UCLA dominated the time of possession in the first quarter (9 minutes, 42 seconds). And Stanford leads 7-0, despite having only two first downs and 0 pass completions on only two attempts.
Ryan Graves sets UCLA up with great field position after a 20-yard return. I believe that is Graves first punt-return of the season, although he may have had one last week at Oregon.
A nice stiff-arm from UCLA RB Derrick Coleman, and a horse-collar penalty tacks 15 yards on to the end of the run. I feel like that penalty- which was just instituted for this season- has not been called that consistently.
How much faith does UCLA have in kicker Kai Forbath? On third and 12 the Bruins ran a screen play to gain five yards and setup Forbath with a 37-yard field goal. It was a conservative call, and a possible indication that the staff isn’t 100% confident in Forbath’s range. Forbath missed from 42-yards last week, and is 7-10 for the season. Stanford 7, UCLA 3.
A huge burst of speed from UCLA DT Brian Price, as he slides past a Stanford lineman and sacks Pritchard on third down.
A lot of punting so far in this first half and, other than one Stanford reverse, no big plays.
Derrick Coleman is having his best game since UCLA’s 36-31 loss to Fresno State three weeks ago. He has four carries for 20 yards. Coleman still struggles at times with his blocking assignments.
Protection is suddenly the biggest issue for the Bruin offense. Craft was sacked twice and pressured once on the last three plays. He fumbled on the last snap, and now Stanford has excellent field position.
Chris Forcier is warming up on the sideline, but it is unclear if Kevin Craft has been pulled or not.
Akeem Ayers burst through the Stanford line and almost hit Pritchard, but Pritchard was able to throw the ball in time and complete an 18 yard pass (the Cardinal’s longest of the day. Stanford scored on the next play, Stanford 14, UCLA 3.
That touchdown- a two yard run by Toby Gerhart- was reviewed and upheld.
Craft is back out at quarterback for UCLA, not Forcier. We’ll keep an eye on that situation, though.
UCLA has found some rythym with its no-huddle offense. They need a score, badly, down 11 points with just 48 seconds remaining in the half. Stanford will receive the ball to start the third quarter.
Another drop for Taylor Embree, but a Stanford offside penalty gives the Bruins a first down.
A penalty that the Bruins just can’t afford- Micah Reed rips off a Stanford defender’s helmet and is called for a 15-yard personal foul penalty.
On the next play Craft finds freshman WR Nelson Rosario for a 25-yard gain.
Craft scrambles and then Michael Thomas hits him late, out-of-bounds and is penalized 15 yards, to move UCLA to the Stanford 13-yard line.
A pass interfence call moves UCLA to the two yard line, but it looks like the Bruins are taking the safe-route and kicking a short field goal.
Forbath hits a 19-yard attempt to end the half. Stanford 14, UCLA 6.