There’s a UCLA coach who has sparked a main transformation in addition to Bob Chesney.
How about that Colin Hitschler protection?
For more than a month now, Hitschler’s unit has been in lockdown mode.
The Bruins haven’t given up more than two touchdowns in a recreation since the center of September, and on Saturday they unveiled a masterpiece at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA defensive lineman Sahir West (15) reacts during the first half of an NCAA faculty soccer recreation against Nevada on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
With its offense sputtering for much of the afternoon, No. 7 UCLA’s protection stepped up in a main approach during a 27-0 victory over Nevada.
The Bruins (8-0) intercepted 4 passes — with a drop by security Scooter Jackson stopping a fifth — while holding the Wolf Pack (3-5) to 176 yards of offense.
It was UCLA’s first shutout since a 2015 thrashing of Oregon State and its first at home since holding Oregon scoreless in 2007.
These guys don’t call themselves the Bruin Bullies for nothing.
UCLA vast receiver Semaj Morgan (4) runs with the ball as Nevada linebacker EJ Smith (2) defends in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
The Bruins’ protection is one of the largest causes they stay in College Football Playoff competition and have won on days when their offense has been sluggish.
Over its last 5 video games, UCLA has given up an average of only 7 factors. That’s an quantity they usually gave up in less than a quarter under the likes of Jerry Azzinaro, Tom Bradley and some of the other defensive coordinators who preceded Hitschler.
Nevada’s best probability to put factors on the board came late in the third quarter, when it missed a 48-yard area purpose.
The recreation ended in becoming fashion, with defensive back Ty Lee making an interception in the remaining minute and the Bruins taking a knee to run out the clock.
What it means
The Bruins stored their unbeaten begin rolling forward of the initial release of the CFP rankings on Tuesday.
The huge query is if they will be one of the high eight groups, which would put them in place to host a first-round recreation at the Rose Bowl.
With one of the quarterfinal video games also scheduled to be performed at the Rose Bowl, it’s conceivable that UCLA could play back-to-back home video games in the CFP.
UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach celebrates after his landing during the first half of an NCAA faculty soccer recreation against Nevada on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
Turning level
With UCLA’s offense producing very little, Bruins defensive back Derrick Barksdale took it upon himself to put factors on the board.
Barksdale intercepted a cross halfway through the first quarter and returned it 26 yards for a landing, placing his crew up 10-0.
After 4 drives that principally went nowhere, UCLA’s offense finally confirmed up on a 71-yard drive that ended when quarterback Ty Dieffenbach faked a handoff and plunged into the finish zone for a 4-yard landing. The Bruins were up 17-0 and that was primarily the ballgame.
MVP: Sahir West
UCLA edge rusher Sahir West made 1 ½ sacks and two tackles for loss, including one for an eight-yard loss on third down early in the fourth quarter that compelled the Wolf Pack to punt from their own finish zone.
West completed the recreation with 9 tackles, frequently pressuring Nevada’s quarterbacks.
DId you see that?
The Bruins had a particular welcome for former teammate Luke Duncan in his return to the Rose Bowl. Jackson intercepted Duncan’s first cross, returning it to the Nevada 28-yard line and setting up a UCLA area purpose for the recreation’s opening factors.
Nevada’s second drive ended with another interception, this one by UCLA linebacker Jalen Woods.
The Wolf Pack yanked Duncan in favor of A.J. Bianco after his third interception, though Duncan returned in the second half.
Up next
The Bruins face one of their hardest remaining checks next weekend when they journey to face Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are significantly robust at Huntington Bank Stadium, where they’ve crushed Michigan and Iowa.