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Well, that was an ugly 16 years.
After losing 8 games in a row at Memorial Stadium, the U.C.L.A. Bruins salvaged a 38-36 win over the UC Berkeley Bears with a late field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn and a last minute interception by Marcus Rios. It was the Bruins first win in Berkeley since the 1900's.
The Bruins started the second half up by 10, but saw UC Berkeley get a pair of TDs in the 3rd and another in the middle of the 4th. That gave the Bears a one point lead. The Bruins settled for two field goals in the red zone in the second half, but the second of those came with 3:40 left and put U.C.L.A up by 2. Bruins fans were resigned to the likelihood that the potent Bears offense would move down the field for a game winning FG, and appeared on their way there. Then with a 2nd down from the Bruin 36, Berkeley took a surprise shot at the end zone. Marcus Rios had perfect position and hauled in the pass on the sideline for the pick. The Bruins ran out the clock and ended the game and a a very forgettable streak of frustration in the East Bay
Brett Hundley had a great game, passing for 330 yards and rushing for another 96, but it was his 4th quarter interception which set up the Bears' go ahead touchdown. Paul Perkins added 86 yards on the ground and 75 yards receiving before being sidelined in the second half. UCLA outgained UC Berkeley 567 to 366, had 33 first downs to Berkeley's 21, and had a slight edge in time of possession. You can see all the stats here.
The Bruins almost killed themselves with penalties and turnovers, but did just enough to get out of town with the win. And an ugly win sure feels better than any kind of loss. So let's celebrate the win tonight, and we'll look into the details tomorrow. There is still a lot of work to do with this team and coaching staff.
GO BRUNS!