One of the big reasons for the UCLA football team’s hefty
43.3 points-per-game average this year has been its impressive
red-zone efficiency. UCLA’s 96.4 red-zone scoring percentage
is far-and-out the top mark in the Pac-10, and UCLA has scored a
touchdown on 24 out of its 28 trips to the red zone (85.7 percent).
Against Washington State last Saturday, UCLA converted on all five
of its red-zone opportunities, scoring four touchdowns and a field
goal. “We have been able to score often in high percentage
(red-zone) opportunities,” coach Karl Dorrell said.
“This has played a large part in the success of our offense
this season.” A major factor in the Bruins’ red-zone
success this season has been the presence of senior tight end
Marcedes Lewis. Senior quarterback Drew Olson has been able to take
advantage of the big target that Lewis provides. Last Saturday,
Lewis caught two of the four red-zone touchdowns that the Bruins
had in the game. “When we’re in the red zone, my eyes
light up,” Lewis said. “It’s my zone.” The
first of Lewis’ touchdowns came on a fade route toward the
sideline when he was matched up one on one. Lewis was able to
control himself and out-jump the Cougar defender to make the play
and cut the Bruins’ deficit to 14 at the end of the half.
Lewis made two other particularly important plays in the game.
First, he caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone at the
beginning of the fourth quarter to pull the Bruins within 10
points. Then, on the Bruins’ game-tying 96-yard touchdown
drive at the end of regulation, Lewis opened the drive with a
26-yard catch across the middle of the field to give the Bruins
some much-needed space. “When I got it, I knew I had to turn
it up field,” Lewis said about his reception on the Bruins
last drive of the fourth quarter. “The rest was
history.” Lewis finished the game with five receptions for 66
yards and the two touchdowns. The performance was certainly a
welcomed one for Lewis, who had just one reception for 6 yards the
week before against Cal. “When I’m out there and I
don’t have a good game, other guys are going to step
up,” Lewis said in reference to the Cal game.
“I’m going to have nights like that.” His
impressive rebound performance against Washington State earned him
the John Mackey Tight End of the Week award, which goes to the
tight end with the top receiving performance each week. This is the
second time this year that Lewis has received the tight end of the
week acknowledgement; Lewis’ eight-catch, 77-yard performance
against Washington also earned him the award in week five.
DREW OLSON HONORED: Olson was one of seven
senior quarterbacks named as finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden
Arm Award on Wednesday. The Unitas Award is presented at the end of
each year to the nation’s top senior quarterback. Oklahoma
quarterback Jason White won the award last year. Other finalists
for the award this year include Brett Basanez (Northwestern),
Kellen Clemens (Oregon), Brodie Croyle (Alabama), Jay Cutler
(Vanderbilt), Matt Leinart (USC) and D.J. Shockley (Georgia).
JOSEPH OUT FOR SEASON: Dorrell revealed some
disheartening news about the status of sophomore guard Chris
Joseph’s left knee after yesterday’s practice.
“Joseph had surgery on his left knee today, and the outcome
was worse than expected,” Dorrell said. “There is
ligament tear in his knee, and unfortunately, he will be out for
the season.” Joseph was the Bruins’ starting weak side
guard before injuring himself in the game earlier this month in the
game against California.
MORE INJURED BRUINS: Sophomore free safety
Chris Horton had the pins removed from his left wrist last week.
Dorrell said that Horton should be available to play this weekend
against Oregon State. Horton suffered the injury during fall
preseason camp, and had yet to see any playing time this season.
Senior linebacker Justin London, suffering from soreness in his
surgically repaired right ankle, did not practice yesterday. If he
cannot practice today, he will likely not be available to play in
Saturday’s game v. Oregon State, according to Dorrell.