PASADENA, Calif. — — Dorian Thompson-Robinson had learn and heard the feedback about UCLA’s unbeaten begin not that means a lot as a result of high quality of opponents it performed.
On Friday evening, Thompson-Robinson and the Bruins made positive to make an announcement with their first victory over a top-15 staff since 2014.
Thompson-Robinson handed for 315 yards and three touchdowns in UCLA’s 40-32 victory over No. 15 Washington in a matchup of unbeaten Pac-12 groups on the Rose Bowl.
“Folks have been saying all week that we’re the worst 4-0 staff on the market and writing us off. I believe my boys got here right here with a chip on their shoulder,” mentioned Thompson-Robinson, who had the sixth 300-yard passing sport of his profession. “I believe I advised y’all on Monday, see if Washington can run with us, not the opposite approach round.”
The fifth-year senior additionally ran 2 yards for a rating within the third quarter, when he sidestepped defenders Bralen Trice and Jayvion Inexperienced, inflicting them to fall on each other in a heap close to the objective line in making it 33-10.
Thompson-Robinson equipped the spotlight performs, however loads of different Bruins contributed to present them their first 5-0 begin since 2013.
Zach Charbonnet rushed for 124 yards and a rating, Jake Bobo had six receptions for 142 yards and a pair of TDs whereas the Bruins recorded their first security in 4 years and compelled a pair of turnovers.
“Our protection did an amazing job within the first half. For them to stake us that lead once we wanted each inch of it,” coach Chip Kelly mentioned. “Dorian was clutch. We’ve got whole confidence in all the things that he does.”
The Bruins have additionally received eight straight courting to final season — their longest unbeaten streak since 2005. They’ve scored at the very least 40 factors in six of these victories.
Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. got here into the sport main the nation in passing yards however struggled within the first half as UCLA (2-0 Pac-12) scored on 4 straight drives and jumped out to a 26-10 halftime lead.
“We dug ourselves too large of a gap within the first half,” coach Kalen DeBoer mentioned. “Our guys now understand is that we’re a staff that individuals are gonna rise up to play. Not that we went into the sport considering in any other case, however we received to emotionally and bodily be able to play.”
Penix completed 33 of 48 for 345 yards, 4 touchdowns and two interceptions. The junior handed for a pair of touchdowns and 2-point conversions within the fourth quarter because the Huskies received inside eight, however UCLA ran out the ultimate three minutes.
Rome Odunze had eight receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
“Simply wasn’t executing. We received to do higher,” Penix mentioned. “Me myself personally, I received to handle the ball higher. And that’s actually all it was, simply poor execution.”
Washington (4-1, 1-1) seemed to be rolling early after it took the opening kickoff and scored 10 performs later when Odunze beat security Devin Kirkwood in single protection and hauled in a 33-yard landing move on fourth-and-6.
The Bruins drove to the three on its opening drive, however turned it over on downs after three straight incomplete passes. Two performs later, the protection got here up with its first large play when Penix botched a pitch and linebacker Laiatu Latu tackled Wayne Taulapapa in the long run zone.
Latu, who additionally had three tackles and a sack, started his profession at Washington earlier than transferring this yr. It was UCLA’s first security for the reason that 2018 season finale towards Stanford.
After the free kick, the Bruins went 93 yards in 11 performs, which culminated in Charbonnet scoring from a yard to present them a 9-7 lead. That marked the primary time that Washington had trailed in a sport this season.
The Huskies regained the lead on Peyton Henry’s 50-yard area objective earlier than the Bruins scored 24 straight factors. Bobo caught a 12-yard strike halfway by way of the second quarter to present UCLA the lead for good. One play after Stephan Blaylock picked off Penix and returned it to the UW 15, Thompson-Robinson discovered Kam Brown alone in the long run zone to increase the result in 23-10.
THE TAKEAWAY
Washington: The Huskies have been ranked close to the underside of the convention in move protection as their secondary had loads of issues attempting to include Thompson-Robinson and Bobo.
UCLA: The Bruins had misplaced 11 straight video games towards top- 15 foes, together with two to the Huskies, earlier than Friday evening’s win. Their final win was within the Alamo Bowl towards No. 11 Kansas State to wrap up the 2014 season. UCLA’s final victory towards a top-15 Pac-12 staff was additionally in 2014 towards No. 14 Arizona.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
UCLA had not obtained many votes resulting from taking part in the softest nonconference schedule of a Energy 5 staff, however the win over the Huskies ought to give them loads of momentum to leap into the rankings. A late fourth-quarter rally ought to maintain Washington within the ballot.
UP NEXT
Washington: At Arizona State subsequent Saturday.
UCLA: Hosts No. 12 Utah subsequent Saturday.
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