It was not a pretty win, but it was a win for the UCLA Bruins in the first game under head coach DeShaun Foster. In a game that saw the Bruins go scoreless in the first half, the Bruins picked up their first win as a member of the Big Ten Conference. UCLA picked up a 16-13 win over Hawaii.
The final drive started at the UCLA 41-yard line with 3:08 to go. After a penalty, Moliki Matavao picked up a huge 20-yard reception. Then, Garbers hit Bryce Pierre right across the middle of the field.
Rico Flores then caught a pass for 10 yards to go to the 23-yard line. On second down, Garbers rushed for five yards. On third down, Garbers got a couple of yards, and the clock was stopped at 0:59. It was the final timeout used by the Rainbow Warriors.
DeShaun Foster elected for a field goal, and Mateen Bhaghani. The Bruins led for the first time in the game at 16-13. After an incomplete pass, the Bruins picked up a sack, and the clock ticked down. On 3rd and 21, Hawaii completed a pass, but without a timeout, they had to hurry to the line. After a completed pass, the ball was fumbled and recovered by the Bruins for the first win in the debut of DeShaun Foster.
BRU-WINS!! 🙌#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/Jw0RM6ZzAL
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 1, 2024
Ethan Garbers finished 19 of 38 for 272 yards and a touchdown. He also threw two interceptions in the game. Garbers led the team in rushing yards with 47, while TJ Harden was held to just 9 yards. Rico Flores was the best player on the field for the Bruins with three receptions, 102 yards, and a touchdown.
The Bruins are off in Week 2 and will host the Indiana Hoosiers on September 14th in their first-ever Big Ten game.