If it’s not one thing, it’s always another for UCLA

Houston running back Michael Hayes runs ahead of UCLA's Andrew Abbott for a touchdown.  Photo by Dave Einsel (AP)

Loss at Houston shows that UCLA is not a complete team.  A poor defense could make for a long season against high-powered PAC 12 offensives.  Up next is San Jose St.

By Jason Lewis
Sentinel Sports Editor
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UCLA can never get it all right.  Some seasons the offense is looking really good, but the defense is lousy.  Other seasons it’s the other way around.  Last season certain units played well, such as the running game, and others were just bad, such as the passing game.

UCLA’s 38-34 loss at Houston in the season opener showed that nothing is new with the Bruins.  Offensively they played well, running the ball and throwing it.   They racked up 554 yards as junior running back Johnathan Franklin (Dorsey HS) rushed for 128 yards and junior quarterback Richard Brehaut stepped in for an injured Kevin Prince, something else that is not new, and passed for 264 yards and two touchdowns. 

As good as the offense played, the defense was much worse, allowing Houston quarterback Case Keenum to pass for 310 yards and two touchdowns, and UCLA gave up 159 rushing yards. 

For one game UCLA has made strides on offense, namely passing the ball, but defensively it seems like the same problems have rolled over into this season.  With the high-powered offenses in the PAC 12, UCLA will be in for a very long season unless they can light up the scoreboard, which may not happen.  The passing offense looked good for one game, but they will have to do that weekly for anybody to take UCLA’s offense serious.

Up next for UCLA is San Jose St., who should not give the Bruins many problems.  A convincing victory in that game will not get the critics off of UCLA’s back, but a poor performance will add more fuel to the fire.    

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