UCLA Runs for 369 Yards Against Purdue in Rose Bowl Matchup

UCLA piled up 369 rushing yards on 48 carries at the Rose Bowl, exposing a Purdue defense that has now surrendered big ground games in consecutive weeks.

UCLA defeated Purdue at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena on September 19, 2026, relying heavily on a ground attack that produced 369 rushing yards on 48 carries, an average of 7.7 yards per attempt. The Bruins threw 32 passes in the game.

The performance continued a trend for Purdue's defense. UCLA had been held to 214 rushing yards on 43 carries by San Diego State earlier in the season, making the Boilermakers' outing the worse of the two defensive efforts against the same opponent.

Individual statistics underscored the struggles up front. Nose tackle Curt Neal played 53 snaps and recorded three tackles, while defensive tackle Ian Jeffries logged 44 snaps without registering a tackle. Defensive end Breeon Ishmail had six tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack, with Keyshawn Burgos also credited with three quarterback pressures.

Defensive tackle T.J. Lindsey, who missed most of camp rehabbing a knee injury that ended his 2025 season, did not play against UCLA after making his season debut against Wake Forest. Former starter CJ Madden appeared in just one snap.

At linebacker, Charles Correa led the group with 83 snaps and seven tackles, while Jojo Hayden played 42 snaps and finished with two tackles.

Purdue, under second-year head coach Barry Odom with Kevin Kane coordinating the defense, lost defensive linemen Chops Harkless to Kentucky and Demeco Kennedy to Louisville in the offseason; both are currently out with injuries at their new programs.