NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Theo Howard (14) of the UCLA Bruins breaking away during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
Tempe, AZ – UCLA’s determination and heart stayed in the locker room at halftime of the Cactus Bowl falling to Kansas State 35-17 Tuesday night at Chase Field.
Kansas State imposed it’s will rushing for 355 yards on the Bruins defense led by backup quarterback Alex Delton.
“Obviously, very disappointed in the final result,” said coach Jedd Fisch, “I think at the end they kind wore us down a little bit.”
NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Alex Barnes (34) of the Kansas State Wildcats taking handoff in the endzone during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
Delton came in the game as change of pace for a series at end of 1st quarter and ripped off 68 yard rushing touchdown. After K-State saw how much trouble UCLA defense had with a running quarterback their game plan changed fast.
After halftime Delton went on to carve up the Bruins for two more touchdowns finishing with team high 160 yards, 3 touchdowns. This was the Bruins fifth time allowing a team to rush for over 300 yards.
NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Alex Delton (5) of the Kansas State Wildcats running wild during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
Devon Modster in relief of Josh Rosen held out game due to concussion protocol played a good first half. He finished the game throwing for 295 yards completing 21-34 passing with two touchdowns. In second half just not being in the same rhythm Modster only threw for 80 yards when the team was behind.
“I think I just threw too many incomplete passes,” said Modster, “He (Rosen) really helped me out a lot today.”
The Bruins were able to have receivers Jordan Lasley 8 catches for 128 yards, Theo Howard with 8 catches 119 yards and each with a touchdown.
NCAA Football Cactus 2017: Theo Howard (14) of the UCLA Bruins just missing a Modster pass during the Kansas State Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Chase Field, in Phoenix on December 26, 2017 (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / fi360 News)
K-State defense really stepped up stopping UCLA’s running game all game only allowing them a net 69 yards. Then begin to add more pressure in passing game that made the timing off.
Now that the Cactus Bowl is over UCLA coach Jedd Fisch will be relived and make way for full time Chip Kelly era.
There will be a lot of moving parts in upcoming weeks with players, coaches, and office staff. So now the Bruins transformation will began after the quiet airplane ride back home.
UCLA will open up next year with at home September 1 with Cincinnati and then next week travel to Norman to face Oklahoma on September 8, 2017.
