Defensive Powerhouse Returns to Westwood

PASADENA, CA–The dominating Bruins defense of 2006 has finally shown some real sparks of life in 07. In a victory that meant a lot to Coach Boreale, the D held Notre Dame to -1 yard of total offense. 19 yards passing and -18 yards rushing. Notre Dame is a rush-heavy team that played right into the UCLA defense’s strength.

The defense played so well, that it sparked the offense too. Final score 35-7. Willis Johnson continued his INT streak by going 11 for 17 for 187 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Jimmy Stevens had an all Pac-10 performance with 71 yards on 14 carries with 3 TDs. Somehow he was not the player of the week.

Thugged out TE Karl Thurmond, shown here, had 3 receptions for 42 yards and 1 TD.

He also tried stab a Notre Dame Free Safety with his belt buckle. Some are concerned that Karl’s delinquent behavior will cost the team.

Despite the convincing win, there are rumors circulating around Westwood that Coach Boreale will be let go at season’s end.

UCLA is too much for #25 Oregon State

CORVALLIS, OR–The UCLA Bruins improved to 2-0 in the Pac-10, after beating Oregon State 10-7 in one of the greatest games of all time.

The defense shut down the usually high powered Beaver offense. Marty Hampton had 3 tackles, 2 for loss, and a sack. Kwame Huff had 4 tackles, 2 for loss, and an INT.

You would think that the Bruins would have won easily, but the offense struggled, mostly due to Willis Johnson’s 3 interceptions. He went 11 for 21 for 144 yards and a TD. By contrast, back-up Patrick Cowan, who came in when Johnson sat out the 4th Quarter with back spasms, went 6 for 7 for 119 yards.

Chris Markey, seen below, had nearly a 100 yard rushing performance on 13 carries, and Jimmy Stevens tacked on another TD and had 48 yards on 12 carries. Stevens, an impact player with a 90+ overall rating, is getting better by the game.

Former Schiavone Trophy candidate Matt Slater had over 100 yards receiving on 7 catches.

Bruins top Washington in Pac 10 opener

SEATTLE, WA–The UCLA offense is finally starting to click, due in large part to the switch to the ND playbook. The blend of Ace, I, and Shotgun sets has really made the passing game come alive and made the run more effective. Final score 21-7.

Big Willis Johnson went 14 for 23 with 209 yds 1 TD and 1 INT.

FB Jimmy Stevens rumbled for 50 yards on 10 carries and 2 TDs including the 1 yd run seen here.

Johnson did a good job of spreading the ball around. Four receivers had multiple catches of over 30 yards.

Defense was solid, but not the juggernaut of last season.