UCLA defenders on offense were the talk of the town last Saturday, and things haven’t changed much against Washington. The Bruins hold a 27-17 lead over the Huskies on the strength of four touchdowns by defensive starters, with half of those scoring possessions started by turnovers.
Freshman linebacker Myles Jack rushed for three touchdowns in the first half, with senior defensive end Cassius Marsh chipping in with a 2-yard touchdown catch.
The Bruins’ first two scoring drives were set up by a pair of fumbles forced by senior linebacker Jordan Zumwalt and freshman safety Tahaan Goodman, who saw action in relief of sophomore safety Randall Goforth. Redshirt junior safety Anthony Jefferson recovered the Zumwalt-forced fumble, while freshman defensive end Eddie Vanderdoes caught the ball jarred loose by Goodman.
Jack kicked off the scoring by carrying multiple Huskies into the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown run. He went on to score two more touchdowns, both from one yard out.
Defensive end Cassius Marsh joined the defensive scoring party, catching a two-yard pass from Hundley to get the Bruins up 14-0 on a drive set up by Goodman and Vanderdoes.
Washington started to claw out of its 14-0 hole with a 50-yard bomb from quarterback Keith Price to wide receiver Marvin Hall that put the Huskies on the Bruins’ 2-yard line. Running back Bishop Sankey ran in a short touchdown to pave the way for a 14-7 game.
UCLA responded on the next possession with another score from Jack, who busted loose for a 25-yard run on 3rd and 1, only to fumble the ball. Redshirt junior lineman Brandon Willis recovered the ball to preserve the drive, however.
A pass from sophomore wide receiver Devin Fuller to running back Roosevelt Davis set up Jack for his second touchdown of the night, giving UCLA a 20-7 lead. A third Jack touchdown would later cap off a 14-play, 73-yard drive put UCLA up by 20.
Washington appeared to score from 38 yards out on a connection from Price to wide receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow, but a personal foul by left guard Dexter Charles wiped out the would-be touchdown. The Huskies wouldn’t have to wait long to redeem the play.
A fumble by senior running back Malcolm Jones deep in UCLA territory assisted Washington in cutting the lead to 27-14, with Price finding receiver Jaydon Mickens for a 2-yard score on a drive that started at the Bruins’ 13.
A 34-yard field goal by Travis Coons after a 70-yard drive cut UCLA’s lead to 10, concluding the scoring for the first half.
Compiled by Emilio Ronquillo, Bruin Sports senior staff.
Go Bruins!