UCLA beats Minnesota, makes case to rise in CFP rankings
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- UCLA, ranked No. 8 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, responded with a strong 34-20 victory over Minnesota, improving to 9-0 for the first time since 1998.
- The Bruins overcame a tied game at halftime and a 17-17 score early in the fourth quarter by scoring two 75-yard touchdown passes from backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach to Aiden Mizell.
- Dieffenbach's performance was notable, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns against a Minnesota defense that had not allowed a 300-yard passer all season.
- UCLA's defense, known as the "Bruin Bullies," continued to dominate, contributing to Minnesota's first Big Ten home loss since 2024 and maintaining UCLA's undefeated status without trailing in the fourth quarter.
- Analysts and fans are calling for UCLA to be ranked higher in the College Football Playoff, recognizing the team as a legitimate playoff contender with a balanced offense and a strong defense.
