UCLA Pounds Maryland 54-3 in Big Ten Conference Opener

College Park, MD—On a rain-soaked day before a paid crowd of 40,125, UCLA intercepted four Malik Washington passes, returned two for touchdowns, and rushed for 266 yards in a 54-3 win over Maryland on Saturday afternoon at SECU Stadium.

The day started promising for Maryland (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) on defense when, on UCLA’s opening possession, defensive back Lavain Scruggs recovered a Noah Fox-Flores fumble forced by Daniel Wingate.

The action slowed down on an exchange of punts; UCLA went for it on fourth down, and Zion Elee sacked Nico Iamaleava to turn the ball over on downs. UCLA Mason Rivera’s interception forced a turnover as the scoreless first quarter ended.

Wayne Knight for UCLA (4-0, 0-1) opened the scoring on a 4th-and-1 with a 45-yard run on the second play of the second quarter, capping a 4-play, 56-yard drive.

Knight’s 33-yard run set up Anthony Woods’ one-yard touchdown run. The drive was 4 plays, 62 yards.

After forcing a Maryland punt, Javian Thomas scored on a 3-yard run to cap a 7-play, 79-yard drive.

UCLA scored 20 unanswered points in the second quarter, and Iamaleava thought his offensive line made the difference.

“I think that’s just our offensive line,” Iamaleava said postgame. “I think every week our line has played great. Coach Smith does a great job at getting those guys going and creating seams for the running backs to get through.”

Maryland finally got on the board with a 37-yard Sean O’Haire field goal before the half.

Halftime: UCLA  20, Maryland 3.

In Maryland’s first possession of the second half, Ta’Shawn James intercepted a Malik Washington pass for 39 yards for a touchdown. And Washington’s struggles continued as Scooter Jackson recorded a 65-yard pick-six on Maryland’s next possession.

End of the 3rd quarter: UCLA 34, Maryland 3.

UCLA went back on the board as Mateen Bhaghani made a 40-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter. They tacked on another score when Aidan Mizell caught an 83-yard touchdown pass from Iamaleava, and Troy Leighber scored a 63-yard touchdown run.

UCLA won the turnover battle 5-2, and Washington’s offense looked flustered, especially on third down, failing to convert until the third quarter. The Bruins dominated after the first quarter.

Mike Locksley, who has been under fire in the past few weeks after his team got outplayed and outcoached at home by first-year head coaches, took responsibility in his postgame remarks.

“I own the result,” Locksley said in his post-game press conference as he expounded his understanding of the frustration of the alumni, fan base, and boosters associated with the program. The crowd that attended, especially the student section, cleared out at halftime, leaving mostly UCLA fans and Maryland’s band and cheerleaders.

“I understand why people will have to sit and question it. It’s going to have to be earned. I’m going to have to earn it.”

Locksley is now 39-51 in seven-plus seasons and 17-49 in Big Ten conference play as the head coach at Maryland.

Maryland will travel to Lincoln to take on Nebraska next Saturday, looking to bounce back from its worst loss since 2019, when it lost to Ohio State 73-14, while UCLA will look to get another signature win and will travel to Oregon after its bye week.