The 2007 Bruins team marked the last year of the Karl Dorrell era. As the team finished 6-6 on the season, a true Dorrell staple. He was let go leaving way to DeWayne Walker to coach the bowl game. Which was the Las Vegas Bowl that UCLA lost 17-16 to BYU. UCLA had high expectations for the season as they opened up No. 14 and cruised to 2-0 out the gates. That led to them getting up to No. 11 before a terrible 44-6 loss to Utah. They would not reach the top 25 again that season.
BYU vs #13 UCLA (2007) pic.twitter.com/0vxOE1c13P
— College Football Classics (@ClassicsCFB) August 16, 2023
Similar to 2006, the defense carried the offense. The defense gave up 22.3 points per game which was 30th in the nation. While the offense scored 22.4 points per game, good for 93rd in the nation. UCLA did possess the number one strength of schedule in the nation with four top 10 opponents. They were able to upset No. 10 California 30-21 and No. 9 Oregon 16-0. Displaying their great defense and being able to give offenses tough days.
#12 California vs UCLA (2007) pic.twitter.com/Wx3yHGU5Fw
— College Football Classics (@ClassicsCFB) November 21, 2024
UCLA was expecting to get big production from their transfer quarterback Ben Olson. But things just never materialized for the BYU transfer. He only completed 48.3% of his passes for 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions and struggled mightily. UCLA leaned on their two-back system of Khalil Bell and Chris Markey to help power the offense. As they ran for 1,510 yards on the season.
The defense was led again by Bruce Davis who was one of the best defensive ends in UCLA history. He followed up his 12.5 sack campaign in 2006 with another 12 interceptions 2007. The Bruins also had a great defensive backfield as Alterraun Verner had four interceptions, Trey Brown had five and Dennis Keyes had three. It wasn’t the end the team was hoping for and led to a new era starting that was under Rick Neuheisel for the following season.