A Nail-Biter Under the Pasadena Lights
The Rose Bowl was electric Saturday night as the UCLA Bruins edged out the Maryland Terrapins, 20-17, in a dramatic finish that left fans breathless. The game, marked by defensive grit and late-game heroics, was decided by a walk-off field goal from UCLA kicker
Mateen Bhaghani, sealing the Bruins’ third consecutive victory and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Final-Minute Magic: How UCLA Sealed the Win
With the score tied at 17 and less than a minute on the clock, UCLA’s offense took the field with everything on the line. Quarterback
Nico Iamaleava orchestrated a poised drive, highlighted by a crucial 35-yard run from running back
Anthony Frias II that put the Bruins in field goal range. Bhaghani, showing nerves of steel, nailed the game-winning kick as time expired, capping off a tense, back-and-forth battle.
“I just trusted my process and blocked out the noise,” Bhaghani told reporters after the game, reflecting on the pressure-packed moment.
Defensive Battle Sets the Tone
Both teams came out swinging on defense. UCLA’s unit set the tone early, forcing a three-and-out on Maryland’s opening drive. Maryland’s quarterback,
Malik Washington, responded with a steady hand, keeping the Terps in contention throughout the night. The game saw multiple lead changes, with neither team able to pull away until the final seconds.
Key Players and Turning Points
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Nico Iamaleava (UCLA QB): Led the final-minute charge, showing maturity beyond his years.
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Anthony Frias II (UCLA RB): Broke off the pivotal 35-yard run that set up the winning field goal.
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Mateen Bhaghani (UCLA K): Delivered under pressure with the walk-off kick.
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Malik Washington (Maryland QB): Kept Maryland’s offense moving, but the Terps ultimately fell just short.
What This Means for Both Teams
For UCLA, this win marks a significant momentum boost as they notch their third straight victory and continue to build confidence under interim head coach
Tim Skipper. The Bruins’ ability to execute in clutch moments bodes well for their upcoming conference matchups.
Maryland, meanwhile, leaves Pasadena with a bitter taste but plenty of positives. The Terps proved they can hang with top-tier competition on the road, and their defense showed flashes of dominance that could pay dividends as the season progresses.
Expert Take: The Bruins’ Resilience Shines
This game was a showcase of
resilience and composure. UCLA’s ability to stay focused under pressure, especially with a young quarterback and interim coach, speaks volumes about the team’s culture. Maryland’s gritty performance shouldn’t be overlooked—they pushed the Bruins to the brink and will be a tough out for any opponent going forward.
What’s Next?
UCLA looks to extend their winning streak as they head into a challenging stretch of the season. Maryland will regroup and aim to bounce back, with lessons learned from a hard-fought battle under the bright lights of the Rose Bowl.
Sources
1. UCLA Survives Grueling Maryland Clash on Walk-Off FG
2. LIVE GAME THREAD: Maryland football vs UCLA - 247 Sports
3. What Tim Skipper Said After UCLA's Thrilling Win
4. Where To Watch, Stream, and Listen - Maryland vs. UCLA - 247 Sports
5. UCLA football clinches win over Maryland as Iamaleava leads final-minute charge
6. Best DMV Podcasts (2025) - Player FM
7. UCLA defeats Maryland in a last-minute thriller for its third straight victory
8. Best How To Trade Weekly Options Podcasts (2025) - Player FM
9. UCLA Football Postgame - vs. Maryland (Oct. 18, 2025) - YouTube
10. DECEMBER 7, 1995 - Calaméo
11. Postgame Quotes – UCLA 20, Maryland 17 - UCLA Athletics
