The UCLA Bruins finally took the field on Saturday to play their first game under first-time head coach DeShaun Foster in a 16-13 win over Hawai’i.
With the dust settled on the Bruins first game, UCLA deserves a “C-Grade” for their opening performance. Not good, not bad, and given the state of the team, UCLA’s opening-day performance was perfectly average.
Falling behind early, the first half was a whirlwind for the Bruins. Shut out through the first two quarters, quarterback Ethan Garbers was picked twice, the running game failed to generate momentum, and the offensive line struggled.
That said, the Bruins rebounded and pulled out the win in the second half, showing more confidence, poise, and urgency on both sides of the ball. The defense forced turnovers and Garbers found a notable rhythm that earned them an average grade.
UCLA’s first season under DeShaun Foster will have its rough patches, especially as the Bruins face tough competition in the Big Ten. While they did not start strong, they finished strong and laid the framework for how their team can find success this season.
If UCLA can avoid “playing behind the eightball” and their defense can keep games close, the Bruins can improve their report card this fall.