UCLA Rallies Past Michigan State to Stay Unbeaten, but Doubts Remain

WHO:

Newsweek - UCLA and Michigan State are the teams involved.

Newsweek - An unnamed analyst questioned whether UCLA is built for the College Football Playoff.

NY Post - UCLA defensive back Malik Hartford celebrated after forcing a fumble that UCLA recovered.

WHAT:

Newsweek - UCLA beat Michigan State and remained undefeated, maintaining its perfect season.

Newsweek - The article reported that the win did not impress everyone.

NY Post - UCLA overcame a poor start and went on to blow out Michigan State.

NY Post - UCLA looked flat during the first quarter, then played as expected.

WHERE:

NY Post - The game was played at UCLA’s homecoming.

WHY:

Newsweek - Doubts about UCLA’s College Football Playoff prospects were raised by an analyst despite the team’s undefeated record.

HOW:

NY Post - UCLA’s turnaround followed its flat first-quarter performance; Malik Hartford forced a fumble that UCLA recovered.

(UPDATED October 25, 2026 17:07 UTC)

UCLA stayed undefeated with a blowout win over Michigan State at its homecoming, but the victory did not convince everyone the Bruins are ready for the College Football Playoff. UCLA looked flat in the first quarter, then found its footing and played to the level expected of it, turning a sluggish start into a decisive finish. A key moment came when defensive back Malik Hartford forced a fumble that UCLA recovered, and Hartford celebrated the play. The win preserved UCLA’s perfect season, yet an unnamed analyst questioned whether the team is built to make a deep playoff run. That doubt stood in contrast to the emphatic result, as UCLA pulled away after its early struggles. The game offered both a strong recovery and a reminder that an undefeated record alone may not settle questions about the Bruins’ playoff prospects.