The UCLA Bruins’ offense is just fine, thank you. The defense? Well, that still seems to be a work in progress.
More from College Football
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- Jim Harbaugh facing 4-game suspension over NCAA violations
- College football neutral site games in 2023: Full list
- College GameDay announces surprise Week 1 destination
- College football analyst warns Oklahoma that Texas is doing better prep for SEC
The Memphis Tigers invaded the Rose Bowl, and gave the Bruins all that they wanted. Memphis had a chance to tie the game when their defense got the offense the ball back with 45 seconds left trailing by seven. Memphis was able to rip off a few yards at a time, but UCLA made the tackles in bounds and short of the first down marker. Time expired just after Memphis crossed midfield, securing a 42-35 win for the 11th ranked Bruins.
Not bad for a team that won three games last year, and had 21 player make their first collegiate starts last week.
Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch gave the Bruins defense fits. The true sophomore threw for a career high 301 yards on 25-39 passing and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.
UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley threw his first interception in 147 pass attempts, and it came at the worst possible time for the Bruins. It was in the fourth quarter with UCLA deep in their own territory. Fritz Etienne picked it off and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 35 with 13 minutes remaining in the game.
Hundley was still the star of the game for the Bruins. He threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns, two to Thomas Duarte. He also ran 11 times for 26 yards.
The game took a strange turn when Memphis botched a fake punt attempt deep in their own territory, and UCLA ran it in for a touchdown. However, penalties killed the Bruins again. They were whistled for illegal hands to the face on the play which not only negated the touchdown, it gave Memphis a first down and another lease on life.
The Bruins did come up with defensive plays when it really mattered, stopping three Memphis drives after the pick six in the fourth quarter. They still gave up 469 total yards and 35 points.
UCLA will look to improve their defense this week before travelling to Jerry World in Arlington, Texas to take on the Texas Longhorns next week.