News Summary
The UCLA football team secured a remarkable upset, defeating the then-No. 7 Penn State 42-37, marking their first win of the season. Interim coach Tim Skipper emphasizes the need for consistent performance moving forward, especially as they prepare to face Michigan State. The Bruins showcased impressive offensive play and significant individual honors followed this victory. While the team celebrates this milestone, they recognize the importance of continuing to improve, particularly on defense. A new chapter awaits as they look to build on this momentum in upcoming matches.
UCLA – The UCLA football team is riding high after achieving a historic upset by defeating then-No. 7 Penn State 42-37, marking their first victory of the season. The Bruins, now with an overall record of 1-4 and 1-1 in the Big Ten Conference, are looking to build upon this momentum as they face Michigan State in their next match-up.
Interim coach Tim Skipper expressed a strong desire for the team not to be labeled as a “one-hit wonder” following their significant win. The focus will be on maintaining performance consistency and continuing to improve on previous struggles. Under Skipper’s leadership, the importance of a dedicated mindset has been emphasized, with players motivated to exhibit maximum effort, a sentiment captured by the term “strain” that Skipper has coined.
The offensive performance against Penn State was impressive, culminating in a season-high 435 yards, with 269 of those yards achieved on the ground. The strategic play calling by Jerry Neuheisel significantly contributed to UCLA’s success in the game. Following this victory, the atmosphere among the players has shifted positively, characterized by increased morale, evident by the smiles and laughter noted within the practice facility.
Recognition has flowed in for the team’s achievements this past week, with Skipper receiving the Dodd Trophy award as coach of the week, while quarterback Nico Iamaleava was acknowledged as the Associated Press national player of the week. Furthermore, Neuheisel was honored as the CBS Sports coordinator of the week for his contributions to the game.
While the Bruins celebrated their recent triumph, they are acutely aware of the need for continued growth, especially concerning their defense as they prepare to meet the Michigan State Spartans. A standout moment in the game against Penn State was cornerback Scooter Jackson’s crucial game-ending sack, which highlighted the defensive improvements that have been made. Kevin Coyle, the new de facto defensive coordinator, has been customizing strategies to align with the players’ strengths, enhancing the team’s overall defensive performance.
Skipper’s interim contract, valued at $875,000, includes additional bonuses tied to the team’s qualification for a bowl game, marking a substantial increase from his previous compensation. UCLA has also invested in their training facilities, recently completing a $2.9 million renovation of Spaulding Field, which underscores the commitment to improving their overall program.
As UCLA prepares to go toe-to-toe with Michigan State, the game presents an opportunity for the Spartans to rebound following previous performances. Both teams are eager to showcase their capabilities, and for UCLA, it is about sustaining the hopeful turnaround initiated by their inspirational victory over Penn State.
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HERE Resources
UCLA Upsets No. 7 Penn State for First Win of the Season
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UCLA Women’s Soccer Triumphs Over Maryland
Additional Resources
- College Football News: UCLA vs Michigan State Prediction Preview 2025
- 247 Sports: UCLA Football vs Michigan State Preview
- Sports Illustrated: Michigan State Football Insights
- New York Times: UCLA’s Upset Win Over Penn State
- USA Today: UCLA’s Emotional Lift After Penn State Upset
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
