No. 12 UCLA just keeps finding ways to win. Bob Chesney leaned on second-string quarterback Ty Dieffenbach and the Los Angeles native slinged the rock in UCLA’s 17-7 win over the Wisconsin Badgers.
With the win on Saturday, UCLA is now the last undefeated team in the SEC and Big Ten Conferences. What a turnaround it’s been for the Bruins after going 3-9 last season. UCLA’s halfway through the regular season and have yet to lose a game.
Ty Dieffenbach airs it out versus Wisconsin
It would have made sense for the No. 6 rushing team in the country to rely on their ground game without their starting quarterback but that wasn’t UCLA’s plan on Saturday, letting Dieffenbach throw it 33 times.
Dieffenbach wasn’t perfect but he looked plenty talented with his arm, making several big-time throws in the low-scoring game. UCLA will need more than 17 points moving forward but Dieffenbach was able to manage the game.
Wisconsin limited UCLA's rushing attack
UCLA’s rushing attack was the biggest letdown on Saturday. Wisconsin held the Bruins to just 120 yards on the ground, after averaging over 200 yards per game on the ground heading into the game.
Wayne Knight's quiet night
Wayne Knight still found the end zone, but it was an otherwise quiet night for UCLA's star running back. Knight put up just 23 yards in his 13 carries (1.8 YPC) and added three catches for six yards.
Wisconsin focused in on stopping Knight for good reason but it did make him much less efficient.
UCLA's defense has been a pleasant surprise throughout the season
UCLA’s defense was tremendous throughout. Wisconsin scored on just one drive, with that drive coming after an interception by the Bruin offense. The UCLA defense has been great and that did not change on Saturday against a solid Wisconsin team.
UCLA's wideouts were clutch on Saturday
When needed, UCLA’s wide receivers made plays on Saturday. Both Landon Ellis and Semaj Morgan, even Jalen Saint Paul made a few plays, tacking on four catches for 45 yards. Brian Rowe Jr. might have made the play of the day with a full-extension grab.
It wasn’t the flashiest of days for UCLA’s wideouts but they were far from an issue for the Bruins.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Ty Dieffenbach was impressive in UCLA's 17-7 win over Wisconsin