Winless UCLA looks to shock 7th-ranked Penn State with big halftime lead

Jeff Hauser

Winless UCLA looks to shock 7th-ranked Penn State with big halftime lead image

The UCLA Bruins have seen better days in Westwood. After DeShaun Foster was fired in just the second year at his alma mater, interim coach Tim Skipper looks to catch a break. In a surprising turn of events, UCLA took a 27-7 halftime lead over No. 7 Penn State. 

Nico Iamaleava has 209 total yards and three total touchdowns, leading the Bruins against the Nittany Lions' defense who look battered after last week's double overtime affair with Oregon. UCLA's offense hopped out to a 10-0 lead before Kaytron Allen took an 13-yard run to the end zone. 

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has thrown for 64 yards. The one-time Heisman Trophy candidate has looked flat on the road against the Bruins. 

If UCLA can hang on in the second half, this would be the program's first win over a ranked opponent as a member of the Big Ten. They upset No. 13 Washington State on Oct. 7, 2023 and have been 0-5 since. 

For Penn State, James Franklin can't afford another let down. A loss to the Bruins would be devastating to the Lions' Playoff chances and likely be the knockout punch. While nobody could've predicted this start to the game, expect many to question whether or not Franklin is ready for the big stage.   

The second half action between No. 7 Penn State and UCLA is on CBS. 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.