UCLA pulls away late, defeats Cal 38–21 behind Harden’s big night and key turnovers
PASADENA, Calif. — UCLA used a dominant first quarter and a relentless fourth to secure a 38–21 home win over Cal on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.
Running back TJ Harden was the star early, scoring twice in the opening quarter. Harden opened the game with a 40-yard touchdown reception from Ethan Garbers, then followed it up with a powerful 4-yard rushing score, giving UCLA a 14–0 lead after one.
Cal responded in the second quarter with a pair of touchdowns, narrowing the gap and showing life on both sides of the ball. But Harden struck again before halftime, hauling in a 56-yard touchdown pass—his third score of the night—as the Bruins held a 21–14 advantage at the break.
Cal came out strong in the third quarter, controlling possession and tying the game at 21 behind a steady ground attack, capped by a touchdown run from Jaydn Ott. The Golden Bears looked poised to make it a four-quarter fight.
The Bruins erupted for 17 unanswered points, sparked by a 3-yard touchdown run from Carson Jones. The turning point came when defensive back Johnathan Henderson jumped a route for a 40-yard pick-six.
UCLA sealed the game with a 37-yard field goal from R.J. Bhaghani to close out a complete team win.
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