BYU’s magic ends as UCLA pulls out 24-23 come-from-behind win

BYU’s magic officially ran out.

The Cougars had a chance for some late-game heroics against UCLA, but quarterback Tanner Mangum, who had thrown Hail Mary’s for wins in each of the past two weeks, was picked off by linebacker Myles Jack with less than a minute remaining to solidify UCLA’s 24-23 win.

The Bruins had taken the one-point lead with 3:21 remaining after running back Nate Starks cruised in from three yards out. It was UCLA’s first lead of the contest.

UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who some have hailed as a Heisman prospect, struggled in his third career start. He completed just 11 of 23 passes for 106 yards and he threw three interceptions in the first half, which kept BYU in front the bulk of the game. Rosen and the UCLA offense was aided by running back Paul Perkins, who had 26 carries for 216 yards and a score.

Still, the UCLA defense, which has played well so far this season, struggled to slow Mangum, who completed 30 of 47 passes for 244 and a touchdown and the BYU running game, which was especially good in the second half.

But, with the game on the line, Mangum couldn’t come up with another miracle.

UCLA starts the season 3-0 for the fourth consecutive season. It opens Pac-12 Conference play next week against Arizona.

BYU travels to Michigan for an early morning game against the Wolverines.

For more UCLA news, visit BruinSportsReport.com.

For more BYU news, visit CougarNation.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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