Sports
Wisconsin’s second-half push falls short in 17-7 loss to unbeaten UCLA
UCLA moved to 6-0 with a win over Wisconsin in Pasadena, relying on first-time starter Ty Dieffenbach after its starting quarterback was sidelined. The Badgers cut the deficit to three points but couldn’t complete the comeback.
PASADENA, Calif. — Wisconsin’s second-half rally came up short Saturday night as No. 12 UCLA beat the Badgers 17-7, improving to 6-0 for the first time since 2022 and extending its Big Ten record to 4-0.
The Bruins were without starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who injured his leg the previous week. Backup Ty Dieffenbach made his first start and completed 22 of 33 passes for 264 yards. Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods each scored a rushing touchdown.
UCLA controlled much of the first half. Dieffenbach completed six of his first eight passes to five receivers on the opening possession, an 16-play, 8-minute, 42-second drive that ended with Mateen Bhaghani’s 24-yard field goal. Knight added a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Bruins a 10-0 lead. He has now rushed for a score in every game this season.
Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) found a foothold after halftime. Quarterback Colton Joseph ran for a 3-yard touchdown in the third quarter to make it 10-7. Joseph finished with 71 yards on 18 carries and completed 6 of 16 passes for 66 yards.
The Badgers’ hopes of taking the lead faded in the fourth quarter. Woods scored from 3 yards out to put UCLA ahead 17-7; officials reviewed the play after Woods appeared to bobble the ball but upheld the touchdown. Wisconsin safety Matt Jung was ejected for targeting during the drive.
On the Badgers’ next possession, Darrion Dupree appeared to gain a first down with a 2-yard run to the UCLA 46. After review, officials ruled he had been stopped short, and UCLA took over with 8:43 remaining.
Wisconsin struggled to sustain drives before the break, converting once on six third-down attempts and holding the ball for about 11½ minutes, compared with UCLA’s 18½. The Badgers also committed 10 penalties for 102 yards, including four on their second drive. Gavin Lahm missed a 46-yard field goal in the first half.
The teams were returning from bye weeks and met for the first time since UCLA joined the Big Ten in 2024. Wisconsin had won three straight meetings, including Rose Bowl victories after the 1993 and 1998 seasons. The Badgers had also won three of their previous five games against ranked opponents and entered the game after a road victory over then-No. 13 Penn State.
UCLA coach Bob Chesney became the first Bruins coach to open his tenure with six wins. The team, which won three games last season, is now the only undefeated team remaining in the Big Ten. UCLA hosts Michigan State next Saturday; Wisconsin hosts No. 19 USC.