UCLA 31, California 14 (final)
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The up and down UCLA Bruins found their way back up Saturday night against California at the Rose Bowl.
The last time UCLA played, more than a week ago at Arizona, the Bruins lost by 36 points.
But the one thing the Bruins have going for themselves is that they haven’t lost two games in a row this season –- and they haven’t won two in a row, either.
The victory over California improved the Bruins to 4-4 overall, 3-2 in Pacific 12 Conference play. California dropped to 4-4 and 1-4.
UCLA was good on offense and defense in overpowering California.
Derrick Coleman (16 carries for 80 yards) rushed for three touchdowns –- from two, 20 and 24 yards.
Quarterback Kevin Prince rushed 19 times for a career-high 163 yards.
Tevin McDonald had three interceptions for the Bruins, who had four picks in the game. The last time they had that many was at Arizona in 2003.
The Bruins host Arizona State next week.
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UCLA 31, California 14 (4:53 left in fourth quarter)
The Bruins got the break they needed when the officials overturned that Derrick Coleman had fumbled and California had recovered.
Replays showed that Coleman was down before he lost the football. After that, Coleman took care of the rest, running 24 yards up the middle for a touchdown.
That was Coleman’s third touchdown run of the game.
UCLA injury update
Bruins safety Dietrich Riley was injured early in the fourth quarter after a collision with California running back Isi Sofele.
Riley was down for several minutes before he was put on a backboard and carted away. He was moving his hands and wiggling his feet just before he was taken off the field.
Riley went down with 10:41 left trying to make a tackle. The Bruins were leading, 24-14, when he was hurt.
Both the Bruins and Bears watched anxiously while medical personnel tended to Riley.
Many of the Bruins came over to offer support to their teammate.
UCLA 24, California 14 (12:45 left in fourth quarter)
Once again, the UCLA defense delivered the big play that allowed the Bruins to score.
Tevin McDonald intercepted a pass by Zach Maynard and returned the ball 15 yards to California’s 20-yard line. It was McDonald’s second interception in the game.
On the very next play, Derrick Coleman ran 20 yards for a touchdown.
UCLA 17, California 14 (end of third quarter)
The Bruins just escaped California tying the game in the third quarter.
They had seen their lead sliced to three points earlier in the quarter, and their defense was reeling late in the quarter.
But the Bruins forced California into a 42-yard field-goal attempt after the Bears drove from their five-yard line.
When Giorgio Tavecchio missed the kick, the Bruins had maintained their three-point lead entering the fourth quarter.
UCLA 17, California 14 (13:05 third quarter)
UCLA’s defense had been strong again, forcing California to punt.
But Jordon James fumbled the punt, with Cal’s D.J. Campbell recovering it at UCLA’s 15-yard line.
One play later, C.J. Anderson ran one yard for a touchdown that pulled the Golden Bears within three points of the lead.
UCLA 17, California 7 (halftime)
Much maligned, the UCLA defense came up with two big plays in the first half, setting up two scores by the offense in the second quarter.
Tevin McDonald had an interception and Donovan Carter recovered a fumble, both plays putting the Bruins in prime position to score.
McDonald’s interception of Zach Maynard’s pass set up a 32-yard field goal by Tyler Gonzalez.
Carter picked up a fumble by Isi Sofele on California’s next possession.
This time, the Bruins punched the ball into the end zone with Derrick Coleman scoring from three yards.
Kevin Prince gained 78 yards In nine carries in the first half. He also was six-for-12 passing for 51 yards.
UCLA 17, California 7 (1:56 left in second quarter)
UCLA’s defense helped set up both scores for the Bruins late in the second quarter.
Tevin McDonald intercepted a Zach Maynard pass, but the Bruins couldn’t get the ball into the end zone. Tyler Gonzalez kicked a 32-yard field goal to give UCLA a 10-7 lead.
On California’s next possession, Maynard and running back Isi Sofele had bad exchange, with Sofele fumbling the football. Donovan Carter recovered for the Bruins.
Derrick Coleman scored on a two-yard run to extend the Bruins’ lead.
UCLA 7, California 7 (6:37 left in second quarter)
Despite a 10-yard penalty that put the Bruins on their 26-yard line to open a drive, UCLA recovered just fine.
A 10-yard run around the right side by Johnathan Franklin helped the Bruins tie the score at 7-7 in the second quarter.
Kevin Prince, who lost a fumble in the first quarter, had a big hand in the drive.
He hit Nelson Rosario on a 19-yard pass and ran 32 yards on an option keeper.
California 7, UCLA 0 (end of first quarter)
A turnover by UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince is what put the Bruins in a first-quarter hole against California on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
Prince had gained 21 yards on a run, but he fumbled when he was hit.
Five plays later, the Bears scored on a one-yard run by Isi Sofele midway through the first quarter
California 7, UCLA 0 (early first quarter)
Bruins quarterback Kevin Prince had a nice run, cutting and moving past defenders.
But Prince fumbled the ball after a 21-yard gain and it was recovered by California’s Dan Camporeale at UCLA’s 30-yard line.
Five plays later, the Bears scored on a one-yard run by Isi Sofele
Pregame
For a so-called big game between UCLA and California at the Rose Bowl, there sure is a sparse crowd here.
The Bruins entered the game 3-4 overall, 2-2 in the Pacific 12 Conference. Cal entered at 4-3, 1-3.
During Karl Dorrell’s last season as Bruins coach in 2007, UCLA drew 83,484 fans for the game against California at the Rose Bowl.
-- Broderick Turner