The Good: The Offense
This group was simply unstoppable with quarterback Brett Hundley back in command. The redshirt junior completed 18 of 23 passes for 355 yards as a part of a 580-yard offensive performance. The Sun Devils had no answers for what the Bruins were doing offensively as Hundley and company averaged just under 20 yards a completion while the ground game racked up over 200 yards and added two scores. Junior receiver Jordan Payton is an emerging star, hauling in two touchdowns as part of a five-catch, 151-yard performance.
“There was a lot of talking, I guess you could say. There was a lot of talking. But at the end of the day we have to come out here and play football.”
– Brett Hundley on why he was particularly hyped about Thursday’s game
The Bad: The Defense
While the group forced four turnovers, it allowed Arizona State to jump out to an early 17-6 lead and struggled to stop them for much of the night. The Sun Devils finished with more than 600 yards of offense and had multiple 70-yard-plus drives. UCLA had trouble getting Arizona State off the field as the Sun Devils converted 55 percent of their third downs.
“We’ve yet to play a complete game, to play to our potential. I’m happy that we won. I’m happy – it’s a big-time win against a great opponent, but at the same time we need to be better.”
– Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on UCLA’s defensive performance
The Verdict: Great conference win
UCLA took it to what has been its greatest competitor in the Pac-12 South the past two years. The Bruins went on the road into hostile territory and were near perfect. ASU’s student section reportedly started camping out on Monday for this game and UCLA gave them little reason to cheer in a dominating effort. After three up-and-down performances, the Bruins finally delivered on all the hype that had been heaped upon them coming into the season.
Player of the Game: Junior cornerback Ishmael Adams
Adams had the night to himself as the junior corner delivered perhaps the two biggest plays of the game. His 95-yard interception return for a touchdown was at least a 10-point swing as Arizona State was driving deep into UCLA territory. Instead of going into halftime tied or even trailing on the road, Adams gave the Bruins a 27-17 lead and sucked all of the air out of a home crowd that really never got into the game after that. Adams then put the game out of reach with his 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown following an Arizona State field goal to give UCLA a 41-20 lead. In all, Adams gained 296 total yards and two scores.
“I don’t know. It’s hard because we haven’t scored so long on a kick return. But I love pick-sixes. I have to go with that one if I have to choose.”
– Adams on which return was his favorite
Quote of the Game: Sophomore Y receiver Thomas Duarte
“I was laughing because of how frantic they ran to the middle of the field to cover it up. It was funny. It was funny to us and kind of amusing to see how serious they were going to take it. Games like that you have the edge.”
– Sophomore Y receiver Thomas Duarte on “UCLA” being written into the Sun Devils’ midfield logo prior to the game
Compiled by Jordan Lee, Bruin Sports senior staff.