PASADENA—The Bruins snapped their four game losing streak on Saturday, November 12, defeating the Oregon State Beavers, 38-24 at the Rose Bowl, on a striking fall night with the full moon serving as the backdrop. Defensive Back Randal Goforth’s 40-yard pick-six interception with 2:15 remaining in the fourth quarter secured the victory.
Most impressive, was the Bruins running game and special teams-which had been their Achilles heel all season. UCLA’s Jordan Lasley returned a blocked Oregon St. punt for a touchdown, and the Bruins accounted for 163 yards rushing on the ground including two TD’s from freshman Jalen Starks.
UCLA is 4-6 on the season, with the Crosstown showdown against arch rival USC looming on the horizon next Saturday, November 19. The Trojans have been white hot this season. Since turning to freshman quarterback Sam Darnold, USC has rolled off six straight victories. Last night, the No. 20 ranked Trojans went into Washington, the No. 4 ranked team in the nation, and handed the Huskies their first loss of the season.
UCLA quarterback Mike Fafaull, threw for 281 yards with one interception. He played well and steady as he has for most of his brief period at the helm of the Bruins attack. The crowd was loud and supportive despite the fact that the Bruins have had a disappointing season. Tak McKinley continues his steady ascent into the NFL – his skills seemingly improving by the minute-had six tackles and one sack while harassing the quarterback all night.
The helmets of UCLA were adorned with the American flag and old glory made a visit at halftime when it covered the entire area of the playing field. This was of course in honor of Veterans day on the preceding Friday. After the USC game, they finish the year with a road test against the California golden bears. A beautiful evening ended with a hard earned victory for our gutty little Bruins.
