UCLA outlasts Purdue in a shootout win to start conference play

PASADENA, Calif. — One week after a 28-10 win over San Diego State, UCLA returned to the Rose Bowl to take on their first BIG 10 opponent against Purdue.

The Bruins struck first, capping their opening drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Nico Iamaleava to Semaj Morgan. Purdue answered immediately when Xavier Townsend hauled in a 75-yard touchdown pass.

The teams traded scores until late in the third quarter, when UCLA pulled away with three straight touchdowns from Wayne Knight, Javian Thomas and Landon Thomas.

UCLA's ground game was relentless, piling up 321 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The effort was led by Wayne Knight, the transfer from James Madison, leading the way with 252 all-purpose yards.

Nico Iamaleava turned in one of his best performances as UCLA's starting quarterback, throwing for a career-high 276 yards as a Bruin with three touchdowns and no interceptions, as well as gaining 55 yards on seven rushing attempts.

Purdue's Quarterback Ryan Browne also turned in a strong air attack performance, throwing for 378 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

On defense, Sammy Omosigho led the team with 12 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles for the Bruins.

UCLA travels to Maryland next week, looking to extend its winning streak as the Big Ten's first-place team. The Bruins are now 3-0 to start the Chesney era.