Seven days and 2,500 miles removed from last week’s double overtime loss to Oregon, Penn State football looks to bounce back Saturday afternoon against UCLA. The first road test of the 2025 season, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions are hoping that a change of scenery can help soothe the offensive woes that have plagued the No. 7 team in the country throughout the month of September.
“It’s a good time to get out of town, for sure,” Franklin said Wednesday. “These opportunities, you hear from a lot of the former players and NFL players that come back to talk, these are the [bonding] times you miss, the time in the hotel, the time traveling.”
Traveling to Pasadena as 25.5-point favorites, Saturday’s matchup against the winless Bruins could serve as an excellent “get-right” opportunity for the Nittany Lions. However, the Blue and White still have their challenges to overcome this week, first and foremost the loss of star linebacker Tony Rojas to a long-term injury.
LIVE UPDATES: Penn State football battles UCLA in first road test of 2025
Saturday’s action will get underway at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on CBS. Follow along with this blog for photos, videos, and live updates before, during, and after the game.
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Comeback effort falls short
The Penn State defense found the stop it needed, turning UCLA over on downs at its own 32 yard line. However, the Nittany Lions offense couldn’t do its part to uphold the comeback. The No. 7 team in the country goes down at the hands of the winless Bruins, 42-27.
Allar finds Hudson to bring Nittany Lions within one score
UCLA adds potential dagger score
Allen’s second score bring Penn State within one score
Iamaleava leads Bruins to another touchdown drive
Easy come, easy go for the Blue and White. After turning the momentum, a 52-yard scramble from Nico Iamaleava on third-and-seven sparked UCLA for another touchdown drive. UCLA leads 34-21.
Nittany Lions pull within one score following blocked punt
After a disastrous first half, the Penn State defense has swung the momentum in the third quarter. The Nittany Lions get back-to-back sacks and then Dani Dennis-Sutton blocked Will Karoll’s punt, which was returned by Liam Clifford for a score. Penn State trails 27-21.
Penn State pulls within 13
After an opening drive fumble, the Penn State defense finally found its first stop of the day to start the third quarter. The Nittany Lions responded, with Drew Allar connecting with Khalil Dinkins for a 40-yard touchdown strike.
UCLA takes 20-point lead into halftime
In perhaps one of the most surprisingly halves of football in the James Franklin era at Penn State, UCLA carries a 27-7 lead into the half. The Bruins have completely outmatched and outpaces the Nittany Lions, putting up nearly 300 yards while holding the Blue and White to under 100.
Bruins extend lead to 21
UCLA takes 17-7 lead
The Penn State defense continues to struggle without Tony Rojas. Bruins reclaim their 10-point lead following a 17-play drive.
Penn State responds with strong opening drive
After a nightmarish start for the Penn State defense, the Nittany Lions offense looked the part of a top-10 team in its opening possession. The Blue and White went 10-plays, 75 yards in just over 5 minutes, with Kaytron Allen pulling the Nittany Lions within three points on a 13-yard touchdown run.
UCLA takes two score lead
The Bruins are pulling out all the stops to start this game, converting an onside kick immediately after their opening drive touchdown. The 25.5-point underdogs add a 24-yard field goal to take a 10-0 lead over the Nittany Lions.
Penn State gives up first first-quarter touchdown of the season
The Nittany Lions had played stout defense through four games in 2025, not allowing a single opening quarter score. UCLA, on the other hand, has one of the worst offenses in football, not leading for a single second all season.
Both streaks ended on the Bruins opening possession, as UCLA goes 75 yards on 10 plays to take a 7-0 lead.
Singleton, Allen can gain ground on history in Pasadena
Both of Nittany Lions’ star studded running backs have opportunities to gain ground on Penn State football history against the Bruins.
With a rushing touchdown, Nicholas Singleton would tie Lydell Mitchell (38) for second-most in Penn State football history. Sitting at 3,204 career yards, Kaytron Allen needs 53 yards to pass DJ Dozier and Curtis Enis and move into sixth on the program’s all-time rushing list.
UCLA has the worst running defense in the Big Ten this season.
Nittany Lions arrive at the Rose Bowl
Penn State football potentially without two starters against Bruins
We already knew that the Nittany Lions would be missing linebacker Tony Rojas for today’s matchup. Now, Penn State could be without a second starter, as offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh is listed at questionable on this afternoon’s injury report.
Donkoh exited last week’s contest against Oregon, but quickly returned.
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