MINNEAPOLIS — No. 5 UCLA is still perfect. The Bruins used two explosive 75-yard touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to break open a tie game and defeat Minnesota 34–20 on Saturday, November 7.

The victory moved UCLA to 9–0 overall and 6–0 in Big Ten play. It is the program’s first 9–0 start since 1998 and only the fourth time in school history the Bruins have opened a season with nine straight wins.

Two plays changed the game

After Minnesota tied the score at 17–17, quarterback Ty Dieffenbach connected with Aidan Mizell for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of UCLA’s next possession. The pair struck again later in the fourth quarter on another 75-yard scoring pass, turning a close contest into a 34–20 Bruins win.

Dieffenbach finished with a career-high 303 passing yards and three touchdowns. Mizell recorded two touchdown catches and 150 receiving yards, while running back Wayne Knight added 109 rushing yards and a score.

What’s next for the Bruins?

UCLA returns home to face Illinois on Friday, November 13. With its unbeaten record intact and a place among the nation’s top teams, every remaining game carries major stakes as the college football season moves toward its finish.

The Shade Wire will keep you updated on the biggest college football storylines and results.

Source: UCLA Athletics — official game recap and statistics. For game-specific photos, see the official UCLA photo gallery.