UCLA’s win over San Diego State on Saturday wasn’t as flashy as their Week 1 over Cal but it’ll count all the same. The Bruins handled business against the Aztecs but after putting up 45 points last week, this week UCLA relied on their defense.
The UCLA defense gave Nico Iamaleava and Co. enough time
The UCLA offense struggled for much of the game before eventually wearing down the Aztec defense in the second half. That only occured because the Bruins defense supplied the offense with oppurtunity after opportunity.
A new way to win a game for the Bruins defense
Last week UCLA’s defense impressed by forcing three turnovers, this time around it was their down-to-down dominance. After being challenged through the air last week, the UCLA secondary bounced back with a much-improved effort.
Nothing through the air for the Aztecs
San Diego State quarterback Jayden Denegal tried to challenge
UCLA down the field but failed to connect on any deep balls. Denegal struggled, going just 6-17 through the air and tallying just 45 passing yards. The Aztecs found some success on the ground early and wound up with 144 yards rushing in the game.
Holding it down in the middle
Linebackers Sammy Omosigho and Jalen Woods continued their strong start to the season. Omosigho forced a fumble on special teams and made five tackles including two tackles for losses. Woods made nine tackles with a sack and an interception. The linebacker duo helped UCLA take away the middle of the field through the air as well.
San Diego State's defense came to play as well
San Diego State’s defense stood tall against the UCLA offense but the group wore down in the fourth quarter. The Bruins defense allowed all 10 of their points in the fourth quarter but they gave the team enough breathing room that the 10 points weren’t costly.
Colin Hitschler has passed his first two tests with the Bruins
Through two games under new defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, the UCLA defense has forced four turnovers and has allowed just 17 points-per-game.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA's defensive dominance leads the way in Week 2 versus SDSU
