UCLA-Arizona, Third Quarter

Arizona leads 17-10 as we enter the third quarter.

Akeem Ayers had excellent coverage downfield on Arizona runningback Nic Grigsby. Ayers has impressive speed for a linebacker.

UCLA is trying a lot of different things in its running game. Chane Moline caught a pitch to the outside for five yards and then Terrence Austin ran an end around for seven yards.

Dominique Johnson drops a Kevin Craft pass that would have given UCLA a first down at midfield. Two plays later UCLA punts.

Arizona’s punt coverage unit has given Mike Thomas several creases to run through.

Reggie Carter just made a nice hit on runningback Nic Grgisby. One must wonder if Carter is better suited to play outside linebacker, given his stellar play today. He started the last two games at middle linebacker.

Alterraun Verner was beaten by Mike Thomas deep, but Willie Tuitiama overthrows the route. On the next play Verner has much better coverage on Thomas, breaking up a pass and forcing Arizona to punt.

Kevin Craft just found Corey Harkey on a simple play action fake- the type of play UCLA can use when its running game actually poses a threat.

Derrick Coleman almost made a freshman mistake when he fumbled, but UCLA recovered.

Craft ducked a corner blitz and found Chane Moline with a screen pass; looks like UCLA is close to a first down. Will they go on fourth?

Yes.

Was it a smart decision?

Yes. Kevin Craft gains about a yard on a QB-sneak. This is a crucial possession for UCLA now, enterring Arizona territory for just the third time today.

But the drive stalls on third down, when Craft throws behind freshman wide receiver Antwon Moutra. Craft took another big hit on the throw; seems like he’s been on the ground a lot today and on that drive especially.

The UCLA defensive line has started to figure out Arizona’s delay handoff play, where Grigsby gets the ball in a shotgun formation. Arizona just tried it but gained no yards on the play.

Reggie Carter just leveled Arizona’s Delashaun Dean, words were exchanged after the play.

On second and long UCLA misses two tackles when Mike Thomas runs an end-around. It’s now third down and three.

Tom Blake sacks Willie Tuitiama on third down to force a punt, UCLA has the ball and needs points.

An update from another contest, where BYU leads Wyoming 41-0 in the third quarter. Just thought it was worth pointing out that the Cougars have outscored opponents 100-0 in their last seven quarters.

A very costly penalty against Trevor Theriot has moved UCLA back to its own four yard line on second down and thirteen. Theriot was called for a chop block.

A nice run by Chane Moline puts the Bruins over 100 yards rushing today. The emphasis on the running game is impressive, but now it’s the passing game that has slowed. Kevin Craft has just 64 yards passing through three quarters.

That’s all for today’s blog. Check back later tonight at dailybruin.com for post-game coverage.

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