Hawaii Puts UCLA to the Test
DeShaun Foster always said that words about him, his team, or their opponents didn’t matter if the team played ball.
Is UCLA’s new coach still inexperienced?
The Bruins cannot efficiently execute an enterprise-level NFL offense.
They face a difficult time when they enter the Big Ten. The Bruins could finally play ball, and it was not for the better. Once UCLA secured the come-from-behind 16-13 win against Hawaii on a hot Saturday afternoon at Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex, all the preseason questions could have been answered.
Halfway through the third quarter, it seemed the biggest moment of Foster’s day would be stepping off the team bus with a string of tropical flower leis around his neck. He certainly wasn’t feeling the aloha spirit during the game.
He observed an offense that faltered and special teams that appeared utterly unprepared as the Bruins fell behind by ten points in the first half. Post-by-week changes included a defense that contracted its spine and an offense that started making something that resembled movements with the ball at speeds faster than that of a snail.
In that impressive offensive display, UCLA strategically positioned itself for a game-winning 32-yard field goal by Mateen Bhaghani with just 56 seconds remaining, despite a turbulent start to the season opener.
UCLA’s Comeback Kings: Bruins Edge Out Hawaii in Nail-Biter
Viewers decide if the first-game exceptions are due to a new coach, new offensive and defensive coordinators. One has to include that the Bruins were playing the opposite of the team, which required the second half to dispatch the FCS’er in the opener last week.
The number one hero of the Miricolous story in UCLA was wide receiver Rico Flores Jr., who was playing for Notre Dame before transferring to UCLA midseason typical of his erratic form, Flores got into the right place and at the right time midway through the third quarter to catch a 39-yard touchdown pass that put UCLA in front.
In the second half of the game, UCLA’s defense played a great game keeping Hawaii (1-1) to only three points and limiting them to 100 yards in total offense. Bruins line-backer Ale Kaho most unfortunately made it possible to add a much needed and needed sack and safety Bryan Addison Sharrl gained a fumble near the midfield as the game closed down.
UCLA’s Narrow Escape: A Second-Half Surge Saves the Day
The Bruins trailed 10-0 at halftime. Ethan Garbers got sacked in his territory. He threw a Hail Mary pass. The pass got picked off. This was a silver lining for the Bruins.
Safety Ramon Henderson sacked quarterback Brayden Schager for a four-yard loss on third down, preventing Hawaii from gaining the five yards needed for a touchdown. But the Rainbow Warriors extended their lead with a knuckling 28-yard field goal just about clearing the crossbar to signal the end of the first half.
By then, there were several issues that the Bruins had to look at in the areas of their offense, special teams, and overall game management.
Garbers’ beginning half power has existed the worst of welcome course, the redshirt senior achieving six of 19 passes for 69 yards accompanying two interceptions. He also ended up playing out the final stages of 19 of 38 passes for 272 yards with one pass converted into a touchdown.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
