Rosen, Jamabo Lead UCLA Over UNLV 42-21
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Josh Rosen threw one touchdown and ran for another, Soso Jamabo rushed for three touchdowns and UCLA held off UNLV 42-21 on Saturday.
Rosen had 267 yards passing, Jamabo rushed for 90 yards as the Bruins (1-1) and Brandon Stephens added 71 yards rushing.
Fabian Moreau intercepted passes by the Rebels' Johnny Stanton twice, taking the first back 52 yards to set up a short touchdown run by Jamabo.
Stanton had 153 yards passing for UNLV (1-1), which fell to 4-16 all-time against Pac-12 teams. Devonte Boyd had five receptions for 84 yards. Lexington Thomas added 112 yards rushing and one touchdown.
Stanton found Mekhi Stevenson for a 14-yard touchdown pass late in the first half and scored on an 11-yard run in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 28-21, but UCLA responded with touchdown runs from Bolu Olorunfunmi and Rosen in the fourth quarter to pull away.
THE TAKEAWAY
UNLV: It wasn't a signature win for coach Tony Sanchez, but this gritty performance showed that he has the program trending up in his second season. UNLV hung with the Pac-12 South preseason favorite, demonstrating the energy and athleticism that had been missing for years. If Stanton can become a more consistent passer, a bowl bid isn't out of the question this season.
UCLA: There is plenty of work to be done before conference play begins against nemesis Stanford on Sept. 24. The run defense allowed 171 yards, and UNLV was able to convert 7 of 14 third downs. Rosen and the offense went ice cold in the third quarter. UCLA has plenty of talent but remains wildly inconsistent.
UP NEXT
UNLV: The Rebels are back on the road at Central Michigan with the Chippewas coming off their improbable and controversial 30-27 win at Oklahoma State. UNLV has not won a road nonconference game since 2007.
UCLA: The Bruins wrap up their nonconference schedule at BYU, which represents the end of the early Pac-12 South slate for the Cougars. UCLA's last trip to Provo, Utah in 2008 was a 59-0 thumping, the Bruins' worst loss since 1929.
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