UCLA faces tough challenge as Fresno State aims for fifth straight win
- The UCLA Bruins faced the Fresno State Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl hoping to finish their season strong.
- UCLA was eliminated from bowl eligibility with a loss against rival Southern California earlier in the season.
- Fresno State had the chance to extend their winning streak over UCLA as they aimed for continued postseason success.
In the United States, on a Saturday during the regular college football season, the UCLA Bruins encountered the Fresno State Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl. The Bulldogs secured a strong performance to clinch a bowl invitation, coming off a recent win against Colorado State. Meanwhile, UCLA faced setbacks, losing its previous game to rival Southern California, which eliminated their chances of bowl eligibility this season. This loss marked a significant blow to the team's aspirations, especially under head coach DeShaun Foster in his inaugural season. As the Bruins try to reclaim some pride, they looked to end the season with a victory against a Fresno State team that had historically dominated their matchups in recent years, winning four straight over them and three consecutive at the Rose Bowl. A critical individual matchup featured Fresno State's running back Bryson Donelson, who had shown explosive talent in prior games, against UCLA's defensive unit, which has been generally solid against the run. Observers noted that the Bulldogs' quarterback, Mikey Keene, recently demonstrated improved performance, throwing for an impressive number of touchdowns while maintaining a high completion percentage. The implications of this game for both teams varied significantly; for Fresno State, a win would signal continued momentum and postseason presence, while for UCLA, it would signify a chance for redemption and a brighter outlook heading into the off-season after a disappointing run.