Had the UCLA football team won its season opener against
Oklahoma State, the postgame focus would have been entirely
different. Instead of the critical remarks directed toward the
defense for allowing 31 points and wide-open running lanes, many
would have been praising the improvement on offense, where the
Bruins gained a total of 443 yards. The offensive line, a unit that
struggled mightily last season, perhaps showed the greatest growth
from last season. Returning all four of its starters, the offensive
line provided tremendous protection for quarterback Drew Olson and
allowed him more than ample time to look for an open man.
“They were awesome today,” Olson said. “I
didn’t get touched once. Well, maybe I got knocked down once.
They did a hell of a job, opened up holes, and gave me time to
throw. I can’t give them enough credit.” Under the helm
of new linemen coach Tom Cable, the offensive line’s
production was better than anything it could muster last season. In
2003, Bruin quarterbacks were sacked on average 4.25 times per
game. On Saturday the line provided a steady shield around Olson
and didn’t allow a single sack. As a result Olson was able to
complete 16 of 36 passes for 252 yards. The line also showed
improvement in creating holes in the defense for the Bruin running
game. Running back Manuel White Jr. sneaked through the
Cowboys’ defense and found the end zone twice, rushing for
145 yards. Maurice Drew also added 44 yards to the solid Bruin
ground attack. “Last year we just couldn’t find the
holes, and this year they’re right in your face,” Drew
said.
He’s back: After a 20-month layoff, wide
receiver Tab Perry finally made his return to the football field
Saturday after redshirting last season due to academic
ineligibility. Wanting to get off on the right foot quickly, Perry
didn’t have the type of game he was looking for, his only
highlight a kickoff return for 32 yards. “I didn’t feel
awkward. I just didn’t feel like I did when I left,”
Perry said. “That’s going to come with time. The
coaches told me, “˜Be patient. It’s going to take
time.’ But I expect big things.” As neither Perry nor
the coaching staff knew he was going to be reinstated by the NCAA
until early Friday afternoon, it was difficult to insert him into
the game plan. Accordingly, Perry did not have an active receiving
game and only caught one pass Saturday. But the Bruins aren’t
concerned about Perry and feel he will acclimate himself to the
program soon enough. “This is his first game in two
years,” Olson said. “I’m not worrying about Tab;
no one is worried about Tab.”
Short passes: Kicker Justin Medlock converted a
field goal of 52 yards, the longest of his career. The field goal
is tied for the fourth-longest field goal in school history.
“¦ The series against Oklahoma State is now tied at 1-1.
“¦ Flanker Craig Bragg moved into second place on UCLA’s
all-time receptions list with four receptions today, giving him a
total of 161 in his Bruin career, surpassing Danny Farmer, who had
159. “¦ Ten UCLA redshirt freshmen and nine true freshmen
played in the first half. “¦ Guard Steve Vierra tweaked his
shoulder during the first half, an injury which Dorrell described
as a “stinger.” He sat out much of the second quarter
but was able to return for the second half of the game.