PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Mateen Bhaghani kicked a 23-yard field goal with two seconds left to give UCLA a 20-17 victory over Maryland on Saturday night, extending the Bruins’ improbable season turnaround with their third consecutive win.
Nico Iamaleava passed for 221 yards and orchestrated three late scoring drives despite suffering an apparent knee injury during the thrilling final moments. The Bruins (3-4, 3-1 Big Ten) managed to maintain their momentum in a roller-coaster season.
Iamaleava threw a go-ahead, 14-yard touchdown pass to Mikey Matthews with 3:33 remaining. Shortly after, Bhaghani’s first field goal put UCLA up 17-10 with 2:09 to play, following an interception by Scooter Jackson deep in Maryland territory.
But Maryland quarterback Malik Washington, who threw for 210 yards, led a dramatic tying drive. He connected with Jalil Farooq for an 8-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left to even the score. Iamaleava then returned to the game and quickly drove the Bruins 68 yards in just 31 seconds. Anthony Frias II, who scored an early 55-yard touchdown run, made a 35-yard run to the Maryland 5-yard line, setting up Bhaghani’s game-winning field goal.
The Bruins overcame three turnovers in this first meeting between the schools since 1955. One turnover cost them dearly when Maryland’s Jamare Glasker returned an interception 8 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. UCLA also endured a nine-drive scoring drought before Matthews’ touchdown catch.
After starting the season 0-4, which included the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster and the departure of both coordinators, UCLA has dramatically reversed course with impressive wins over Penn State and Michigan State under interim coach Tim Skipper. While this victory was less flashy, UCLA’s defense held Maryland scoreless in the red zone until the final minute.
For Maryland (4-3, 1-3), making their Rose Bowl debut, this loss marked their third straight after an initial 4-0 start. The Terrapins have now blown a late lead in all three defeats.
Maryland entered the game leading the nation in interceptions, and Glasker’s pick-six was the Terrapins’ fourth of the season. Jalen Huskey added another interception deep in Maryland territory during the second quarter.
Anthony Frias II put UCLA ahead 7-3 in the second quarter with his first career touchdown on that 55-yard run. The Kansas State transfer had never scored in his previous 36 games over four collegiate seasons.
The game also saw two ejections for targeting: Maryland linebacker Trey Reddick in the second quarter and UCLA’s Huskey in the fourth.
### Takeaways
**Maryland:** Washington’s growing pains and the team’s inability to hold leads continue to be costly. However, the defense still shows promise, which will be critical with upcoming games against Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan.
**UCLA:** The Bruins remain unpredictable. A serious injury to Tennessee transfer Iamaleava could have derailed their season, but under interim coach Skipper, UCLA continues to display remarkable pride and resilience.
### Up Next
– **Maryland:** Will have a bye week before hosting Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 1.
– **UCLA:** Travels to Indiana next Saturday.
___
AP College Football
https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/10/ucla-extends-its-turnaround-beating-maryland-20-17-with-3-late-scoring-drives-led-by-nico-iamaleava/