UCLA Can’t Capitalize, Fumbling Opportunities as They Fail to Win Fourth Straight in 31-19 loss to Washington
The Bruins’ defense remained stalwart, gifting the Bruins’ offense key opportunities. Senior Edge Rusher Femi Oladejo had a key tackle for loss that led to a turnover on downs, culminating in a Washington strip sack on Senior Quarterback Ethan Garbers. Senior Defensive Back Devin Kirkwood intercepted Senior Washington Quarterback Will Rogers off a deflection from Senior Linebacker Kain Medrano, but the Bruins would convert this takeaway into a measly three points off the leg of Sophomore Kicker Mateen Bhaghani. Medrano added another interception; however, his effort would be rendered obsolete by Sophomore Tight End Jack Pederson’s fumble.
Literally and figuratively, the Bruins (4-6, 3-5) fumbled opportunities in their 19-31 loss to the Washington Huskies (6-5, 4-4) in Seattle on Friday night.
“We weren’t at our best when our best was needed,” said UCLA Football Head Coach Deshaun Foster.
The Huskies established the tone early through a balanced offensive attack, getting out to an early 7-0 lead before the end of the first quarter off a 15-yard touchdown dash from Junior Running Back Jonah Coleman.
After a UCLA field goal from Bhaghani cut the Huskies’ lead to 7-3, Washington Senior Tight End Keleki Latu found paydirt on an eight-yard reception, pushing the Huskies’ lead to 14-3.
However, the Bruins, just like they have all season, embraced resiliency and countered the Huskies’ touchdown on a one-yard touchdown reception from Freshman Wide Receiver Kwazi Gilmer, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 14-10 going into the half.
Coming out of the locker room to open the second half, the Bruins’ defense accomplished their job with Kirkwood’s interception. However, the Blue and Gold settled for a Bhaghani field goal, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 14-13.
“That was the difference: Field goals to touchdowns,” said Foster. “We want to finish in the paint.”
On the Huskies’ ensuing drive, Medrano intercepted Rogers, which led to the Mississippi native’s benching in favor of dynamic Freshman Washington Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. However, despite another opportunity to seize the lead, Pederson’s fumble allowed the Huskies to immediately regain possession.
Off these two turnovers, the Bruins were only able to muster three points, which spoiled their chances.
After Mateen Bhaghani missed a field goal, his fourth of the season, the Bruins’ defense couldn’t deter the Huskies’ offense any longer, and Washington Freshman Tight End Decker Degraaf found paydirt on a one-yard reception with slightly over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to push the Huskies’ lead to 24-13.
The Bruins’ counter to Degraaf’s touchdown was laid to rest by Washington Junior Edge Rusher Russell Davis II’s fourth-down sack on Garbers, his third of the game. The Huskies’ pass rush left Garbers dead to rights six times, dominating the Bruins’ despondent offensive line.
The Huskies would capitalize: Coleman put the nail in coffin on the Bruins’ grave, reaching the end zone on a two-yard touchdown, lifting the Huskies’ lead to 31-13.
Garbers would find Senior Tight End Moliki Matavao on a two-yard touchdown pass with less than 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The Bruins failed on their two-point conversion attempt, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 31-19.
The Huskies closed out the game, cementing a win in front of their home crowd.
The Bruins have a week to prepare for their annual game against the USC Trojans in the legendary Battle of LA, a game that will be particularly consequential since both teams are striving to reach a bowl game. No love will be lost between these two mortal enemies.
