Ethan Garbers threw two touchdowns, linebacker Kain Medrano returned an interception for a touchdown early in the second half and UCLA held off Nebraska late to beat the Cornhuskers 27-20 on Saturday.

The Bruins (3-5, 2-4 Big Ten) have won for the first time in a row under first-year coach DeShaun Foster after a 1-5 start. The Cornhuskers (5-4, 2-4) have lost three straight games and lost freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola to a crushing hit on their second-to-last possession.

The Bruins, who led by 20 points in the third quarter, experienced anxious moments before their victory was assured. Backup quarterback Heinrich Haarberg converted a fourth-and-11 while moving the Huskers into UCLA territory on their final possession. Kaylin Moore intercepted Heinrich’s pass, which was deflected by Jacory Barney Jr. at the 13, and the Bruins had no chance.

Garbers completed 17 of 25 passes for 219 yards and had a 57-yard run that set up a field goal.

The Bruins extended their 13-7 halftime lead with a couple of quick goals. Medrano intercepted Raiola’s pass on the first play from scrimmage of the second half and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown.

Medrano stepped in front of the pass intended for Jahmal Banks over the middle and pushed Raiola down the sideline to reach the end zone, and Garbers’ 48-yard pass to Kwazi Gilmer gave the Bruins a 27-7 lead midway through the third quarter .

The Huskers cut the lead to 13 points and reached the UCLA 5 on their next possession before turning the ball over on downs. However, they weren’t finished yet. UCLA went three-and-out and Raiola moved the Huskers to the UCLA 2, where he took a bad hit and was ejected from the game. A few plays later, he tried to get back in, but fell a few steps off the sideline and hobbled away, clutching his lower back.

With Haarberg in action, Dante Dowdell rushed through for a 1-yard touchdown. John Hohl missed the extra point, leaving the Huskers down 27-20 with 3:57 left.

Raiola was 14 of 27 for 177 yards and a touchdown.

The takeaway food

UCLA: UCLA is improving after its difficult start despite periods of undisciplined play. The Bruins, who beat Rutgers 35-32 in their last game, have posted their two highest scores in consecutive games.

Nebraska: Raiola looked weak throughout the game and now his status will be the focus. The Huskers won’t play again for two weeks.

Next

UCLA: hosts Iowa next Saturday.

Nebraska: visits Southern California November 16th.

——–

Get AP Top 25 poll alerts and updates throughout the season. Sign up here. AP College Football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football