UCLA-Utah post-game: suffering reflected in statistics

Other than Kai Forbath’s two long field goals, there was nothing good about UCLA’s 44-6 loss to Utah today. Some notes:

>> Yardage was close with Utah gaining 386 yards to UCLA’s 373 overall. But where the Utes had been averaging 3.7 yards a play coming into the game, they got 5.5 per snap today.

>> Ben Olson had creditable numbers - 20-40 for 290 yards - but had three interceptions and another four that could or should have been intercepted. Plus, he was sacked five times.

>> Bruin running backs Khalil Bell and Chris Markey were almost invisible against a defense that had been giving up 5.4 yards a rush coming into the game. Bell had 12 carries for 59 yards and Markey had 10-32. Overall, the UCLA rushing attack had 31 tries for 83 yards rushing (2.7 per carry). But if you take out the five sacks, the numbers are still pathetic: 26 tries for 123 yards, just 4.7 per rush.

>> Receiver Brandon Breazell had another big game with six catches for 121 yards and Marcus Everett had five receptions for 68 yards, 52 on the play on which the game turned.

>> In the stat that counted most: UCLA had two fumbles, three interceptions, allowed five sacks and had 10 penalties for 20 "mistakes." Utah had one fumble, four penalties and allowed three sacks for eight errors. In the mistake game, eight beats 20 every time.

>> The UCLA defense didn’t give up as many yards as it did against BYU, but the turnovers put the defense in a bad spot and it did not respond. Utah’s average starting field position in the second half was the UCLA 43 and the one time the Utes had to start from their own 20, they drive 80 yards for a touchdown.

>> Utah stat leaders included Darrell Mack’s 19 carries for 107 yards on the ground; Tommy Grady was 17-30 for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the air and Derrek Richards had four receptions for 65 yards receiving. UCLA had been giving up 48 yards a game rushing; Utah got 122.

Analysis follows . . .

Comments

[Phil]

Dump Dorrell NOW. He is to football what Lavin was to basketball.

[tRubRucRu22]

I told you we need to put Bethel Mcleod Thompson in. Let him get some reps with the 1st team in practice. WHY not give this kid a shot, because Olsen is NOT the answer to any question regarding football. You done with MBT, yeah you know me!!! Seriously, there is a lack of NFL caliber talent on this team. Karl can coach like Knute, but if he doesn't have the hosses he can't do it. Ya can't make chicken salad out of chicken crap!!!

[UtahUCLAgrad]

What a rout! Being a graduate of both schools I had mixed emotions on who to root for, but I at least thought that UCLA would win based on how they did last week against BYU. How embarassing.

[Ray]

Dorell needs to be fired ASAP!! The worst thing about the Bruins beating SC last year is that is extended our misery by giving Dorell a reprieve. And what did Dorell do after the big win...he followed it up by laying a big turd in a bowl game. Now this? I agree with Phil, this guy is the Lavin of football. DUMP HIM NOW!!

[WESTWOODHERO]

Man, it's a sad day in Westwood. Brewco was pretty empty after the game. What we need is a new QB! Olson can't make a play to save his life! Our coach sucks too, but hell, everyone knew that already. I'm ready for basketball season.

[Rick]

I don't believe we need to get rid of Dorell, but what he needs to do is get rid of these ticky tack offensive coordinators and have him take over the show on offense himself, look after he got rid of Svoboda The offense began to move a bit better and also because Olson was on the side line, this also brings some life to Dorell because he's now in the game. Olson I'm sorry is horrible I don't know if its the offense he cant grasp, but regardless he cant move,no foot work and he cant multi task look at your other open receivers and quiet trying to force a pass, I believe Pat Cowin has the force and drive to lead this offense but we need him to get healthy first off, I think it would be a great thing to see the Cowin brothers hook up for some big plays. Defense yes couldn't do anything, on post game Bruin talk it was said "yes the defense is bruised and banged up and that was no excuse for there playing today" but come on they could only do so much last week defense had more playing time and then you come back again 7 days later and its the same thing for them I blame the horrible defense on the OFFENSE except Bell he the only one willing to get out there and play I believe, When I played HS ball it was the same deal we had a great defense horrible offense and we were put in really bad situations and its only a matter of time it catches up with you as what happened today, I ask you true Bruins BELIVE BELIVE BELIVE not all of our national championship teams we ranked #1, they had there down falls but when you put yourself, heart, and faith in what you do you can accomplish great things its shows 100 CHAMPIONSHIPS and lets BELIVE the veteran leaders of our Bruins: Davis, Tavaga, Bell, Cowin, Taylor etc. will step up pump their team up get down there throats and get ready for everyone else who dares to step on the field with us!!!!!!!

[MarcoTheBruin]

Rick, good teams do not take games off. Dorrell is in over his head and adding the play-calling to his duties is only going to make things worse. We run a complex offense which no one (except Drew Olsen) has ever been able to figure out. At this point, Dorrell is looking at 9 more games at UCLA (if they don't fire him sooner) because USC is going to be ready for us this time and there will be no more chances for us to "turn the corner".

[areweseriousyet.com]

I'm embarrassed to be a Bruin right now. They got whooped and I blame the coaching most of all . Dorrell's version of the West Coast offense stinks !! Ben Olson has never been the answer at QB. He has only played well against weak teams and who was Utah? . I'm afraid to see what will happen with Oregon, CAL and SC. I'd take the tuff kid Patrick Cowan any day over Olson the Robotic telegraph delivery boy. The offensive scheme is so predictable. They have no lead blocking for the tailbacks and they run their silly motion plays . Markey and Bell are probably frustrated earning any yard they can get . They don't seem to make adjustments or have any real game plan. This is all they can come up with after studying film etc.. ?? They don't seem to attack the opponent's weaknesses.I'm tired of Dorrell's excuses and his sugar coating.. Also , Dorrell's hype about his 20 returning starters. Nothing has changed from last year as far as we can see.