Pac 10 showdown as #17 UCLA meets #16 Cal

Berekely, CA–The 6-2 (4-1) Bruins rolled into Northern California to take on the 7-1 (5-0) Cal Bears with the ghosts of the Stanford loss still weighing heavily on their minds.

The concern over the match-up proved to be unfounded as the Bruins won out in a hard-fought game.  The score was 17-7 at the half, while the final turned out to be 29-7. 

The defense continued their aggressive play, with Jonas Godsey being the standout.  He had 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 pass deflection, and 1 forced fumble.  He was named player of the game.

Terrell Thompson and Stephen Gold have developed into a real thunder and lightning backfield.  Thompson had 20 carries for 145 yds and a TD and Gold had 12 carries for 67 yds and a TD.

 On the offensive line, Carter, Robinette, and Carlson had 4 pancakes each. 

After the game, UCLA moved up to #14 in the polls.  Jonathan Richard committed and Cody Carter showed up at #2 in the Rimington voting.  With his 25 pancakes and only 2 sacks allowed, he has earned the nickname “IHOP” for International House of Pancakes.

Recruits impressed by win over WSU

PASADENA, CA–With their starting QB back from a boot camp sabbatical, the Bruins made it a point to show the recruits in attendance that the loss to Stanford was an anomaly.

 The now 5-2 (3-1) #18 ranked Bruins easily handled the 2-6 (1-4) Cougars.  The Bruins took the score to 28-0 after the 1st Q.  Halftime it was 31-0, and the final was 45-3.  The second string was in at the start of the 4th Q.

 The offensive line took care of business and did not allow a sack all game.  Willis Johnson’s new found discipline paid off.  He went 6-10 for 77 yds, 3 TDs, 0 INT.  After the game he said, “I dedicate this game to my new brothers in the US Marine Corps.  I hope the my win over the 2-6 Cougars inspires them to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan.”

 Terrell Thompson had another 100 yd plus game, with 16 carries for 130 yds and 1 TD.

Stephen Gold has developed into an offensive workhorse.  2 receptions for 18 yds and 1 TD and 7 carries for 41 hard-earned yds. 

Chris McPherson and Mike Goss both ended up with 2 reception each and a TD.

Scott McElroy was named Pac-10 player of the week for his 35 yd INT return TD.

The performance earned UCLA three top commits after the game:

#1 CB Courtney Anderson from Sierra Vista, AZ

#1 OLB Mark Lilly from Sun City West, AZ

#3 OLB Jesse Bennett from Highland, CA

Despite the media gag order, #4 QB Jonathan Richard (say Re-shard) from West Hollywood, CA, was able to catch the broadcast on his fathers’ vintage 1930’s radio and gave Coach B a soft verbal commitment.

Willis Johnson MIA during bye week

PASADENA, CA–Willis Johnson was no where to be found during UCLA week 9 bye.  Rumors were swirling around campus, with theories ranging from a Vegas bender, to a Tijuana abortion, to a Bakersfield auto-erotic asphyxiation.

 The reality was less exciting, as it turns out that Willis ran off to spend a week at the Marine Corps boot camp in Oceanside.

“I wanted to learn some discipline, which I felt was sorely lacking,” said Willis.  “Over the past few games I’ve let my team down, the coaches, and my family.  Many of the skills I learned at boot camp will translate to the football field and to everyday life.  I’ve cleaned up my apartment, and hope to be smart out there and throw better passes.” 

 Coach Boreale was relieved to have his starting QB back.  “I’m just glad he didn’t kill himself,” he said.

Ducks fall to revived Bruins

EUGENE, OR–The 2-4 (0-3) Oregon Ducks were no match for the #20 ranked UCLA Bruins. 

The game was simply total domination by UCLA.  The score at the half was 38-0.  Final score was 48-7.  The 2nd string was in at the half.  UCLA had no turnovers all game.

 Key Stats:

Willis Johnson: 4-6, 49 yds, 2 TD (1st half only)

Terrell Thompson: 18 carries, 145 yds, 2 TD (1st half only)

Patrick Cowan: 3-3, 72 yds

Mario Sanford: 2-2 FG, long of 50 yds, 6 EP

Coach Boreale rallies Bruins over Wildcats

PASADENA, CA–After the devastating loss to Stanford, Coach Boreale declared a sweeping media ban.  No photos or video of UCLA practices or games until further notice.

 The media ban was in full force as the 3-2 (1-1) Bruins took on the 4-1 (1-1) Arizona Wildcats.  This turned out to be a statement game for UCLA, though it didn’t begin that way. 

 The Wildcats man-handled the Bruins during the first half.  Willis Johnson threw 2 interceptions and the offense had another fumble during the first half.  Score at halftime: 17-12 Arizona.

During halftime, Coach Boreale delivered one of the all-time great speeches, in an effort to rally his troops.  Said Coach B, “All of the events of your lives have been leading up to this moment.  Yes, we lost to Stanford last week.  Yes, we are losing this game right now.  Remember that the true measure of a man is not how he reacts in the warm afterglow of victory, but rather how he performs in the cold, dim light of failure.  A real winner will always rise after a loss, dust himself off, and give 100% time and time again.  I want each of you to look inside yourselves and find out if you are winners or losers.  Don’t give me an answer now, show me on the field.  Go Bruins!”

 With that, the Bruins came out in the second half as a team possessed.  The defense put on one of their most aggressive performances to date.  Stat-wise, they had and interception and a forced fumble and recovery.  They also had 2 roughing the kicker penalties and a roughing the passer.  The defense played as solid unit.

 The unity of the defense helped bring the offense together as well.  The Bruins showed a spark of life that hasn’t been seen in weeks.  Final score: UCLA 41, UA 17. 

Key Stats:

Willis Johnson: 7-15 for 142 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT; 5 carries, 41 yds, 1 rushing TD

Terrell Thompson: 17 carries, 109 yds, 1 TD
Stephen Gold: 10 carries, 44yds, 1 TD

Mike Goss: 4 rec, 77 yds, 2 TD

Mario Sanford: 2 for 2 FG, long 45 yds

Rashaud Swann: 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF