Bruins defeat Arizona State at home 23-13
By Matt Stevens
Nov. 21, 2009 2:16 p.m.
In a game dominated by defense, UCLA (6-5, 3-5, Pac-10) topped Arizona State (4-7, 2-6 Pac-10) 23-13 at the Rose Bowl on Saturday and became bowl eligible with the win.
“With a football program you first need to learn how to crawl then you learn how to walk,” said coach Rick Neuheisel. “Next we’ll see if we can run a little.”
While both offenses struggled to find their rhythm, the defenses locked in for what would turn out to be a slow, methodical grind of a game.
Both of UCLA’s two touchdowns came thanks to defensive scores. Senior cornerback Alterraun Verner put the Bruins up early with a 68-yard interception return for a touchdown on the Sun Devils’ seventh play from scrimmage. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Akeem Ayers also scored a defensive touchdown for the Bruins, recovering a fumble forced by junior defensive tackle Brian Price and diving across the pylon for a score.
The UCLA defense forced six turnovers on the day while the offense committed none..
Conversely, both offenses struggled mightily all game.
Sun Devil third-string quarterback Samson Szakacsy, a redshirt sophomore, started for ASU and was responsible for both turnovers that led to UCLA points. The Bruins started senior fullback Chane Moline and gave him the majority of the carries despite a continued lack of production. Although Moline did not fumble, he averaged only 3.6 yards per carry, making him far less effective this week out of the backfield than he was in short down and distance situations against Washington State.
Some of the Bruins old bad habits also reared their heads on Saturday. The defense missed several tackles and allowed Sun Devil running back Dimitri Nance to rush for 93 yards.
UCLA also committed a number of penalties against Arizona State – 11 for a total of 100 yards.
But with the win, the Bruins do become bowl eligible. That said, they may need some help to actually get invited to a bowl. A win over USC next week at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is imperative if the Bruins hope to get one of six conference bids. But win or lose, UCLA could still be invited as an at-large to a different postseason matchup.
Prince sidelined momentarily
Redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince was helped off the field after taking a hit and landing on his side with 1:09 remaining in the third quarter.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Craft relieved Prince to finish the quarter, but Prince reentered the game when the fourth quarter began.
