EVANSTON, Ill. — You can change the coach and quicken the tempo of apply, however one factor can’t be remodeled.
It’s all the time going to be the identical crew.
UCLA confirmed some combat late in its Big Ten Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Martin Stadium whereas finally falling sufferer to the identical issues that had plagued it earlier than the dismissal of coach DeShaun Foster.
An extremely sluggish begin through which it fell behind by a number of scores.
An offense that may’t run the ball or constantly maintain drives.
A protection that may’t cease the run or stop massive performs.
The Bruins are officially on 0-12 watch after finishing what was supposed to be the delicate a part of their schedule with a 17-14 loss to Northwestern.
The end left UCLA with heartache by the lake.
The Bruins (0-4 total, 0-1 Big Ten) have been in place to tie the rating or take the lead after stopping Northwestern on three consecutive performs, together with a third-down sack by defensive lineman Gary Smith III that helped the Bruins get the ball again at their very own 20-yard line with 1:29 left after a punt.
But an enormous sack of quarterback Nico Iamaleava by Northwestern edge rusher Anto Saka was adopted by a false begin on offensive deal with Courtland Ford, leaving solely eight seconds left and the Bruins nonetheless deep in their very own territory.
“In critical moments we had penalties,” Iamaleava mentioned, “so it’s getting to a point where I’m repeating myself every week.”
Iamaleava accomplished an 11-yard go to Hudson Habermehl earlier than the clock ran out on the Bruins’ comeback hopes throughout Tim Skipper’s debut as interim coach.
“How that game went, man, I’m proud of the guys for fighting and finishing,” Skipper mentioned. “We need to start a lot better.”
Iamaleava was as soon as once more virtually the one factor going for UCLA’s offense. He accomplished 19 of 27 passes for 180 yards and a landing whereas additionally operating for a team-high 65 yards in 14 carries.
Perhaps the one upside to this loss was that the Bruins didn’t hand over.
After trying lifeless for the primary 3½ quarters, UCLA acquired an enormous jolt when large receiver Kwazi Gilmer beat his man and snagged a 29-yard landing go from Iamaleava at the back of the top zone. Iamaleava’s go to Anthony Woods on the two-point conversion pulled the Bruins to inside 17-14 with 6:19 left.
UCLA’s Anthony Woods carries the ball as Northwestern’s Aidan Hubbard tries to deal with him in the course of the first half Saturday.
(Michael Hickey / Getty Images)
Northwestern tried to burn as a lot clock as doable however had to punt after Bruins defensive lineman A.J. Fuimaono batted down a third-down go.
UCLA’s protection had supplied an enormous enhance earlier within the fourth quarter after Northwestern (2-2, 1-1) had a primary and purpose on the Bruins’ three-yard line. Two runs have been stuffed and a Preston Stone go was tipped and practically intercepted.
Northwestern then lined up for a 20-yard subject purpose that will have given it a two-touchdown lead, just for UCLA’s Rodrick Pleasant to block the kick.
UCLA suffered a setback early within the second half on a play that was appallingly dangerous. After the Bruins dedicated a false begin, edge rusher Kechaun Bennett was referred to as for roughing the passer and focusing on, main to his ejection.
For a fourth consecutive sport, UCLA fell behind by double digits after Northwestern scored on its first three possessions to take a 17-0 lead.
The addition of Kevin Coyle to the Bruins’ teaching workers after the departure of defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe made little distinction as the identical issues arose.
UCLA failed to cease the run, giving up 7.5 yards per carry to two operating backs who opened the season as backups earlier than starter Cam Porter went down with a leg harm. Northwestern’s Caleb Komolafe met so little resistance that he fumbled a pitch and was ready to rating untouched on a nine-yard landing run.
The Bruins confirmed they have been equally dangerous in go protection, giving up an all-too-easy 10-yard landing go from Stone to large receiver Griffin Wilde that put the Wildca,ts up 17-0.
UCLA highlights within the first half have been scarce. Edge rusher Anthony Jones made a sack. When it appeared as if UCLA was set to punt, Jaivian Thomas took a direct snap and ran for 12 yards and a primary down. The Bruins additionally rapidly marched downfield on their remaining drive of the primary half, which led to Mateen Bhaghani’s 28-yard subject purpose that lastly put them on the board.