Karl Dorrell won his first game as a UCLA head coach as the
Bruins beat Illinois 6-3 Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.
Illinois kicker John Gockman missed a 43-yard field goal with 32
seconds left in the fourth quarter to seal the victory for UCLA
(1-1).
The missed kick was the end of a long drive for Illinois who had
started at their own 10-yard line with 3:40 left in the game.
Illinois had the ball at the Bruins’ 21-yard line, which would
given Gockman a 38-yard attempt rather than a 43-yarder, but
Illinois was flagged for a false start penalty and had to move five
yards back.
The game was a low scoring affair. Players on both teams dropped
several passes, and neither team scored a touchdown, with all
scoring coming on field goals. Bruin kicker Justin Medlock kicked a
28-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 48-yarder in the
second to account for all of the UCLA offense.
Gockman kicked a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter to
account for the Fighting Illinis’ scoring.
Manuel White led the Bruins with 102 yards rushing on 18 carries
and Ibrahim Halsley let the Fighting Illini with 75 yards on 24
carries.
Illinois quarterback Jon Beutjer out-passed UCLA sophomore Drew
Olsen, 216-91 yards.
Even though Illinois beat UCLA in total yards 277-186, Illinois
lost due to three turnovers as compared to UCLA’s one.
The Bruins offensive woes they had in their first game against
Colorado continued, but unlike last week, UCLA came out on top
Saturday.
Compiled from Daily Bruin staff and wire reports. Look for
the full story and complete coverage and analysis of the Illinois
game online soon.