The UCLA Bruins started their season opener against the Utah Utes on Saturday with a brutally embarrassing performance. Their defense gave up touchdowns on each of the first three possessions for the Utes.
Utah has had its way to start the game. It was beginning to look like the Bruins would be shut out in their season opener. The Utes’ junior starting quarterback Devon Dampier toyed with the UCLA defense in the first 30 minutes, whether by running or passing the ball. According to ESPN, Dampier completed 10-of-13 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown, as well as 13 carries for 78 yards in the first half.
The first half of the game was nothing short of embarrassing for the Bruins, but they seemed to wake up as it got closer to the half. They were down 23-7 going into halftime. Here is a list of how we got there with stats from ESPN:
Opening Drive, 6-0 Utah
Utah started the game with the ball and in 11 plays, they marched down the field of the Rose Bowl to score the first points of the season. The Utes consistently gained positive yards with the only negative plays perse being a false start and an uncomplete pass by Dampier. Sophomore running back Wayshawn Parker ended the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. Their kicker missed the extra point though, so that’s a positive.
Second Drive, 13-0 Utah
The Bruins offense marched back on the field and became a revolving door for the Utes. It took 10 plays for Utah to march down the field and make it a two-possession game. Dampier threw two passes that added up to 21 yards. The rest were a mix of scrambles and runs that chipped away positive yards as the defense was unable to make any negative play to make it difficult for the Utes offense. Junior playmaker Smith Snowden got the ball in the backfield and bounced off tackles for an 8-yard run.
Third Drive, 20-0 Utah
The Bruins offense went three-and-out, which meant the already struggling UCLA defense had to go back on the field with little rest. The Utes took advantage as they went 49 yards in 5 plays. Utah ran the ball four consecutive times and ended it off with a 14-yard touchdown pass, but to be fair, the Bruins did cause a fumble on the third run. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t land on it and it remained Utah’s possession.
UCLA responds, 20-7 Utah
After UCLA’s redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava led the Bruins down the field to cut the lead down to two scores, the Bruins defense awoke. The Bruins forced the Utes to punt the ball after 8 plays. After an incomplete pass and a 6-yard run, Dampier was tackled behind the line for a loss making it fourth and long.
Utes add more, 23-7 Utah
Utah ran the two minute drill with a minute left in the game and made enough progress to use up time and get 34 yards to help their freshman kicker Dillon Curtis knock in a 54-yard field goal. The Bruins are now down 16 points and will need their defense to make multiples plays if they want any chance of winning their season opener and defending their home.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA’s defense gets embarrassed in first half of season opener vs Utah
Reporting by Ryan Lorenz, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
