Bob Chesney is building it, and UCLA fans are finally showing up
Key Points:
- UCLA football coach Bob Chesney experienced a memorable moment before the game as he saw a full, enthusiastic crowd at the Rose Bowl despite heavy rain, signaling growing fan support in his first season.
- The Bruins secured a 22-14 victory over Illinois, improving to 10-0 for the first time since 1998, and are close to clinching a spot in the Big Ten championship and potentially the College Football Playoff.
- UCLA's defense continued to dominate, shutting out Illinois in the first half and forcing key turnovers late, while the offense struggled but was energized by quarterback Ty Dieffenbach's return despite injury.
- Attendance of 45,800 marked UCLA's highest home crowd of the season, with fans braving bad weather and traffic, reflecting renewed excitement and engagement with the team.
- Fans showed strong support for Chesney, chanting his name as he left the field, highlighting the positive momentum and loyalty building around the program under his leadership.