If the loss to Notre Dame was heartbreaking, this was
soul-crushing.
Leading 15-14 at the half, the UCLA football team (4-4, 2-3
Pac-10) was shut out in the second half against Washington State
(6-3, 3-2) and eventually lost 37-15.
In a game that was in all likelihood a must-win to sustain
fleeting conference title hopes, the Bruins played their worst
defensive game of the season, and, according to the final score,
their worst offensive game.
The Bruins allowed 515 total yards to the Cougars ““ an
unacceptable number for a team with a weak offense. The Bruins
gained just 326 yards and just 24 in the third quarter when they
needed to match the scoring of the Cougars.
UCLA quarterback Pat Cowan, who was 17 of 37 with two
interceptions and a touchdown, is now 0-3 as the starter. Starting
running back Chris Markey managed just 23 yards rushing and was
replaced by a combination of Derrick Williams and Chane Moline in
the second quarter. Together the offense struggled when it counted
and only converted two out of 12 third downs and failed to register
a second-half first down until 11:26 remained in the fourth
quarter.
The offense was able to move somewhat in the first half but was
forced to settle for field goals because of poor red-zone play
““ a continuation of a trend for the Bruin offense.
Kicker Justin Medlock had three field goals on the day. Wide
receiver Junior Taylor scored the sole touchdown for the Bruins on
a 36-yard pass play from Cowan in the second quarter that put the
Bruins ahead 15-14.
After the game, coach Karl Dorrell told the players that they
had to come together as a team and ignore the criticism that would
come after such a loss.
Look for a complete story in Monday’s edition of the
Daily Bruin.