Perhaps the UCLA Bruins are still shrugging off some jet lag from a flight across the country. UCLA’s offense is off to a sluggish start on the road against Virginia Despite the rough start, the Bruins are still on top on the scoreboard 21-10 at the half. You can thank the defense for that.
UCLA took a 7-0 lead on a 20-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Ishmael Adams early in the second quarter. Later in the second quarter UCLA added to the lead with a 75-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by defensive back Randall Goforth just as Virginia was moving the football. On the ensuing drive Eric Kendricks (12 tackles) picked off a pass from Greyson Lambert and returned it 37-yards for a third touchdown in the second quarter. That led to a quarterback change for Mike London and Virginia, with Matt Johns coming in under center on the next drive. Linebacker Myles Jack has recorded 11 tackles and broken up a pass in the first half. Defense has not been the problem for the Bruins.
Heisman Trophy contender Brett Hundley has failed to take advantage of his performance early on in front of the east coast. Hundley has completed seven of 14 pass attempts for 98 yards and has been sacked three times.
At some point UCLA will need to do something on offense. They may not have to do it today though.