SAN DIEGO — UCLA defense prevented San Diego State from sustaining any momentum offensively in the road victory Saturday.
The Bruins’ defense created three turnovers, tying their mark from last week.
“It was a dream come true,” UCLA defensive back Alex Johnson said about the defense’s performance. “I think it’s a testament to this team and how far we have come.”
Johnson had two interceptions against San Diego State quarterback Jalen Mayden during the second half.
“It felt a little too good to be true,” Johnson said. “The first felt like it was a result of what I was supposed to do, but the second one felt like it just fell into my lap. I guess luck is just a combination of being ready and being in the right position.”
Linebacker Darius Muasau also came up with an interception in the end zone during the third quarter for a touchback while ending a three-play drive in the red zone after the Aztecs sacked UCLA quarterback Dante Moore for a 13-yard loss and forced a fumble.
“That was incredible,” UCLA linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo said. “Muasau saw it and went to go get it. We want it. We kind of like that situation where it’s on the 1-yard line and we have to stop them.”
UCLA held the Aztecs to just 63 rushing yards and 259 total yards.
INJURY REPORT
UCLA linebacker Ale Kaho was unavailable for Saturday’s game against San Diego State. He was spotted wearing a boot on his right foot.
He played in the season opener against Coastal Carolina but didn’t record a tackle.
He missed all of last season due to an undisclosed injury. His brother, Vai Kaho, is a senior linebacker for the Aztecs.
Receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala did not play for a second consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury. Mokiao-Atimalala is listed as the primary backup behind J. Michael Sturdivant on the depth chart.
Defensive lineman Devin Aupiu was slow to get to his feet before eventually walking over to the sideline with a limp.
THE WIN COLUMN
With the victory, the Bruins won their first nonconference road game since their 2016 victory over BYU. It was also the first with Chip Kelly at the helm. The Bruins had lost the previous two games, against Oklahoma in 2018 and Cincinnati in the 2019 season opener.
UCLA also moves to 2-3 against Mountain West opponents.
