UCLA-Fresno State, First Quarter

There wasn’t the same level of excitment and tension last week when Arizona and UCLA played here at the Rose Bowl. It’s louder today; there is a huge contigent of Fresno State fans, and a sense of urgency on the Bruin sideline. Hopefully it means we are in for a compelling afternoon.

Terrence Austin caught the opening, line-drive kickoff in the corner of the endzone and raced it back for a touchdown. The play was called back, though, because of a ten-yard holding penalty on UCLA’s Adam Heater.

We all made a big deal out of UCLA’s new special teams coach, Frank Gansz, when he was hired this offseason. But the punt coverage team was a significant weakness last week when UCLA fell to Arizona; and Marlon Moore just sparked the Fresno State sideline with a 55-yard touchdown return to start today’s game. Fresno State leads 7-0, and we’re only 49 seconds into the game.

Taylor Embree shook Fresno State’s Sharrod Davis for a 19-yard gain. UCLA did not have a pass play of more than 15 yards against Arizona.

Kahlil Bell is averaging 12 yards per carry right now- 3 for 36 yards total.

Defensive tackle Brian Price is in to play fullback in the Bruins’ goal-line formation. Starter Trevor Theriot is out for the season with a knee injury; this will be the first offensive snap ever for Price.

Kahlil Bell just soared over Brian Price’s block for his first touchdown of the season. The Bruins had 49 yards rushing on the drive. UCLA 7, Fresno State 7.

A bad mistake on Jimmy Rotstein’s part. He booted his first attempt out of bounds, now the Bulldogs will gain possession at the 40-yard line.

Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater has not faced any pressure on his first three drop-backs.

A costly penalty on third down and one stalled Fresno State’s second drive. This will be an interesting point of the game because UCLA is backed up with poor field position. Last week Arizona dominated the field position battle, and won easily.

UCLA couldn’t gain a first down and now Fresno State takes over at the Bruins’ 46 yard line.

Another huge stop byt he UCLA defense; Brian Price intercepted a Brandstater pass, after Tom Blake tipped it. Suddenly UCLA has the edge in that field position battle.

Kevin Craft had Dominique Johnson open, but missed the throw. Craft’s accuracy was questioned after the loss to Arizona, and that mistake won’t ease any of those concerns.

Fearless. That’s the only way to describe 5-foot-11-inch Terrence Austin’s dive across the middle. He snagged a bullet pass for a 10-yard gain. UCLA is now threatening to open up a 14-7 lead.

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