Five takeaways from UCLA's 22-14 win versus Illinois in Week 11
· Yahoo Sports
The No. 4 UCLA Bruins stay undefeated with a 22-14 win against the Fighting Illini at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. on Friday.
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It was a rainy, sloppy game by both teams, but the Bruins were able to battle past adversity and take home the win. UCLA has just a couple games to go as they knock down another test on their way to a Big Ten title and the College Football Playoffs. Here were five takeaways from their Friday night win.
The Legend of Dieffenbach
Senior quarterback Ty Dieffenbach was hurt just before halftime and was unable to start the second half. Things looked bleak for the former Cal Poly Mustang, but near the end of the third quarter, Dieffenbach ran back on the field to cheers. He would begin the fourth quarter and marched the Bruins down the field for a touchdown that would prove vital in winning the game. Dieffenbach ended the game completing 13-of-20 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He's proven to be a true leader as the Bruins rolled to 10-game win streak.
Aidan Mizell's on fire
The Bruins senior wideout Aidan Mizell has exploded onto the field with game changing plays over the past couple games. Against Illinois, he was without a doubt the most productive receiver on the team with six receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown. The former Florida Gator has proven to be a great addition to the receiver room with his explosive playmaking as the young Bruins continue to bolt past their opponents.
Where's the run game?
UCLA's run game was feared at the start of the season with a three-headed monster that could take over a game. Now, the Bruins run game has lost it's explosiveness and senior running back Wayne Knight's streak of scoring touchdowns has come to an end. Knight had at least a touchdown in the last nine games, but although he didn't get across the goal line, he still led the Bruins with 18 carries for 56 rushing yards. Despite the lack of production on the ground, the Bruins were also able to put up 108 rushing yards. However, they had a bit of help from their quarterback with Dieffenbach being the second leading rusher on the team with 28 yards from his four carries.
Turnover machines
UCLA's defense has been one of the fiercest in the country and turnovers have been a signature of their success. The Bruins had three interceptions against Illinois with senior cornerback Scooter Jackson picking off Illinois' senior signal caller Katin Houser twice. However, the Bruins defensive line were also just as intimidating to the Fighting Illini with a safety, two sacks and five tackles-for-loss. The defense continued to prove they will be the heart of this team and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
Fourth quarter antics
The Bruins were in full control of the game for just about three quarters, but then things got crazy in the fourth. UCLA and Illinois both score touchdowns, but a late-game interception by the Bruins and a field goal was too much for the Fighting Illini to fight back from. However, the Bruins shouldn't have put themselves in that situation to begin with. UCLA had 361 total yards of offense compared to Illinois' 240. They need to learn to not keep teams around because sooner or later it could bite them.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Five takeaways from UCLA's 22-14 win versus Illinois in Week 11