PASADENA — Think nothing of what occurred in the three weeks since UCLA’s last home game. The Bruins have picked up where they left off at the Rose Bowl en route to a 17-7 halftime lead over the California Golden Bears.
More specifically, Tevin McDonald and Donovan Carter have picked up what Cal quarterback Zach Maynard left them.
McDonald intercepted a Maynard overthrow, the redshirt freshman’s first career pick, and gave the UCLA offense the ball in the redzone. That turned into a field goal by senior kicker Tyler Gonzalez, which gave UCLA its first lead since a come-from-behind win over Washington State 21 days ago.
On the first play of the ensuing possession, Maynard and running back Isi Sofele mishandled an exchange and left the ball on the turf. Carter threw Maynard to the ground and beat him to the ball, once again giving the UCLA offense a short field to work with.
Cal’s second turnover turned into seven UCLA points after senior running back Derrick Coleman punched it in from the five yard line.
The defense has stood out after an embarrassing 48-12 loss to Arizona. In addition to forcing the two turnovers, Cal has only 102 yards of offense.
The Bears’ only points also came on a turnover. UCLA redshirt junior quarterback Kevin Prince‘s early fumble gave Cal the ball at UCLA’s 30-yard line. Sofele scored a touchdown five plays later.
Despite Prince’s early miscue, he has been the Bruins’ most effective runner with 78 yards on nine carries.
The receiving corps, depleted due to suspensions, has seen walk-ons Luke Gane and Jerry Rice Jr. get snaps in the first half.