Another week, another frustrating first-half offensive performance.
UCLA football was shut out in the first half by Washington State, posting just 100 total yards with sophomore starting quarterback Josh Rosen sidelined, and falling behind 10-0 at the half.
Redshirt senior backup quarterback Mike Fafaul looked better than he did last week, going 6-for-12 for 84 yards, but the Bruins continued to struggle running the ball, recording just 16 yards on 17 carries.
The defense looked strong to start the game, as Washington State quarterback Luke Falk started 2-of-10, but the Cougars started to move the ball late in the half, recording an 18-play, 91-yard touchdown drive that took seven minutes off the clock.
UCLA’s first drive, after being extended by a roughing-the-kicker penalty on Washington State, ended after redshirt senior wide receiver Kenneth Walker fumbled the ball, and the Bruins punted on each of their next four drives.
Falk finished the half 17-for-29, spreading the ball around as five different receivers recorded multiple receptions. His biggest mistake came in the second quarter when UCLA senior linebacker Jayon Brown picked off a Falk pass in the end zone.