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UCLA Football: QB Mike Fafaul Deserves Credit Considering the Circumstances

By Mike Regalado

Oct 15, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) takes the hand off from UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) takes the hand off from UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Depsite a loss, backup quarterback Mike Fafaul did a admirable job leading the offense in their loss to Washington State with Josh Rosen injured.

The UCLA Football team needed to not have a drop off at quarterback with Josh Rosen hurt and Mike Fafaul did a fine job holding the offense together in his place. Fafaul had his setbacks, but for the most part, he went above and beyond what was expected of him.

Fafaul had prepared all week in case Rosen could not go against Wazzu after the starter was twice injured last week versus Arizona State. It was not determined until kickoff against Washington State that Rosen would not play, so that meant it was Fafaul’s time. After only throwing for 44 yards last week, which included 2 interceptions, there was not a lot of faith in Fafaul.

Well Fafaul proved everyone wrong and nearly pulled off a win in a very difficult situation. Yes, it is still a loss, but Fafaul did what he could to try and help the Bruins succeed.

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Against the Cougars, Fafaul had some Rosen-like stats. He completed 24-of-40 passes for 258 yards and threw 3 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he did have two interceptions, one of which was on the Bruins’ final drive which could have tied the game.

Still, that was right after he marched the team down the field for a touchdown with 1:45 left to keep the Bruins in the game.

Fafaul was a bit stiff in the first half, but really opened things up in the second.

He was a lot more confident with his throws, had some zip in his passes, continued with the plays that worked for him and did not make a lot ill-advised decisions.

At this point with the UCLA offense, that is all you can hope for.

Next: Dropped Passes, O-Line Sink Bruins in Loss to Wazzu

There are some fans that do not care to look on the bright side of 3-4 records, especially the way UCLA has played, but this situation is one that needed to be given some attention. Despite dropped passes from his receivers and bad O-line play, Fafaul held his own. Well played, Mike. Well played.