Tag: Mateen Bhaghani

DeShaun Foster discusses 4th down offensive strategy

DeShaun Foster won his first game as the head coach at UCLA. But, not without some questions on 4th down choices.

DeShaun Foster came up against one of the first big moves of the season in the 16-13 win over Hawaii on Saturday   In a tight game, the Bruins were 4th and five, and had a decision to make. Foster ultimately elected for a field goal. One of the moves common for head football coaches that can oftentimes backfire on them.

Foster’s Bruins eventually won the game 16-13, which took him off the hook for the time being, but he was asked about his 4th down philosophy as a head coach. Here is what Foster told Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times:

“It depends on the situation. With the momentum going, I probably was gonna go for it. Then, they end up calling a timeout so we kicked the field goal.”

He was then asked about the 4th-and-5 situation:

“Yeah, I just didn’t like the situation at the time”

Fortunately for Foster, his kicker Mateen Bhaghani nailed the final three field goals after Blake Glessner missed the first one. It appears Glessner is going to be on the field for the long field goal attempts, while Bhaghani will take the others.

The next time Foster will get a chance to make 4th down decisions is September 14th, as the Bruins host the Indiana Hoosiers in their first-ever Big Ten affair.

Maheen Bhaghani named Big Ten special teams Player of the Week

Well deserved for the Bruins kicker!

The UCLA Bruins defeated Hawaii 16-13 in a closer game than many expected. However, the hero of the game was kicker Maheen Bhaghani, who transferred from Cal in the offseason.

Bhaghani nailed three field goals in the game, including the game-winner in the final minutes to give DeShaun Foster his first victory as UCLA’s head coach.

As a result, Bhaghani has been named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.

‘ Sophomore kicker Mateen Bhaghani on the UCLA football team was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, it was announced by the conference office announced Monday.’

Bhaghani mentioned it felt “great” to get his first-ever game-winning kick, and even more so with it being at the college level.

“First game winner and it comes in college. Great feeling.”

https://twitter.com/UCLAFootball/status/1830668301007233534

The Bruins have a Week 2 bye before the Big Ten home opener against the Indiana Hoosiers.

Mateen Bhaghani discusses game-winning field goal against Hawaii

Mateen Bhgahani was the key to victory for UCLA with three made field goals against Hawaii.

Mateen Bhaghani knew he was going to get a chance to make his mark on this game. That’s exactly what he did as he nailed three second-half field goals to lead the way for UCLA. The third field goal of the half for Bhaghani put the Bruins ahead 16-13 in the final minute of the game.

The defense took over from there, and the Bruins won their first game under new head coach DeShaun Foster. The field goals for Bhaghani came from 22, 37, and 32 yards in the win.

The 6’1 kicker from San Diego started his college career at California. After going 4 for 4 a season ago against the Bruins following the season, he enrolled with the Bruins.

He talked to the media after the game, but had very little to say, but got the point of his excitement across, per Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times.

“First game winner and it comes in college. Great feeling.”

https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/1830098618084368395

Last season, Bhaghani played in 10 games for the Golden Bears. He was 4 out of 5 from field goals and went 21 of 21 from extra point kicks. Earlier in the game, Blake Glessner attempted a long field goal for the Bruins, and missed. Glessner made the lone extra point for UCLA.

Bhaghani and the Bruins will take the week off, before playing Indiana at home on September 14th.