UCLA Football Gets Back on Track

It was nerve racking at times but UCLA comes away with a 42-21 victory against UNLV at home.

UCLA got off to a fast start showing that they were as good as advertised at the beginning of the season. After a 28-7 start the Bruins seemed to get very comfortable and started to take their foot off the gas. A late second quarter touchdown brought the score to 28-14 and with that some concern. UNLV brought it within 7 after another touchdown and UCLA nation started to sweat. The defense seemed unable to stop Johnny Stanton and company and Josh Rosen wasn’t making the passes that we all know he can make. Going into the fourth quarter Jim Mora must have lit a fire under the team as UCLA came out with passion. The defense did not give up another point as they cruised to a 42-21 win. Soso Jamabo lead the way for the offense as he rushed for 90 yards and three touchdowns. Rosen accounted for two touchdowns of his own, one in the air and one on the ground. Overall the team played a much cleaner game than in College Station. The defense was shaky at times but came through with much needed turnovers. Randall Goforth accounted for both turnovers forced as he picked off two passes from Stanton. But by far the biggest take away was the success of Jamabo and company on the ground. UCLA totaled 219 yards on the ground with six people carrying the football. Jamabo and freshman Brandon Stephens lead the way 11 caries each. The running back by committee philosophy has worked so far this season as the run game has helped Rosen with his play action and as long as the run game is working then I have confidence in the offense. The receivers limited the costly drops but they were still there as the young group of pass catchers will need to continue to grow as they get game experience. A big road test comes next week in the form of the BYU Cougars as they come off one of the ugliest Holy War games ever played. This will start a tough two week stretch for the Bruins as they Go to BYU then play their most important game of the year at home against Stanford. We will figure out quickly how real of a contender UCLA is in the Pac-12.