UCLA tramples Michigan State: No. 9 Bruins flex muscles to stay undefeated and atop the Big Ten standings

No. 9 UCLA improved to 7-0 for the first time since 2005 on Saturday with a 28-10 win over Michigan State that amounted to a systematic dismantling of a banged-up and offensively lifeless conference foe. The Bruins fell behind 7-0 early before overcoming a blunder-filled start to pull away and dominate the visiting Spartans (2-6, 0-5 Big Ten).

The win preserved UCLA's status as the last unbeaten team in the Big Ten and brought its College Football Playoff dreams one step closer to reality. The Bruins handled a Spartans offense that was down to third-string quarterback Kayd Coffman amid injuries to starter Alessio Milivojevic and backup Cam Fancher. After Coffman went more than two quarters without a completion, the Spartans turned to fourth-team QB Leo Hannan in the fourth quarter to spark an offense that finished with 156 total yards.

UCLA committed two costly fumbles inside the Michigan State 30-yard line during the first half and struggled with penalties and dropped passes before it began asserting its will. The Bruins also dealt with a quarterback injury scare of their own, when Ty Dieffenbach needed help leaving the field at the end of the first half.

The Cal Poly transfer, who…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/