Pac-12 Networks ‘The Drive’ Episode 3 Recap

Sep 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins players huddle before the game the game against the Memphis Tigers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

In episode 3 of the Pac-12 Network’s ‘The Drive’, the show reflects Jim Mora‘s construction of an up-tempo team. It also looks at the passing of Nick Pasquale and how he is still highly remembered among the UCLA football players. Then it hypes up the unsatisfying win over Memphis.

It was interesting to see the theme of the show as Mora’s construction of a football power, but the focus was really on Nick. We all know he got his chance, but unfortunately, we also know how it ends. The Pasquales, Mel and Laurie had talked about how they have a huge relationship with UCLA, but ultimately, it still hurts. They were asked about that night and reacted as any parents would who lost a child just one year ago. Their tears were felt by every Bruin watching.

REMEMBERING NICK PASQUALE

Nick Pasquale has not been forgotten. We all know the emotion of that game. Nebraska’s love, the comeback and Mora telling Pasquale’s parents on television, “we did it for your son.” What ‘The Drive’ captures is head coach Jim Mora’s love for the game and his team. When Mora is done with football, he really needs to write a book on philosophy because the knowledge that comes from his mind is genuine and classic, even when he uses levity.

In talking about Pasquale, Mora had said, “If we would have lost that game [to Nebraska], he would have been pissed.” Indeed, but it did not change the true feelings the Bruin coach has, “You just don’t move on from the death of a player. You don’t.” Mora said with the pain still stuck on his face.

‘The Drive’ then revealed that from now on, the #36 jersey will be given to a walk-on his teammates deem worthy. Pasquale will always be remembered amongst Bruins. That respect comes from one place. Mora. He leads by example and with that, he is making his players better men. Myles Jack summed it up about Mora, “you want to play for a guy like that.”

HOME AT THE ROSE BOWL

Betsided

‘The Drive’ continued to focus on the Pasquale family as they too tailgate properly before the Rose Bowl. Like many passionate Bruin fans, the Pasquales arrive several hours before kick-off to enjoy the tailgate, complete with an American flag with a hanger just below it holding Nick’s towel. During the tailgate, many Bruin fans stop by to say hello and give there love. During the ‘Bruin Walk’ as UCLA enters the Rose Bowl, the Pasquales had their spots slog the side to cheer on the team, but in turn, the team cheers them on in a way as player after player stop by to give their salutations. They are more than a fixture with UCLA football.

But then the game begins… The show had that all eyes were on the Bruins defense in the face of what was actually a bad game for them. They also seemed to give the Bruins credit. Sure they followed all the action, especially the late Memphis comeback, but for show purposes, they talked up the Bruins quite a bit.

Once again though, Mora had several wonderful quips, like when Mora questioned a lot of the defensive missteps in this game, “how do we not have a takeaway this week?” Although the expletives have been edited, as it is a family show.

At halftime, Mora made it simple, “Let’s commit” and “Do your job.” It seemed to work, in waves.

PRIDE, PASSION AND PURPOSE

Earlier in the episode, AJ Pasquale, Nick’s older brother, had told the team three words, “Pride, passion and purpose”. The show focused on how the Bruins kept pushing toward that goal…  pride, passion and purpose, despite Memphis crawling back in. But a win is a win.

‘The Drive’ ended with a few more gems of knowledge from Mora in the locker room, post game.

“I want you to be happy that we won the game.”

“Not one of us satisfied.”

“There is an insane sense of urgency.”

“We are after greatness.”

“We are all about Texas.”

The team then finished with a spirited version of “We Are The Mighty Bruins”.