Pasadena, CA -For the second week in a row, UCLA fans at the Rose Bowl filed out just minutes into the 3rd quarter.
No thrilling comeback was necessary Saturday for the UCLA Bruins. UCLA began the momentum built from last week’s victory and never took its foot off the gas pedal in route to a 56-23 victory over Hawaii in Pasadena.
“It has definitely been enjoyable to watch him work,” said offensive coordinator, Jedd Fisch. “He has really worked hard and at it to really be locked in.”
Josh Rosen continued to impress going 12 of 14 for 170 yards with 3 touchdowns, and that was just in the first half.
Unlike last week, UCLA receivers were able to get open for Rosen in the first half and take advantage of the space given by the Hawaii defensive back. Darren Andrews had another strong performance for the Bruins with 4 catches for 92-yards and 3 touchdowns.
UCLA delivered the first punch with a 25-yard touchdown catch from Andrews. The Bruins would score a touchdown in all but their last possession of the first half giving UCLA a comfortable 35-7 lead at the half.
Rosen and the Bruins stayed hot in the second half, which began much like the first. Rosen hooked up with Andrews once again, this time from 34-yards. Rosen had plenty of open targets to choose from.
Theo Howard opened the game as a bright spot for the Bruins in the open field. Howard finished the game with 7 catches 110-yards receiving and 1 touchdown.
An area of concern for the Bruins heading into today’s game was how they would hold up against Hawaii’s running attack. After giving up 286 rushing yards in the first half last week, UCLA gave up 281 yards on the ground in the two halves against Hawaii.
The Bruins were able to come up with their first turnover of the season. Darnay Holmes converted his interception into a touchdown after jumping a pass from Hawaii QB Dru Brown.
Besides holding Hawaii to 23 points, it was a game that could leave some dents in the UCLA defense. Kenny Young, Adarius Pickett and Jaleel Wadood all left the game with injuries and did not return. There availability for next week is still unknown.
Rosen finished 20 of 25 329 yards and a career high 5 touchdowns. All eyes will continue to be on him as the Bruins travel to take on the University of Memphis next week.
