Pasadena, CA – UCLA leveraged their house on Mike Fafaul who dropped back to pass 76 times in 52-45 loss to Utah at the Rose Bowl.
The game plan was clear for the Bruins throw the ball and use Fafaul athleticism to try and get back into the win column after two straight losses. Fafaul threw for 464 yards, completed 40/70, 5 touchdowns and disappointing 4 interceptions.
Utah caught fire with their ground game rushing for 360 yards for the game. Joe Williams lead the way with 332 yards on 29 carries with 4 touchdowns. Williams coming back after retiring for 28 days from the team. Last week was first game action versus Oregon State rushed for 179 yards and a touchdown.
The Bruins defense had the pressure of keeping the team close to win. The front seven didn’t have the right alignment to stop the B gap runs. They were able to sack the quarterback 5 times which was a season high.
Ucla could have used this type of offensive explosion in previous games. 45 points tied the Bruins highest point total in a game. Fans will wonder what if the Rosen had playbook of pass happy what could he do?
Utah with the win today will be the home of ESPN Gameday when they face off against undefeated Washington Huskies.
Quarterback Troy Williams was needed as a game manager against Ucla. This upcoming week the spotlight will be shining bright. Just two seasons ago Williams was under center for the Huskies before leaving the program for a local junior college. Santa Monica College was his team that he led to 11-0 season before accepting a scholarship with Utah. Williams was asked about Huskie game, “That game is finally here, I been waiting for it for two years,”
Jim Mora spoke about the negatives and tried to reach for some positives to push his team forward. He said he was still impress with his team coming off two losses and giving up but still fighting today.
So after this bye week the Bruins will face the red hot Colorado Buffaloes team. They have four games to play and need to win three to be bowl eligible. Not bowling will be disappointing and they will lose out on much needed extra two weeks of practice.
