UCLA improved to 10-0 after defeating Illinois 22-14 in a rainy contest at the Rose Bowl on Friday.
The victory marks the first time the Bruins have reached this record since 1998, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive, according to Yahoo Sports.
Despite heavy rain and difficult traffic, 45,800 fans attended the game to support the team.
Coach Bob Chesney noted the impact of the crowd, stating, “When we walked out there, I was like damn.”
The game featured a dramatic moment when quarterback Ty Dieffenbach returned from an injury to lead the Bruins to a touchdown.
Dieffenbach, who was dealing with shoulder and ankle pain, described the atmosphere as he re-entered the game.
He said, “That crowd reaction was unbelievable.”
The Bruins defense held strong, marking the fourth time this season they kept an opponent scoreless in the first half.
UCLA secured the win by forcing multiple turnovers and a late fourth-down stop.
As the game concluded, fans near the tunnel chanted the coach’s name to show their support amid reports of potential interest from other programs, as noted by USA TODAY Sports.
Chesney, who is nearing a contract extension, acknowledged the fan support following the game.
He mentioned, “Obviously, hearing you own your name is pretty fun.”
The Bruins now need only one win in their final two games to clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game.
Despite the offensive struggles, the team remains one of only two undefeated programs in the country.
The attendance figures represented a season high for the Bruins, proving that the fanbase is increasingly engaged with the team’s success.
Chesney expressed his appreciation for the dedication shown by the supporters who stayed through the entire game in the rain.