UCLA football leads BYU 10-0 at halftime
UCLA’s defensive line held BYU scoreless in the first half. The return of senior defensive end Takkarist McKinley and junior defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes wrecked havov on the Cougar’s defense. (Mackenzie Possee/Assistant Photo editor)
By Derrek Li
Sept. 17, 2016 9:11 p.m.
PROVO, Utah — It’s probably not a coincidence that the return of redshirt junior defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes, senior defensive end Takkarist McKinley and senior defensive end Deon Hollins has revived the UCLA defense.
Powered by the stout rushing ability of those three, the Bruins (1-1) take a 10-0 lead into halftime over the BYU Cougars (1-1) in Provo.
Outside of a 39-yard pass on the first drive of the game, BYU has been met head-on and stopped at almost every occasion.
With the Cougars inching toward field goal range after sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen threw an interception, redshirt freshman defensive lineman Rick Wade brought down BYU quarterback Taysom Hill for a loss of 13 yards to force the punt.
When the Cougars made it past the 50-yard line toward the end of the second quarter to try to put some points on the board before halftime, McKinley’s coverage sack stopped the drive.
The offense, on the other hand, sputtered and stalled for almost the entire first quarter, but picked up steam toward the end. UCLA went to junior running back Nate Starks for four straight plays for 26 yards before Rosen found redshirt sophomore fullback Cameron Griffin for the touchdown.
Rosen finished the half 11-for-20 for 126 yards.
