STANFORD, Calif. — Just a week after a pass and stat-heavy performance from redshirt sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley carried the UCLA offense against Cal, the No. 9 Bruins looked anemic early on. Heading into the tunnels of Stanford Stadium at halftime, the Bruins trail the No. 13 Cardinal 3-0.
In the first half of today’s top-25 matchup, the Bruins were stymied at the line, gaining just 84 yards of total offense on 25 plays.
Stanford echoed UCLA’s lack of production early on, punting on its first two drives before finally breaking through on its third drive. Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan hit wide receiver Devon Cajuste over the middle for a 24-yard gain, bringing Stanford inside the 10-yard line and within striking distance.
On first and goal, however, the Bruins were bailed out in the form of a fumbled pitch by Stanford running back Anthony Wilkerson. Redshirt junior linebacker Eric Kendricks and other UCLA defenders attempted to recover the fumble but were unsuccessful, as Hogan hustled to pounce on the ball. The Cardinal lost 10 yards on the play and would settle for a 31-yard field goal by Conrad Ukropina to make the score 3-0.
The Bruins did little else in their four subsequent offensive drives, running 14 plays and mustering just 53 yards of total offense. They were helped significantly in the possession battle by freshman punter Sean Covington, who had four punts of 50 or more yards in the first half, his fifth a 31-yard punt that was downed inside the five-yard line.
UCLA’s defense, which allowed 207 yards in the first half, was up against a charging Stanford offense late in the first half. The Cardinal drove 66 yards in 10 plays before sophomore cornerback Ishmael Adams ripped a pass from Hogan right out of Cajuste’s hands, eliminating the Stanford threat and allowing the Bruins to take a knee and end the half.
Hundley finished the first two quarters 5 of 10 through the air for 37 yards, a season low. Kendricks and redshirt junior safety Anthony Jefferson lead all UCLA tacklers with nine apiece.
Compiled by Andrew Erickson, Bruin Sports senior staff.
Disappointing end to bowl hopes. Is Hundley playing hurt still< can't pass or run reliably? Rest him for USC to save the season. Coach Mora has done a great job but guess another year to be top tier team. Please also rest the center so he can have the strength to get a snap above the level of a gopher hole.