UCLA proves it’s no wonder by defeating Michigan State

East Lansing, Michigan — The paper greeted every UCLA player as he walked into his class and took his seat on the team plane.

Printed on it were six words, in block letters, along with a challenge from their interim coach: “Are you a one-hit wonder?”

A week after upsetting Penn State, the Bruins responded emphatically.

Hell, no!

These men had another victory in them. Big one.

In what was a major success in its first appearance under an interim coaching staff, UCLA continued its stunning transformation from a winless team to… a Big Ten power? College Football Playoff contender? The story of the return of sports this year?

There seems to be no limit to what this team might be able to accomplish given the consistently high showing on Saturday during Winning 38-13 over Michigan State at Spartan Stadium.

UCLA’s offense, led by play-caller Jerry Neuheisel, rattled off 38 straight points after the Bruins (2-4 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) spotted the Spartans (3-3, 0-3) on an early touchdown.

The Bruins’ defense, run by de facto defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, forced a fumble, stopped the Spartans on all four first-down attempts and held them to 253 yards of offense.

It was all managed by interim coach Tim Skipper, who had his team playing with a focus and verve that was clearly missing under Deshaun Foster. Skipper can now be considered a more attractive candidate for UCLA’s vacant coaching position than Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith, a Pasadena native who has appeared on several rosters.

Things were going so well for the Bruins that UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond came over to where a Times reporter was sitting in the press box late in the third quarter to discuss the changes he had made to the coaching staff that helped transform the team.

There is no doubt that this is a different team than the one that lost its first four games.

After struggling to reach double figures in points, UCLA’s offense is now buzzing. A new star emerged Saturday when running back Jalen Berger scored three touchdowns and ran for a season-high 83 yards against his former team, one score coming on a run and the other two on a catch.

On a rare day when he didn’t need to spark UCLA’s offense with his legs, quarterback Niko Emaleva was nearly flawless with his arm. He completed 16 of 24 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions while running just five times for nine yards.

The Bruins’ 24-7 halftime lead meant they had scored more points in a game and a half with Neuheisel called plays (66) than they had in their previous four games combined (57). Their disciplined offensive defense forced another turnover and stifled Michigan State after allowing the Spartans to score a touchdown on their opening drive.

UCLA’s special teams were involved as well, in a scene that seemed familiar to those who watched the Bruins play Northwestern but somehow surprised Michigan State. With the Bruins lining up to punt early in the second quarter, Cole Martin took the snap and ran for 20 yards and a first down. The play was almost identical to his punt fake against the Wildcats two weeks ago.

UCLA turned the trick into points after Iamaleava connected with Berger for a three-yard touchdown.

After Bruins rusher Devin Opio forced a fumble from Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles that was recovered by defensive tackle Siale Tobacki, the Bruins got the ball back to the Spartans’ 32-yard line. Iamaleava later found wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala cutting through the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown that increased UCLA’s lead to 24-7.

Every rebound went the Bruins’ way except for Matin Bhaghani’s field goal attempt that ricocheted off the left post late in the second quarter.

UCLA’s 24 straight points made the first-half advantage look much larger, prompting Michigan State fans to boo their team heading to the locker room in what looked like an unceremonious homecoming.

A week after shocking the college football world with a win over Penn State, the big story was the Bruins. once again.