Things continue to go to plan for Bob Chesney and the UCLA Bruins. UCLA now finds themselves as a Top-25 team in the nation just four games into Chesney’s tenure, with the team being 4-0 heading into their Week 6 meeting with the Oregon Ducks.
It took big fourth quarters for UCLA to capture their first three wins of the season but that changed on Saturday. The Bruins
dominated throughout, picking up a 54-3 win on the East Coast against Maryland.Chesney and the Bruins are turning heads. Trojans Wire writer Matt Zemek is among those impressed by UCLA’s first-year head coach.
“Bob Chesney watched his UCLA defense allow 38 points at home to Purdue. His own team scored 52, so it didn't matter in terms of a win or loss, but it mattered to Vegas. UCLA was
a tiny 1.5-point favorite according to the sportsbooks because the Bruins, though unbeaten, did not demolish opponents,” Zemek said. “They needed a big fourth quarter to pull away from a Cal team which we can see is not very good. They were stuck in mud for two and a half quarters against San Diego State before finally busting loose to win. They allowed 38 to Purdue. The Bruins were winning but not dominating. That all changed against Maryland.”
It was a statement win for the program, proving that they’re capable of strong-arming other Big Ten teams. UCLA also continued to prove that they’re a top tier rushing offense, putting up another game with over 200 rushing yards.
“This was total and sustained dominance. This was UCLA playing a road Big Ten game and delivering a knockout punch. Contrast this road Big Ten attitude and performance with crosstown rival USC, which has noticeably struggled on the road in the Big Ten throughout the Lincoln Riley era,” Zemek said. “Beating Maryland was good. Blowing out Maryland should get everyone's attention. Bob Chesney looks like The Man. Nothing would suggest he isn't the exact leader UCLA football has needed.”
UCLA will have next weekend off before the 2026 season resumes in Eugene, Oregon for a Week 6 showdown with No. 15 Oregon.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Bob Chesney and the Bruins had their first truly dominant showing
