Clinging to a five-point lead in the final minutes, UCLA was in danger of suffering its first loss.
Illinois was driving and threatening to take the lead. But on third down, UCLA cornerback Scooter Jackson recorded his second interception of the game, eventually setting up a 37-yard field goal by Mateen Bhaghani.
From there, No. 4 UCLA held back Illinois on its final possession to secure a 22-14 victory on a rainy night at the Rose Bowl. Coach Bob Chesney’s Bruins improved to 10-0 for the first time since 1998, tying the school record for most wins in a season.
Illinois, which entered on a four-game win streak, featured a pass-heavy attack that looked to give the Bruins’ secondary its toughest test since Purdue on Sept. 19.
But UCLA tormented Illinois quarterback Katin Houser, forcing three interceptions and a safety while limiting him to 176 passing yards. Houser’s top target, Collin Dixon, who had 68 receptions for 910 yards and 12 touchdowns entering the game, struggled to replicate his usual success.
While Dixon scored a touchdown, he finished with just four catches for 36 yards, largely due to Jackson blanketing the top wideout all night.
The Bruins’ undefeated season looked to be in jeopardy before halftime.
UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach was injured in the second quarter when he fell face down after a tackle. He clutched his left arm and eventually hobbled off the field with assistance, leaving the Rose Bowl crowd stunned.
Dieffenbach failed to return to the field at the beginning of the second half. The Bruins led just 12-7 going into the fourth quarter, with replacement quarterback Madden Iamaleava going just three for seven for 21 yards as the offense sputtered.
Dieffenbach’s surprise return in the fourth quarter, which drew roars from UCLA fans, breathed new life into the Bruins.
He promptly led an eight-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by a 26-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Semaj Morgan to give UCLA a 19-7 lead.
Dieffenbach completed 13 of 20 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Aidan Mizell, who caught a 54-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, had six catches for 176 yards. Morgan finished with four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
UCLA’s Wayne Knight rushed for 56 yards in 18 carries.
UCLA will play at Michigan on Nov. 21 before hosting crosstown rival No. 18 USC on Nov. 28.
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