raiola, who was 14 of 27 for 177 yards. “I went on the market, and I suppose it locked up on me. We belief Heinrich in these conditions, and I assumed it was greatest for the staff, and I assumed I probably might damage them if I went again on the market. I did not know what my physique might do. I did not suppose it was sufficient to present us an opportunity to win, so Heinrich did his factor.”

With Haarberg in, Dante Dowdell crashed via for a 1-yard TD. John Hohl missed the additional level, leaving the Huskers down 27-20 with 3:57 left.

“I identical to coming in right here with these boys and dealing day by day,” Medrano stated. “It’s enjoyable at apply. You see the juice on the market on the sphere, attempting to hold it over daily, Monday all the way in which to Saturday. So it’s been lots of enjoyable. I really like this staff. I really like this teaching workers. Have all the religion in everyone. I simply can’t wait to maintain hold this enjoyable going.”

The takeaway

UCLA: UCLA is bettering after its tough begin regardless of spells of undisciplined play. The Bruins, who beat Rutgers 35-32 of their final recreation, have posted their two highest level totals in back-to-back video games.

Nebraska: Raiola appeared gimpy all through the sport, and now his standing will likely be a significant focus. The Huskers do not play once more for 2 weeks.

Up subsequent

UCLA: hosts Iowa subsequent Saturday.

Nebraska: visits Southern California on Nov. 16.

——–

Get ballot alerts and updates on the AP Prime 25 all through the season. Enroll right here. AP faculty soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football