The UCLA Football team was able to come back from 15 points down to force overtime, but questionable play calling in extra time leads to a 24-31 loss.
It was a rough start for the UCLA Football team, but they rallied back from a 24-9 deficit to tie the game and force overtime.
Unfortunately, play calling on offense and defense hampered them as they fall to the Texas A&M Aggies 31-24 in overtime of the season opener.
After starting the half down 10-9, the Bruins did not get things going until late in the third quarter. By then, Texas A&M had struck twice to go up 24-9 by the end of the third quarter.
On their first drive of the half, the Aggies were able to march down the field with a sort of ease. UCLA was able to stop them, but a Bruin holding call on 3rd and goal gave Texas A&M new life and they scored two plays later, going up 17-9.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins were stopped on their next drive and after that, the Aggies forced their will to increase the lead, 24-9.
It was not until the fourth quarter that the Bruins were able to get in the end zone. Bolu Olorunfunmi had the first UCLA touchdown of the game which put the Bruins within striking distance after a 24-16 mark.
With the Bruin defense stepping up and shutting out the Aggies in the 4th quarter, they were able to fight back and score for a second time off an incredible Kenny Walker touchdown.
After converting the 2 points, UCLA seemed to have all the momentum after scoring with 2:39 left in the game. UCLA was able to slow the Aggies on their next drive and prevent a final score.
Overtime was a different issue as Texas A&M looked methodical in their first drive. They slowly pushed the ball into the red zone and a QB keeper by Trevor Knight gave the Aggies the 31-24 lead.
As for UCLA, several bad play calls kept them from converting as they generally looked lost against the Texas A&M defense in extra time. Josh Rosen, pressured as he was all game, threw a forced pass on 4th down that was incomplete. Game. Set. Match.
and just like that, UCLA loses in their season opener.
The Bruins look to right their wrongs next week as they take on UNLV at the Rose Bowl. With them playing a lesser opponent, the UCLA Football team can focus on tightening the screws on offense and defense and hopefully come better prepared for the rest of the season.
Bruins fight to the end. #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/olwmYXIadX
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 3, 2016
Next: The 2016 UCLA Football Preview
Until then, they start the 2016 season 0-1.