UCLA Football: Recapping UCLA’s first win against Cal

The UCLA Football Bruins finally secured the program’s first win of the Chip Kelly era after a terribly slow start to the season.

After a strong showing in the second half in the game against Washington last week, the UCLA Football Bruins got there first win versus the California Golden Bears 37-7.

This win gives head coach Chip Kelly his first win as UCLA Football Bruins Head Coach. This game was a dominating performance by the Bruins.

The UCLA Bruins offense was balanced and very efficient. The Bruins ran for 207 rushing yards, led by Joshua Kelly who had 157 yards on 30 carries. Kelly also ran for three touchdowns.

This was Kelly’s third straight 100-yard game. The offensive line has jelled for UCLA; their run blocking has been great the past three weeks.

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was very efficient in the passing game. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 141 yards. Thompson-Robinson also ran the ball nine times for 27 yards. He did not throw for a touchdown, but he did not turn the ball over either.

Over the last few weeks, Thompson-Robinson has shown a good connection with tight end Caleb Wilson. Wilson had five catches for 92 yards; he has proven to be the Bruins best weapon in the passing attack.

On defense, the Bruins played a dominant game. They held Cal’s quarterback Brandon Mcllwain to only 168 yards passing on 22 for 40; The Bruins forced five turnovers in this game.

Linebacker Keisean Lucier-South recorded his first interception and later recovered a fumble and took it in for a touchdown. Their third-down defense was outstanding, holding the Bears 3-14 on third downs and 1-5 on fourth down. Getting stops on third down is key to getting your defense off the field.

This game was a good road win for the Bruins; it has been a tough first half of the season for them. It is starting to look like it is coming together. Dorian-Thompson-Robinson is beginning to look comfortable running Chip Kelly offense, he has been efficient and has taken care of the ball.

Joshua Kelly and the offensive line has been on a tear the last couple weeks. The Bruins success with the running attack is taking pressure off of Thompson-Robinson allowing him to ease into games and not having to do too much.

Also running successfully keeps the defense fresh, so they call fly around and make plays which happened against Cal this week.

Up next for the UCLA Football Bruins are the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl. If Keeps running the ball well, they could pull out another victory next week.