Big screen at Rose Bowl prior to a UCLA game (Photo – Ken Lund)
UCLA Football is back!
By Christopher Floch
The Bruins return for their home opener at the iconic Rose Bowl this Saturday, September 7th to face the San Diego State Aztecs at 1:15 pm. The game will be televised on the PAC-12 Network.
The extravaganza both on and off the field is an opportunity to tailgate, bond with other die-hard Bruin fans and celebrate the pageantry of college football.
The atmosphere is truly exuberant. The intoxicating aroma of burgers and chicken wings wafting from the Ralph’s Ultimate Tailgate Party, as the marching band heads into the stadium.
Dedicated Bruin fans will shout the 8 CLAP. The Bruin Walk gives the Bruin faithful a chance to interact with the players, give the players a fist bump before they battle on the gridiron.
In the midst of rebuilding
The Bruins need our support as the team finds itself in the midst of rebuilding its beleaguered program. In 2018, the Bruins finished off with a dismal 3-9 record, it’s worst record in decades. UCLA will be further motivated by the thunderous cheers and stomping, after their second straight season opened up with a loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Bruins suffered a gut wrenching 24-14 defeat in Cincinnati on Thursday, August 29th.
Once again turnovers and a general lack of experience cost UCLA the Win. Sophomore quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson committed four costly turnovers. Two interceptions compounded by two fumbles in the red zone sealed the Bruins’ fate. Thompson-Robinson looked shaky in the pocket, going 8 of 26, two TDs along with two interceptions. Rest assured, Thompson-Robinson will redeem himself and have a tremendous outing.
Late in the 4th quarter, the Bruins recovered a fumble and returned it to the end zone. Unfortunately, the referees ruled the Bearcats running back was ruled down by contact, nullifying the Bruins TD which would have cut the defect to three points.
Head Coach Kelly and 48 players: Freshmen or Sophomores
It needs to be mentioned these Bruins have a whopping 48 players who are either Freshmen or Sophomores. Fans must remain patient with Head Coach, Chip Kelly, who is receiving the lion’s share of blame. Yes, his record as Bruins head coach is 3-10, but rebuilding takes time. In addition, Kelly doesn’t have a deep roster filled with speed and talent like he did while coaching the Oregon Ducks, where he led Oregon to a stunning 46-7 record.
Kelly needs another season to put his stamp on UCLA, especially instilling his dynamic offenses. The team has added wrinkles such as motioning wide receivers side to side before the snap.
UCLA at the Rose Bowl (Photos – Michael C. Floch)
Patience, the dreaded word
Patience is the word every sports fan dreads to hear, yet the sad truth is: transforming a program is a massive overhaul which realistically takes time. From top to bottom: from the Athletic Director to the walk on must be instrumental to restore pride and success for UCLA.
Bruins running back Josh Kelley, who ran for 1,200 yards in 2018 was scratched due to a foot injury. Wide receiver Demetric Falcon carried the ball 23 times and caught a TD pass. On defense, the Bruins secondary was impressive and fearless. However, the D-line was manhandled by the Bearcats, giving up a woeful 175 yards on the ground.
UCLA has owned the Aztecs in this California rivalry. The teams last met a decade ago in 2009, when UCLA crushed San Diego St. 33-14. This game is the first of a two-game series, the Bruins will visit the Aztecs in 2020. San Diego State won their home opener, shutting out Weber State 6-0 on Saturday.
After the San Diego State game the Bruins will host the powerhouse NO. 4 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in Primetime on Saturday, September 14th.
The savage ballet lives on.
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