UCLA Vs Colorado: The Bruins Offense Almost Loses It, Until Hundley Finally Wins It

It is all over in Boulder as the UCLA Bruins (6-2, 3-2) find a way to not lose to the Colorado Buffaloes (2-6, 0-5) with a 40-37 victory in double overtime.

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The Bruins started strong, which you can read about HERE, but Colorado found a way back in the second quarter. It was 24-14 at halftime, in favor of UCLA.

In the second half, it got really interesting, but did not start that way. Both teams did nothing for the majority of the third quarter as six consecutive punts made it seem like this was a tennis match. A bit of a snoozer for football, but oh well, the game went on. UCLA finally found a way to score on a strong drive that ended with Myles Jack smashing into a Colorado defender and plowing into the end zone with 1:22 left in the third. UCLA 31 – Colorado 14.

On the next drive, Colorado attacked the Bruin D with a run game that came out of no where. The Buffaloes, who average a 158.6 rushing yards per game, produced 233 yards against the Bruins defense that has only allowed 157.7. The Buffaloes found a weakness in the armor and kept at it. The run game kept the drive going, but on 4 and 2, Colorado converted for a touchdown by Bryce Bobo who went 38 yards for the score. UCLA 31- Colorado 21.

Oct 25, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) passes in the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports

After the Buffaloes defense forced a three-and-out, Colorado attacked again and only needed six plays to get into the end zone. Colorado QB Sefo Liufau once again spotted Bobo who now had the Buffaloes within three points. UCLA 31 – Colorado 28.

UCLA had tried to get something going, but the momentum was all Colorado’s. There was seemingly no push or passion in their drives. That was evident with the Bruins when two possessions after the last Buffalo TD, UCLA went for it on 4th and 1 with their power formation that consisted of large defensive players. What has been automatic for the Bruins in the past, was stopped cold when Eddie Vanderdoes was wrapped up for no gain.

On the next drive, Colorado could not be stopped as they marched down the field with a combination of impressive run and pass plays that the Bruins could not figure out. Fortunately for the Bruins, UCLA only allowed a field goal with 36 seconds left in the game. It was tied at 31. UCLA had one more chance, but could not move the ball as the game went into overtime.

Both teams made field goals in the first OT, which sent the game into to a second overtime. Colorado started, but settled for a field goal.

That was when Brett Hundley finally got his game going (albeit a little too late). He started the series with a 17-yard run for the first down, that was followed up by an 8-yard touchdown run. That was the game as Hundley saves UCLA again for the 40-37 win. Hundley ended the game with 200 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 110 yards rushing, 1 rushing touchdown and a fumble. To add, Paul Perkins had 180 yards on the ground with 2 TDs, one of which was a beautiful 92-yard touchdown run on the Bruins second play of the game. 

Though it is a win, UCLA shot themselves in the foot with an unprecedented amount of penalties. The Bruins had 14 for 121 yards as opposed to the Buffaloes who only had 6-for-55. What has been a big problem for the Bruins was amplified today as several of those penalties killed drives and potential defensive takeaways that would have shifted the game in UCLA’s favor.

On the bright side, it is the 8th straight road win for UCLA that extends back to last season. They are 5-0 away from the Rose Bowl this year and became bowl eligible with this win. The Bruins now head back to Pasadena for Homecoming next week against the Arizona Wildcats. They also get to bust out their ‘L.A. Steel’ alternate uniforms.

UCLA Vs Colorado Box Score

Oct 25, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the winning touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes in double overtime at Folsom Field. UCLA won 40-37. Mandatory Credit: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports