The UCLA Bruins just keep finding ways to win. Nothing was too easy for the Bruins on Saturday, even though the Oregon Ducks turned the ball over seven times in UCLA’s 17- 15 win.
It was the first time in Bob Chesney’s tenure with UCLA that the Bruins played as a ranked team and they looked quite comfortable. Even though the offense struggled with Nico Iamaleava, UCLA was still assertive, highlighted by the 62-yard bomb to Aidan Mizell on the first play from scrimmage in the game.
UCLA persevered throughout the 60 minutes to stay unbeaten on the season. Here are five heroes for the Bruins from Saturday’s game.
Running Back: Wayne Knight
Let’s knock this one out first. Of course Wayne Knight is here, UCLA battled to score their two touchdowns in this one and Knight scored
both of them. UCLA leaned on Knight in a way that they haven't needed to so far this season, with the James Madison transfer picking up 22 carries for 103 yards.
Safety: Ta’Shawn James
There’s something to be said about a defensive back just having a knack to come up with the football. James nearly had an interception early in the game off of a deflection but Dylan Raiola threw up another one to James, who didn’t miss the opportunity, snagging his fourth interception of the season.
Quarterback: Dylan Raiola
Nico Iamaleava struggled hard in the first half against Oregon before missing the second half with an injury but even with the frustrating showing, he wasn’t the worst quarterback on Saturday. Raiola was in hell against the UCLA defense, completing just 6-19 passes and turning the ball over three times. Third-string Brock Thomas to be much more successful against the Bruins.
Defensive Coordinator: Colin Hitschler
UCLA hopes that they’ll be able to retain Colin Hitschler moving forward. It hasn’t been the perfect season for Hitschler but the performance on Saturday might have been. UCLA didn’t allow a third or fourth down conversion all game long, forcing Oregon to go 0-2 on two-point attempts.
Linebacker: Sammy Omosigho
Sammy Omosigo is having an All-American season for UCLA. The Oklahoma transfer entered the game leading the country in forced fumbles, and while he didn’t get any on Saturday, he still made an impact. Omosigho had just two tackles but made two big pass break-ups, keeping things difficult for the Oregon offense to complete passes against the middle of the UCLA defense.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Five heroes for UCLA football in their 17-15 win over Oregon
