PASADENA, CA — Alabama continued its steady rise in the rankings with a 24-13 victory over No. 17 UCLA at the Rose Bowl. After opening the season ranked No. 22, the Crimson Tide have now climbed to No. 11.

Defense set the tone for Alabama, limiting the Bruins to just two field goals through three quarters. UCLA briefly threatened in the fourth when senior quarterback Pierce Clarkson connected with Jordan Napier on a touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 17-13. But Alabama responded with a late scoring drive to put the game out of reach.

The Tide defense sacked Clarkson twice and intercepted him two times, consistently disrupting UCLA’s rhythm.

Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 220 yards and a touchdown to lead the offense, while running back Cole Hood powered the ground game with 101 yards on 24 carries and a score. Senior halfback CJ Hester added another rushing touchdown.

A much bigger test awaits Alabama in Week 3 when they travel to face No. 7 Ohio State.

Meanwhile, UCLA — which dropped eight spots in the rankings — heads on the road to face unranked Iowa.

NCAA Players of the Week