The second year of the Rick Neuheisel era at UCLA got off to somewhat of an auspicious start, and a steady offense led by redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince allowed the Bruins a 33-14 victory over San Diego State before 55,761 at the Rose Bowl.
Prince, playing in a game for the first time in two years, completed 16 of 26 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
After the Aztecs scored a touchdown on their first possession ““ a 14-play, 69-yard drive ending in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Kawulok from quarterback Ryan Lindley ““ Prince completed five of his first six passes, guiding the Bruins to a 49-yard field goal by Kai Forbath.
However, a 78-yard touchdown pass from Lindley to Vincent Brown on third down increased the Aztec lead to 14-3.
Yet the Bruins would score 30 unanswered points, punctuated by a newfound running game and a blocked San Diego State field goal, which resulted in a 70-yard return for a touchdown by Alterraun Verner.
Sophomore running back Derrick Coleman led the rushing attack with 69 yards and one touchdown on four carries. Redshirt freshman Johnathan Franklin was also impressive with 43 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.
On the receiving end, sophomore wide receiver Taylor Embree hauled in a game-high six catches for 97 yards.
A UCLA defense that was sluggish to begin the game, allowing 14 points and 161 yards in the first quarter, clamped down for the remainder of the game, allowing just 57 yards in the second and third quarters combined.
Sophomore safety Rahim Moore intercepted three passes on the day.