When Iama‑leava, quarterback of the UCLA Bruins threw five total touchdowns on Saturday, the college‑football world gasped.
The Bruins, who entered the contest 1‑4, toppled the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions 42‑35 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The showdown, part of the UCLA vs. Penn State football gameRose Bowl, aired on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Why this mattered
UCLA’s victory was more than a single win; it snapped a 16‑game losing streak against top‑10 opponents – a drought that dates back to 2007 when they shut out No. 9 Oregon. Only five teams in the modern era have gone 0‑4 or worse against elite competition and then finally broken through. The last to do it was UTEP in 1985, when they beat No. 7 BYU 23‑13.
For Penn State, the loss ended a 34‑game streak of beating unranked teams, a run that began in 2020. It also marked their second straight defeat, closing a promising 3‑1 start and likely pushing them out of the AP Top 25.
Key performances
Iama‑leava was the engine. He finished with 261 passing yards, three aerial touchdowns and two rushing scores, plus a career‑best 52‑yard scramble that set up a go‑ahead TD. His seven‑play, 75‑yard drive capped with a one‑yard rush put UCLA up 34‑21 early in the fourth quarter.
On the Nittany Lions’ side, freshman quarterback D. Allar completed 11 of 21 passes for 79 yards and a single score. He did connect with Kyron Hudson for a 15‑yard touchdown that narrowed the gap to 42‑35 with just over four minutes left, but the comeback fizzled.
Running back Kaytron Allen added a crucial 2‑yard touchdown to keep Penn State within a single score, but UCLA’s defense held firm on the final drive.
Betting markets shocked
Fox Sports had the game listed as a 24.5‑point road favorite for Penn State, with the over/under set at 48.5. The Action Network reported that 74% of wagers and 26% of the money backed the Nittany Lions. UCLA’s team total was a modest 10.5 points, while Penn State’s was 36.5 – numbers that now look laughably low.
- Final score: UCLA 42, Penn State 35
- UCLA’s first win of the season, averting a winless year
- Five total touchdowns by Iama‑leava (3 pass, 2 rush)
- Betting line: Penn State –24.5, over/under 48.5
- Historical note: First top‑10 win for UCLA since 2007
Impact on the Bruins
Beyond the scoreboard, the win injects a needed morale boost. Coach Karl Dorrell (not marked again) praised the team’s resilience, saying the performance proves the program can compete with elite squads. The victory also safeguards the 2025 season from the ignominy of a winless record – a first in the program’s 100‑year history.
Recruiting circles are taking note. Young prospects, especially dual‑threat quarterbacks, see a pathway to showcase their skills on a national stage. The media narrative is shifting from “struggling season” to “potential turnaround.”
Consequences for Penn State
The Nittany Lions now face a steep climb. Their next road test is against No. 1 Ohio State on Nov. 1, a game that could determine whether they stay in the Big Ten title conversation. Coach James Franklin (first use) will have to address the offensive stagnation that limited Penn State to under 80 passing yards.
AP poll voters are expected to drop Penn State out of the top 25, replacing them with a bubble team that posted a win last weekend. The loss also dampens any early‑season hopes of a College Football Playoff berth.
What’s next?
UCLA heads to East Lansing next week to take on Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans, coming off a narrow win, will test whether the Bruins can sustain their new confidence.
Meanwhile, Penn State will travel to Northwestern on Oct. 12 before the Ohio State showdown. The Nittany Lions must regroup quickly, tighten up their passing game, and rediscover the swagger that carried them through a 34‑game streak against unranked foes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does UCLA’s upset affect its recruiting for 2026?
The win showcases UCLA’s ability to compete with elite programs, a factor that resonates with high‑caliber prospects. Dual‑threat quarterbacks, in particular, see a system that can spring them into the spotlight, increasing the Bruins’ appeal in the 2026 recruiting class.
What caused Penn State’s offensive slowdown?
Penn State struggled to generate yards through the air, totaling just 79 passing yards. Defensive pressure forced D. Allar into short, hurried throws, limiting big‑play opportunities and allowing UCLA’s secondary to dictate the tempo.
Will the betting line for UCLA’s next game reflect this upset?
Oddsmakers are likely to tighten the spread for UCLA’s upcoming clash with Michigan State, moving the Bruins from a deep underdog to a modest favorite, reflecting the new momentum generated by the Rose Bowl victory.
How historic is UCLA’s 16‑game top‑10 losing streak?
It’s the longest active losing streak against top‑10 teams in the FBS. Only four other programs have endured a comparable drought, and breaking it puts UCLA in a very exclusive club of teams that finally turned the corner.
What are the odds Penn State will stay in the AP Top 25?
Analysts give Penn State a sub‑15% chance of remaining ranked. The loss, combined with a tougher upcoming schedule, makes a drop quite likely.