UCLA defeated Maryland 54-3 in a dominant road performance on Saturday, improving the Bruins to 4-0 under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. The victory marked the first time UCLA has beaten Maryland on the road since 1955, and Chesney became the second UCLA coach to win his first four games, matching Red Sanders in 1949.
Maryland head coach Mike Locksley faced immediate backlash following the loss, which extended the Terrapins' struggles under his leadership. The Bruins outgained Maryland 475-181 in total yards, and the game was played in front of 40,125 fans at SECU Stadium. Locksley, who has an overall record of 39-51 at Maryland, has now led the Terrapins to consecutive 4-8 seasons in 2024 and 2025.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
UCLA’s offense capitalized on Maryland’s turnovers, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive possessions after failing to score on their first three drives. Mason Rivera’s interception late in the first quarter set up the Bruins’ first score, followed by a 45-yard touchdown run by Wayne Knight. The Bruins’ defense held Maryland to just 3 points, while their offense added 31 points in the second half to seal the victory.
The game’s outcome intensified scrutiny on Locksley, whose tenure has been marked by inconsistency. Maryland’s loss to Virginia Tech earlier this season and the defeat to UCLA have fueled calls for his dismissal. Locksley acknowledged the team’s struggles in a postgame press conference, stating, "I still have a lot of confidence in myself and the staff to get this thing fixed." He emphasized that improvements would come from on-field work rather than public statements.
Historical Context and Program Implications
Chesney’s start at UCLA has drawn comparisons to Red Sanders, who led the Bruins to a 4-0 record in 1949. However, Chesney’s road win over Maryland distinguishes his tenure, as Sanders did not achieve a victory on the road in his first four games. The victory also marked UCLA’s first road win over Maryland since a 1955 loss to the Terrapins.
For Maryland, the loss dropped the Terrapins to 2-2 on the season and extended their struggles under Locksley. The program has not had a winning season since 2023, and the back-to-back 4-8 records raise questions about the team’s trajectory under his leadership.
Fan and Community Reactions
UCLA supporters, including a group organized by Chesney’s childhood friend Thomas P. Letcavage ("Juice"), traveled from Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, to attend the game. Four buses carrying 160 fans made the trip to support the Bruins, reflecting growing enthusiasm for Chesney’s leadership. The victory has given UCLA fans renewed optimism about the program’s direction under its new coach.
Locksley is scheduled to meet with UM athletic director Jim Smith on Monday to discuss the team’s performance. While he expressed confidence in his ability to turn things around, the mounting losses and fan frustration suggest increasing pressure on his position.