After my previous result was lost and I had to replay UCLA, their defense showed up this time. While they could do little to slow the seemingly unstoppable Cal offense that has a new found potency, UCLA's defense did manage to frustrate QB B.Sweeney all day and forced several errant throws that resulted in 6 INTs. UCLA's offense hardly showed all game, but the dangerous RB J.Franklin managed to provide a little spark and reeled off a couple long runs. Despite allowing Franklin a few runs, Cal's defense played another good game this week and held UCLA under 200yds of total offense and only 3 points in the 1st half and the offense to only 10 points. A UCLA pick 6, brought hope back to UCLA late in the 4th qrt, but Cal's ensuing possession silenced the crowd as they drove the field for the game clinching TD.
Not as exciting as the other game, but still managed a little excitement. UCLA's defense was stout against the run, but backup RB K. Lewis showed his amazing hands and caught swing passes and screens left and right all day and led him to the single game record for receptions in a game. The Cal faithful's hearts dropped as standout WR C.Satchell would be injured late in the 4th and sit out the rest of the game and will miss 7 weeks with a strained back.
Coach B had a few words to say after the tough win, "I'm happy we won, we played very well and I thought we should have won this game by more. But I'll take what I can get. In regards to Satchell, we will miss him next week against a tough USC. When he went down, I almost cried. The last few weeks of last season were incredibly difficult without the sure hands of Satchell, so I'm disheartened to hear we will be without him for most of the season. But where there is a hole, it allows our not so experienced younger WRs and other RBs to step up. RB turned WR W.Ricks will slide into the slot position, and our latest addition at RB C.Johnston will get a tryout at WR and will hopefully enjoy at least seeing the field his Freshman year."
The Cal Bears welcome USC to Memorial Stadium next week in their yearly rivalry showdown. The winner of the game will likely have an advantage toward the Pac-10 title, just like the past 2 years. Look for the Cal Bears to bring their A game and try to lock-up another piece of hardware.
POTG:
Cal: RB K.Lewis 18rec, 283yds, 2 TDs
UCLA: D.Hilliard 12 Tkls, 2 INTs