PASADENA “”mdash; UCLA racked up over 500 yards of total offense and put up the most points they have all season to become bowl eligible and beat Colorado 45-6.
UCLA was able to secure a 22-yard field goal from senior Tyler Gonzalez to go along with a 15-yard touchdown pass from redshirt junior quarterback Kevin Prince to redshirt junior tight end Joseph Fauria to seal the deal. The catch was Fauria’s second touchdown of the game and brought his season touchdown count to a team-leading six.
Turnovers and penalties killed other UCLA scoring chances but it didn’t seem to matter. After UCLA opened the game with a quick 14-0 lead, the game was never in doubt.
The UCLA defense continued to impress in the second half, holding Colorado scoreless after halftime. Redshirt junior cornerback Andrew Abbott had two interceptions, and his second set up a touchdown for sophomore halfback Malcolm Jones.
The Buffs were only able to mount 223 yards of total offense for the game and could never get their running game going, gaining just 81 yards on the ground.
The Bruins are now 6-5 on the season and, for all intents and purposes, bowl eligible. UCLA’s postseason fate will hang largely on how Arizona State and Utah finish the season.
Utah was able to get the best of Washington State in overtime, while Arizona State currently trails Arizona.