subject: stanford football [print this page] UCLA can't get out of its personal wayUCLA can't get out of its personal way. Stanford has failed to assert itself.
It was not a very impressive initial fifty percent of football, though Stanford is most likely pleased to personal a 13-0 lead, which in UCLA offensive factors -- think dog years -- isn't unlike a 22-point lead.
Multiple occasions, there have been a scattering of boos among the Bruins faithful.
Stat of the half: UCLA was o-for-5 on third-down conversions.
Turning level: Each time the Bruins threatened to create it a game -- you know, score -- they created a mistake (or errors) and threw up on themselves. A third-and-3 on the Stanford 35? Sack. A first-and-10 on the Stanford 24? False begin, 1-yard run, sack, interception. A possible TD pass to tight finish Cory Harkey late in the half? Dropped.
What Stanford needs to do; What UCLA needs to do: Stanford twice had first-and-goal situations and had to settle for field goals. It needs to get in sync offensively. Quarterback Andrew Luck was only 8-of-18 for 117 yards in the initial fifty percent. As for UCLA, the offense has shown signs of life and the defense indicators of resilience. But the Bruins just cannot seem to create the vital play that keeps drives going -- and gets factors on the board. They get the third-quarter kick. It would be a great time to settle down and get on the board.
Inside a manner befitting a contender for the Pac-10 title, the No. 25 Stanford football team pummeled UCLA on Saturday night, scoring at will in a 35-0 blowout.
On the offensive side of the ball, Stanford was led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Andrew Luck and sophomore operating back Stepfan Taylor. Luck went 11-24 for a fairly low 151 yards passing, but threw for two touchdowns. He was also the team's second-best rusher, taking seven carries for 63 yards.
Taylor led the rushing attack, carrying the ball 20 occasions for 81 yards.
While Stanford's offense was expected to carry it to victory, it was the team's defensive performance that shone. The unit held the Bruins to just 233 total offensive yards, such as a mere 81 passing yards, en route to notching an remarkable shutout.
The defense played so well against the pass that UCLA starting quarterback Kevin Prince was pulled from the game within the 3rd quarter, replaced by his backup, Richard Brehaut.
Despite assurances from the Stanford coaching staff, the sport did not see the return of three injured stars, wide receiver Chris Owusu, linebacker Shayne Skov or running back again Jeremy Stewart.
