BYU's 25-game winning streak, which had led the nation, ended before a nationally-televised ESPN audience and its second largest home crowd when a last minute pass was intercepted.
Moments before, UCLA's reserve quarterback completed a 62-yard bomb to set up a winning touchdown, but the Bruins stayed in the game from the beginning thanks to the foot of Jon Lee, who booted field goals of 25,35, 20 and 25-yards.
Lee might have hit a fifth field goal had BYU cornerback Rodney Thomas not intercepted a late first half pass in the endzone.
Linebacker Cary Whittingham broke his thumb despite leading the team defensively and was lost for several games. Tailback Kelly Smith twisted his knee early in the game, but was replaced by Vai Sikahema who led BYU in rushing and pass receiving. Linebacker Leon White broke a finger early in the game as well.
UCLA scored a field goal following a block of a Cougar punt, returned a pass interception for a TD and kicked another field goal following a fourth-quarter BYU fumble. In all, the Bruins capitalized on five Cougar turnovers.
BYU ranked 13th in UP and 16th in AP. BYU now 1-1.
Source:1986 BYU media guide