UCLA's turnaround keeps rolling. Ty Dieffenbach threw for one touchdown and ran for another as the seventh-ranked Bruins blanked Nevada 27-0 at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

The win moved UCLA to 8-0 for the first time since 2005. It was also the Bruins' first shutout at the Rose Bowl since a 16-0 win over Oregon on Nov. 24, 2007.

The defense won the game in the first quarter. UCLA picked off Nevada quarterback Luke Duncan three times before the opening period was over.

Three picks in one quarter

Cornerback Scooter Jackson intercepted Duncan on his very first play. That set up a 26-yard field goal by Mateen Bhaghani.

Running back Anthony Woods grabbed the second interception after a tipped ball near the UCLA 16. Defensive back Derrick Barksdale then made the third pick, which led to his own 26-yard touchdown run for a 10-0 lead.

That was the end of the day for Duncan, who transferred from UCLA after coach Bob Chesney was hired last December. He finished 1 for 8 for 36 yards.

UCLA now has 16 interceptions this season. At this point last year the Bruins had one, on the way to a three-win season.

Pulling away

Dieffenbach scored on a 4-yard keeper just before halftime for a 17-0 lead. He opened the third quarter with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Wayne Knight, the running back's 14th score of the season.

Dieffenbach finished 16 of 30 for 178 yards. Bhaghani added a 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Defensive back Ty Lee capped the day with a fourth interception in the final seconds.

Nevada fell to 3-5 and hosts New Mexico on Friday. UCLA visits Minnesota next Saturday for its first road game since Oct. 10.