PASADENA—UCLA regained its identity, crushing the Cal Golden Bears 40-24 at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, October 22. The Bruins relied on the strength of Josh Rosen and Thomas Duarte. The quarterback and wide receiver hooked up on 10 completions for 141 yards and a touchdown. The defense returned to form as well, sacking Cal Quarterback Jared Goff five times. The defense limited Jared Goff and Cal’s potent offense to 170 yards in the first half.

UCLA improves to 5-2, and needed this victory to salvage their season after consecutive losses. “The morale of the team is how it used to be again, so I’m happy. It was definitely a turning point for this team, but we’re fighters for sure,” said Duarte.

The game was shown nationally on ESPN and UCLA was sporting its “city” uniforms. They are black and gold and seem to have won the favor of the many fans we spoke with.

Photo by Michael C. Floch.
Photo by Michael C. Floch.

Josh Rosen had a career night—setting an all time UCLA record with 34 completions and 399 yards and three touchdowns. Two were to Devin Fuller; everyone in the stadium held their breath as UCLA Running Back Paul Perkins hobbled off the field in the second quarter with an unspecified leg injury. Perkins did not return, injuries continue to plague the Bruins.

Another record was set by UCLA Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn. As time expired in the first half, Fairbairn nailed a 60 yard field goal that gave the Bruins momentum as well as silence any hopes of a Cal comeback.

UCLA will meet the University of Colorado at the Rose Bowl on Halloween. Maybe they will wear the “city” jersey once more, Cal was certainly scared.