UCLA vs Maryland 2025 Recap: Bruins Win in Thriller, 20-17

UCLA’s season has been a tale of two completely polar outcomes. A 0-4 start raised questions about whether the Bruins would remain winless. However, four weeks and three coaching changes later, the Blue and Gold have been transformed into the hottest topic in all of college football.

The Cinderella story continues for Westwood’s own as it notched its third consecutive win, moving to 3-4 on the season and 3-1 in the Big Ten. A Saturday afternoon contest that featured five turnovers between UCLA and Maryland ended in walk-off fashion. Bruins kicker Mateen Bhaghani drilled the game-winning 23-yard field goal that put UCLA on the favorable side of a three-point victory.

It’s not luck. It’s just a program that accepted that changes needed to be made and fully committed itself to its mid-season revamp. Interim head coach Tim Skipper and his squad have proven that they are not one-hit wonders.

UCLA Bruins vs. Maryland Terrapins 2025: Week 8 Recap

The Bruins turned back the clock Saturday, rocking their throwback threads for the first time this season. However, the jerseys weren’t the only aspect of the game that paid homage to the past; the style of the play did the same as well. It was a hard-hitting, defensive war from both sides.

Big Time Players, Big Time Plays

With UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava looking human in Saturday’s outing, it was up to his teammates to put on the cape.

Senior running back Anthony Frias II could very well be outlined as the player of the game with his 97 rushing yards and one touchdown performance. The forgotten back in this loaded backfield broke out two massive runs; one that he took 55 yards to the house, and the second that set up the eventual Bhaghani game-winner. In the limited touches Frias II received, his legs were undoubtedly a reason the Bruins continue their hot streak.

The Terrapins couldn’t stop the UCLA run game that has terrorized Big Ten opponents. Led by their senior backs, the Bruins had another near-200-yard day on the ground, reaching 193 (5.5 yards per carry). They continue to rely on their backs to make explosive plays and to continue to grind away defenses for four quarters. Their four-headed backfield makes it easy to reduce the wear and tear they each receive, and defensive lines struggle to keep up.

Much like his senior counterparts, wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala had his 2025 breakout game. Despite being third in targets, Mokiao-Atimalala led the Blue and Gold with six receptions and 102 yards — four of which went for more than 10 yards and amounted to 87 yards. Though no scoring came from the hands of No. 2, many opportunities were created due to his production, especially in the final quarter, where he racked up 53 yards (33 yards on the final drive).

Defense Stands Tall

The offense naturally always gets its flowers, but the defense was ultimately what secured the win. Going up against a team that prides itself in steering away from turnovers, the Bruins, led by junior defensive back Scooter Jackson, forced two turnovers. Jackson was all over the field, securing four tackles, two pass breakups and one interception.

Not only did Maryland suffer from protecting the ball, but they also struggled moving the chains. They only managed to convert six of their 17 third-down attempts and only one of their two fourth downs, resulting in eight punts.

This Bruins defense has faced harsh criticism all season, even in their recent success, but against a streaky conference opponent that scores in bunches, the Blue and Gold held their own and made crucial stops when they needed to the most. The bend but don’t break mentality has been instilled in this group, and it continues to show. We are seeing goal-line stands and fourth-down stops consistently, and it’s a total group effort.

Escaping Disaster

A win is all that matters, but ignoring the flaws allows no room for improvement.

During their win streak, UCLA has thrived on attaining early leads and building on them. Its new-look offense under Jerry Neuheisel has been electric, and it’s been 60 minutes of constant pressure. But against Maryland, the Bruins had faced adversity. They were getting behind the sticks with self-inflicted wounds in the penalty department, totaling 10 penalties for 85 yards.

We also saw Iamaleava have throws that he looked unusually inaccurate on, leading to his two interceptions. It wasn’t a clean game, but it’s a game that builds character and confidence heading forward.

“I found out today that these guys believe,” Skipper said. “I kind of knew that. But when you get in a tight game like this, and it’s seesaw, and everything’s not going your way, and all these things, and you find a way.”

Week 9 Outlook

UCLA will take the road and face its biggest task all season as a dance with No. 3 Indiana is up next. The undefeated Hoosiers, led by Heisman candidate Fernando Mendoza, will look to defend home turf as the red-hot Bruins will be tasked with dethroning the Big Ten’s leader. If UCLA can find a way to get unconventional like how it did against Penn State, and play with confidence, another upset could take the nation by storm.