Bruins Take Advantage of Opportunities in Homecoming Win Over Cal
by gbruin on Oct 29, 2011 7:48 PM PDT
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Hooray! The U.C.L.A. Bruins found an opponent that was far more inept than themselves, took advantage of 5 Cal turnovers, and added a strong ground game to cruise to a 31-14 win. The stats can be found here.
This began as a game that looked as if both teams were trying as hard as possible to give the game away. When the Bruins started out strong with a fumble on their second drive, the Bears went 4 plays on the short field to take a 7-0 lead. When the Bruins had a nice drive for a touchdown to tie, Cal then came back strong and gifted the Bruins 10 more points with two turnovers of their own deep in their own territory.. The Bruins made a strong effort not to expand their lead before the half with wimpy play calling and bad clock management and headed into halftime protecting a 17-7 lead.
Not to be outdone, the Bruins gave Cal the ball at the its own 15 to start the 3rd on a muffed punt which Cal couldn't help but convert for a TD, making it a 3 point game. U.C.L.A. then kept the Bears in the game by punting at the Cal 35. But Cal toughened up with a missed FG to keep the deficit at 3. Cal then stepped up with another pick deep in its territory and Derrick Coleman cashed it in for a TD to give the Bruins a 24-14 lead early in the 4th qtr.
The Bruin defense then allowed Cal to mount a long drive that was paused by a scary injury to Dietrich Riley, and then stopped altogether when Bears QB Maynard fired his 3rd pick, this time in the red zone, to eliminate a chance to get back in the game. The Bruins briefly considered giving the ball back, but Coleman's fumble was overturned on review, and with that, the Bruins decided to go ahead and take what was offered. They took control of the game with a long time consuming drive for another touchdown. Cal sealed the loss with a final pick late in the 4th, and the Bruins cruised to the 31-14 win.
Ok, sarcasm aside, we are sincerely grateful and happy with a Homecoming win tonight. Despite the turmoil following the Arizona debacle, the Bruins showed a lot of character in winning a game that was truly winnable. Cal contributed to the Bruins' success with plenty of mistakes, but we understand the frustration around a struggling team and hope that Cal gets their ship righted soon. But back to the Bruins, tonight's game featured some great performances by Tevan McDonald with 3 picks, Derrick Coleman with 3 touchdowns and 80 clutch tough yards on the ground, Kevin Prince with 163 yards of his own, 2 big sacks from Datone Jones, and a gutty performance by a banged up Jeff Locke. Eric Kendricks led a strong effort for the maligned defense that repeatedly shut down the Bears on 3rd down. Also inspiring was the strong play of many of our young and highly touted players, including Wade Yandall with a great game on the OL, Keenan Graham and Aramide Olaniyan on the DL, and Jerry Rice, Jr. Most importantly, let's keep Dietrich Riley in our thoughts tonight as he undergoes further evaluation for what looked to be a scary neck injury. The movemnet in his limbs and the thumbs up and wave to the crowd as he was car off was the best scene of the night.
We have discussed the problems with U.C.L.A. football over and over recently. Tonight is a time to focus on the potential of UCLA football. For anyone who has questioned the talent on this team, tonight's game ends that argument. However, the underlying sickness in the athletic department still exists. Despite the outcome, this game is not the mythical corner that we have been waiting for with this program. Until Dan Guerrero is fired, and a new coach is hired to replace Rick Neuheisel, those young talents that we saw fighting against a struggling Cal team won't get to realize their true potential.
Imagine seeing tonight's performance on a regular basis.
GO BRUINS!
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Riley updated per CBS
4 minutes ago – by Sean Ceglinsky – S Riley neck injury not serious
Starting S Dietrich Riley left the second half of Saturday’s game against Cal with a neck injury. "All signs have been positive about Dietrich so far,‘’ coach Rick Neuheisel said. "He has had some tests, and everything looks positive, knock on wood. He is in good spirits, thankfully.’’ Bruins RapidReports
We beat a very average team from a perennial also-ran program
Nothing to get too excited about.
For me, the fact that a lot of the young guys got playing time was huge. Not only did kids like Kendricks, Olaniyan, Graham, McDonald, and Yandall actually get to play, but played very well.
Makes you wonder why a lot of these talented, younger guys have been made to sit behind the older, less talented “starters” under Rick.
Great effort by the young guys tonight. Very excited to see what these guys can do with some real coaching and real support from an athletic department not run by an incompetent boob.
Happy for the kids tonight.
And for those fans that showed up to support the team on Homecoming.
by orlandobruin on Oct 29, 2011 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions
The student section was very full
But a lot of that was due to it being Parents night for fraternities and sororities. There were a lot of parents in the student section
by Bruin2011 on Oct 30, 2011 1:17 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
It filled fairly well, maybe 70k+
I had a bag & was prepared to but chickened out when no one else did :-)
by impaulv on Oct 29, 2011 8:14 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
The bag idea was not a good one from it's inception.
Glad it did not take hold
Nah
If that’s how a person wants to make their dissatisfaction known then they have every right to do it. Neuheisel and Guerror are beyond redemption.
Don't disagree it is there right
I think it is juvenile and disrespectful to the players. They were out there last night working to win
And I think your reaction to it is juvenile
And that our players aren’t delicate little flowers that are going to wilt at the sight of a few brown bags.
I wore my bag after Cal took a 7 to 0 lead
but since we led most of the game I didn’t wear it all game
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Oct 29, 2011 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Cal isn't a great team
But at least we ran up a decent score. We have played inferior (or equal) teams before, but barely managed to win. At least this was a convincing performance, and the D really capitalized on Cal’s mistakes. Also, some new faces got to play and were able t step up. Prince took matters into his own hands and did a good job rushing, too.
It helps that the more talented younger guys got to play
McDonald, Olaniyan, Graham, and most of all, Kendricks.
Kendricks is a beast.
Huge tonight. Absolutely huge.
Makes you wonder why he hasn’t been put in those spots all along.
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
Olaniyan was also good
made at least two TFL’s that I remember
Maybe the suspensions allowed unterutilized players to show some tallent
but then it could just be that we played a sub-par team.
While it was great to win, I don't think it changes anything unless...
we beat ASU. Assuming we do, we will be in a huge pickle because while it would be nice to get a win over a quality opponent, the question remains whether CRN is the right coach for the future.
by pUSCies on Oct 29, 2011 8:02 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I still don't think he is
as much as it pains me to say it (because I really want him to be!). But really, even with a huge win over ASU, we’ll still have more embarassing losses than BIG victories. That’s no good.
I like the wording in the post, actually. “Until Dan Guerrero is fired, and a new coach is hired to replace Rick Neuheisel…” sums it up pretty well to me – Dan needs to be fired, but Rick just needs to be replaced. Technically the same thing, I guess, but emotionally and semantically different.
Nothing changes
because UCLA isn’t going to beat ASU nor will they beat USC. This Cal team is a crappy ass Cal team and the worst one we’ve had to play in the past couple of years. Don’t let some temporary yippy 1 win over a mediocre team delude you into thinking that Skippy is going to become the next Paul Bear Bryant.
Wisc ball at their own 32, 2:36 to go.
And what’s that? Yes, it’s Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Roger Craig into the game for the Badgers.
Just kidding about that.
by Fox 71 on Oct 29, 2011 8:10 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
No John Elway?
How often did those 3 need to make a comeback?
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
OOOOH - TD Badgers
Many face palms in the stands .
49 yard TD pass to a pretty much wide open guy.
Badgers going for two with a 27-26 lead.
Zona up 10-0
Over much hyped Sark’s Dawgs in Seattle.
by Nestor on Oct 29, 2011 8:12 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
They threw the ball?
Did they learn nothing from TCU?
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
OSU scrambles and it's 3rd and 1, so they take a time out.
Todd Blackledge is the alleged announcer (I have the sound off so I don’t now for sure.) He is remembered by all Chiefs fans as the QB the Chiefs drafted instead of Marino.
My picks SUCK this week.
I almost picked MSU, GT, and tOSU, but my “intellect” prevailed. Ugh.
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
Luck threw it right to the trogan defender
At least he gets it back. 3:08 left, Stanford now down 7.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
Nice pass by the Wisconsin QB, about 5 yards out of bounds with no time left on the clock.
Apparently the play was to pitch it to a cheerleader who would try to sneak in the back end of the end zone.
hahahahaha
pass interference on a badd pass for what should have been Wisconsin’s last play
formerly bruinhoo
But wait - 2 penalties on the Buckeyes.
Now Wisconsin gets one more try. I hope they make it. I always root for the underdog, especially on the road.
Didn't watch, had no idea where they were ranked
but Wisconsin losing is always good. I was at the 1994 Rose Bowl.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
QB hit as he throws, wounded duck that isn't close to anyone, game over.
Wisconsin is a great 59 minute and 20 second team
Was JUST thinking that myself...
…But don’t know if they can risk losing their ranking.
And you would've
Thought that Herbstreit went there or wish he had
lol at the sign on his shoulder
yes, i’m juvenile sometimes
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
I completely missed the sign over Herbie right shoulder earlier
classy and educated. A dangerous combination, those Trojans.
formerly bruinhoo
Gotta love
The Tampa 2 $tep of the Mighty Monte
Ugh. Lot of time for Barkley
Can he throw a pick?
by Nestor on Oct 29, 2011 8:32 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Andrew Luck has such an air of confidence to him
Even after the pick 6, the look on Luck’s face said, “My bad but don’t worry, I’ll get us those point back. Everybody chill the f out- I got this.”
Tweet from Aaron Hester, updating on Riley
@YungHess21 Dietrich was walking around and moving all his limbs at the hospital."
what a blow it
Woods run cross the field, but doesn’t get out of bounds and the clock runs out. OT
Review?
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
do not underestimate the power of the dark side
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Poetic justice
Would be to overturn it. U$C tries the FG, fumbles, Stanford recovers and runs it back for a TD.
Could he have thrown it out of bounds
Ive never seen it happen, but why the hell not?
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
When Lamey had sex
with Cheaty, the result is Matty Barkley
more unholy
Than Rosemary’s baby…
by Westwood is the best wood on Oct 29, 2011 8:55 PM PDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Good Clock management for the home team!
They should fire the clock guy for that!
Why do I think that Luck called that.
And we just witnessed a real life scene from Varsity Blues.
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
Wow, interesting play
looked like a WR screen, then he lateraled the ball to a guy running a wheel. would have been better on the wide size, but cool play.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
I still hate 'em
but give the trogans credit for playing this year when they have nothing tangible to play for.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
I was hoping for a INT return for 2 pts
Only way for me to cover at this point
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
On top of wanting $C to lose...
I really want Stanford and Oregon to be undefeated when they play. That should be a great game.
Stanford caught a HUGE break with the spot
Wow…it was about 4 yards off
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
As much as I hate him
I can take Dirty Sanchez arrogance over Matty’s
Humm 6'8 Tight End
Don’t we have one of those….
How's about Stanford win this game by 8...
…for entertainment purposes only? ;-)
Do I feel
$c fumble? Oh wait the gansta Tyler hasn’t seen the field foe a long time
Looked like DC on that one
Same number and all
Even with Luck
Stanford’s run game is dominating the defense. Maybe the threat of Luck throwing has something to do with that, though.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
All those USB backs were too busy banging the Kardashians
And forgot to hang on to the ball
Formerly AllHailMightyBruins
UCLA wins, $c goes down
Life is good.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
by KSBruin on Oct 29, 2011 9:14 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Musberger just said...
CardinalS win it…. uh dipwad this isn’t St. Louis or Arizona, they are The Cardinal… as in the color.
Wow, incredible game.
kudos to …ahem…both teams.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Why both teams
Stanford players have to go to classes
That girl looks looks
like Daddy’s check got lost in the mail….
Our program has issues
But this has been a beautiful Saturday.
by Nestor on Oct 29, 2011 9:17 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I couldn't stay away
Turned the game on just in time to see the last play.
Indeed a pretty good football Saturday.
Good night, all.
Nice!
You got it. That is the cherry on top.
Good night all!
Sorta looks like
Phil Fulmer here. Fitting for an ex-Vols coach. But that would insulting to Fulmer
by FanofBruins on Oct 29, 2011 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I just got home from the game
it was an unexpectedly good time. I loved it. For the first time in a long time, the defense played with passion. Datone Jones on the inside is a critical change that could make a difference to our defense. Mcdonald took advantage of all his opportunities. Kendricks was awesome. We had great play from every level of our defense. I know Maynard isn’t Foles or Luck, but it was nice to see that for a change.
Our offense took advantage of most of the chances that the defense gave them, which was another great thing to see.
Overall, it was nothing like the Cal game last year where our players just looked flat and played like they didn’t care. If we play ASU with the defense we had tonight and run our offense without turnovers, we have a chance next week, although I’d never say we have the advantage, even at home. Anyways, I’ll throw in my eye test for whatever it is worth.
1) Is our defense prepared for every team we play?
Tonight, we were! We took advantage of opportunities, had stout run defense, a passable pass rush, good coverage, and when Cal did score it was only off turnovers. Solid A!
2) Do we call offensive plays to catch our opponents off guard?
Hmm, I’m not sure about this one. Our offense was passable, but I don’t know if a series of QB keepers is good for an A here. On the other hand, giving our injury prone QB the ball over and over and over is so dumb that maybe the other side just couldn’t believe we were doing it! The one play that really, really caught me by surprise was the handoff to Coleman on third and long that resulted in a TD, although that is another one of those plays that was so crazy that it worked. I’ll give us a B-.
3) Do our players look like they know what they are doing at all times?
Hell yes! We did have one timeout in each half that was the result of some confusion, but other than that our guys were lining up right and on time on defense, generally executing well on offense, and doing a good job on special teams in terms of tackling and coverage. This is even more impressive considering all the walk-ons and guys deep on our depth chart that were getting PT tonight. Just a great job! A- Lost the A+ and then the A due to the time outs.
4) Do our players play for 60 G-D minutes every game.
We started the game with a defensive stop and ended it with a dominating 4th quarter. I’m going to say yes, we played very hard. Good job! They get an A!
5) Do our players execute?
On defense, we did well, failing to hold the edge a few times, but overall doing a good job. Datone Jones at DT was a great move, that I wish this staff had thought of earlier. I know people here have talked about it. On Offense we did okay, the good thing is that we took mostly took advantage of Cal’s turnovers when we needed to. On special teams we did good, with Locke playing like a hero. However, I have to drop them to a C because of the muffed punt return.
A for defense, B for offense, C for special teams. I’ll give it a B+ with a slant because of the win.
6) Do we have leaders on the field?
I’d say Prince definitely put the offense on his shoulders tonight. The whole defense played like they were leaders, with confidence and aggression. Riley’s thumbs up when he left the field pulled my heart strings and probably helped motivate his guys. I didn’t see any giant let downs or mental mistakes, which means there were probably a lot of guys helping each other out. B+ for leadership.
Overall GPA for tonight – 3.5, Honor Roll! Good job Bruins! Keep playing like you care!
I'd like to add
the defense got 10 third down stops in 12 tries. Way to go!
Okay serious question:
With losses by the likes of Clemson, Wisconsin, K-state and Michigan State… are we now in the top 3 of the BCS rankings?
Bruins, of course...
I figure, he we beat San Jose st. and Cal… so we ought to be way up there in the BCS rankings, don’t you think so?
Arizona is hanging with Washington
At washington. They just really needed to get rid of stoops.
by bruin578 on Oct 29, 2011 10:19 PM PDT via iPhone app reply actions
We played a lot better than last Thursday obviously...
But I think the next game against a quality team like ASU will be much more telling to see if UCLA has improved. Cal just had way too many turnovers today and they (at least partly) self-destructed.
Go Bruins!
Not sure if...
we took a step forward, or Cal was just a bad team.
OT: I really liked the white Cal football helmets, any chance UCLA gets some white football Helmets for Away games?
Washington v AZ
AZ is the only other team besides USC that I love watching lose. Even if it means Washington is improving…
My thoughts from the game at the Rose Bowl
It was definitely a lively crowd today at the stadium. In fact, there was a cool flash mob by the band and other UCLA students at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
Matt Stevens said on the radio that moving Datone Jones to the interior allowed Kendricks and Carter to be effective. Perhaps he can still there even when Marsh comes back. This was the most pressure the d-line has put on the opposing team this year and the secondary benefited with the interceptions. Plus, the Cal QB was horrible, Bethel-Thompson horrible
K.Prince said that they watched video of Nevada’s game against Cal last year and realized that the QB had opportunities to run against the Bears’ D from the pistol formation. I do not think it is a good idea for KP to keep running so much in future games. The passing game does take a big hit when he plays.
I did wear my “Save UCLA Football, Nix Neu, Dump Dan!” brown bag for awhile, just after Cal took a 7 to 0 lead. Since the Bruins led most the game I did not keep it on. Some fans chuckled, but most did not care.
I am happy for the players, but still think a coaching & AD change is needed
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Oct 29, 2011 10:49 PM PDT reply actions
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