The UCLA Bruins are 7-0 for the first time in the past two decades after UCLA defeated Michigan State 28-10 on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Bob Chesney still has not lost since joining UCLA as the dream start to his tenure continued.

Chesney deservedly gets a lot of credit but the UCLA defense has gone underrated to kick off the 2026 season. The Bruin defense has allowed 15 or less points in their past four games and has allowed more than 24 points just once this year.

The UCLA coaching staff knows that the strength of this team is the defense and moving the ball on the ground with their talented running backs and deep offensive line. That has led to the 7-0 start for the Bruins.

Chesney spoke postgame about adding on another victory after a quiet start to the game for the Bruins.

“They’re not easy to come by so to be able to end up with a win is a big deal. 7-0 obviously a big deal but you know, that first half was just not our type of football. Not really how we want to play the game,” Chesney said. “The two fumbles, for them to have a hundred and some yards in returns on those two, but what a great job by the defense to step up and get a stop on one. Donnie (Donovyn Pellot) with the interception to flip the field right back. That was a big time deal. That’s 14 points.”

UCLA never looked back after the Pellot interception, ending the game on a 21-3 run. This is Chesney’s style of football and things are likely to improve over the next few years as he continues to build out the program.

“It was sloppy,” Chesney said of the team’s showing versus Michigan State. “In the end, we got a win.”