UCLA DEFEATS NEVADA 27-0 TO IMPROVE TO 8-0

UCLA, ranked seventh nationally, defeated Nevada 27-0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, improving to 8-0 for the season. The result gave UCLA its first shutout at the stadium since 2007. UCLA's defence recorded four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown by cornerback Derrick Barksdale in the first quarter. Head coach Bob Chesney said: "Really good defensive plays that showed up in there, and then just a lot to be desired at moments on the offensive side, but I thought overall to get yourself to 8-0 is a big deal, and to shut a team out at any level is a big deal." He said wins were not easy to come by and that the team still had room to improve.

Nevada managed just 65 yards rushing, an average of 1.9 yards per carry, as UCLA's defence limited the Wolf Pack's running game. UCLA recorded three sacks of Nevada's quarterback, repeatedly pressuring him in the backfield. Starting quarterback Luke Duncan, who played for UCLA last season as backup to Nico Iamaleava, threw interceptions on three consecutive drives. Nevada coach Jeff Choate then replaced Duncan with AJ Bianco. UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach scored a four-yard rushing touchdown during the first half. Nevada's record fell to 3-5.

Chesney said his defence's ability to capitalise on turnovers reflected the team's quality, noting that pressure forces opposing quarterbacks into quick, risky throws. He said: "I like where we're at, and there's a whole lot more that we have to continue to step up." The win extended UCLA's turnaround after winning just three games last season. UCLA remains unbeaten through eight games this season.