UCLA broke open a close game with two 75-yard touchdown passes from Ty Dieffenbach to Aidan Mizell in the fourth quarter, defeating Minnesota 34–20 on Saturday, November 7, in Minneapolis.
The Bruins improved to 9–0 overall and 6–0 in the Big Ten. It is their first 9–0 start since 1998 and the fourth in program history.
Dieffenbach completed eight of 16 passes for a career-high 303 yards and three touchdowns. Mizell finished with two touchdown receptions and 150 receiving yards, while Wayne Knight rushed for 109 yards and a score.
The teams were tied 17–17 before the first long scoring pass put UCLA ahead. After Minnesota cut the deficit with a field goal, Dieffenbach and Mizell connected for another 75-yard touchdown on UCLA’s next offensive play. Scooter Jackson’s interception helped set up a field goal that completed the scoring.
UCLA had taken a 10–0 first-quarter lead before Minnesota drew level by halftime. Dieffenbach’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fox-Flores restored the Bruins’ lead in the second half, but the Gophers answered before the decisive long passes.
Minnesota fell to 5–4 overall and 3–3 in conference play. UCLA’s defense limited the Gophers to 296 total yards, including 91 rushing yards, according to the school’s game report.
The Bruins next host Illinois at the Rose Bowl on Friday, November 13. Saturday’s win preserved their unbeaten season after they entered the week eighth in the College Football Playoff rankings.