UCLA-Arizona first quarter: Slater to the rescue

Well, Arizona had lost all five games this season in which its opponent scored first. That’s something it doesn't have to worry about now, after taking the opening kickoff for a field goal.

>> How about Matthew Slater? The kickoff return unit has been the terrific all season, and it’s the second touchdown return of the season for the diminutive (6 feet 0, 198-pound) senior returner.

>> UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker consistently says that the defense needs not only to get teams off the field, but rest from the offense. They didn’t get it thanks to the Slater return and Arizona goes three plays and 68 yards for a touchdown. So far, Arizona has run 12 plays for 113 yards, a 9.4 per play average.

>> The offense accommodated Walker on its first drive: nine plays, 66 yards in 3:49. Let’s see if the defense benefits from the rest. They got the Wildcats off the field, but it took a Mike Thomas drop of a Willie Tuitama pass to do it.

>> Did you see that Slater got blocked on the punt return by Andre Cason, but still got up and made the tackle. This is one guy who is playing.

>> Yards in the quarter: Arizona 21 plays for 158 yards; UCLA 14 plays for 76 yards

End of the quarter: UCLA 14, Arizona 13