UCLA vs. Utah: Bruins gain expected win

UCLA picked up a win over Utah on Saturday, proving they could beat the Utes.

2012 bowl projections: USC slated to face Alabama in BCS National Championship Game

Jerry Palm of CBS Sports is currently predicting the USC Trojans will win out and face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game.

Utah vs. UCLA 2012: Discontent in Bruins Nation

The UCLA Bruins improved to .500 in conference play and improved to 5-2 overall on the season after the team was able to beat the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl by a score of 21-14.

The Bruins were led by quarterback Brett Hundley, who scored two touchdowns, threw for 183 yards and ran for 68 more. Running back Jonathan Franklin scored a touchdown and ran for 79 yards, and the defense was stout in allowing just 14 points.

Despite the respectable performance, SB Nation's UCLA Bruins blog, Bruins Nation, feels discontent with the team's success thus far, perhaps as a lasting effect from the team's loss to the California Golden Bears two weeks ago. Nonetheless, the Bruins have the opportunity to change their fans attitude, but it is up to them to do that.

If we can consistently play the type of football of which we are capable, I like our chances against anyone. It's up to this team to convince its fans that this is a team that they can trust, and that it is a team that it is definitely worth going along for the ride, because we will get where we expect to go.

The Bruins will have a bye week before heading out of state to take on the Arizona St. Sun Devils.

UCLA vs. Utah final: Bruins win 21-14

The UCLA Bruins defeated the Utah Utes, 21-14, at the Rose Bowl on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins put together a dominating defensive performance, keeping Utah's offense putting any points on the board until late in the fourth quarter.

Utah's only points during the first 56 minutes came on special teams, when UCLA punt returner Steven Manfro muffed a punt that was recovered by the Utes' Ryan Lacy in the end zone.

That touchdown was sandwiched by two UCLA scoring drives in the first quarter. The first was a 13-play, 69-yard march that was capped off by a 12-yard touchdown run from quarterback Brett Hundley. The next could hardly have been more different, as Hundley connected with Shaquelle Evans on a 64-yard strike to put the Bruins up 14-7.

That score remained there until Johnathan Franklin was able to punch it in from 3 yards out to put UCLA up 21-7 late in the third. Franklin finished with 79 yards on 22 carries in the win.

Utah made the game interesting in the final minutes, when quarterback Jon Hays came in for one play to throw a touchdown on fourth down to Dres Anderson. The score was set up earlier by a wide receiver pass from DeVonte Christopher to starting quarterback Travis Wilson.

The Bruins were nearly able to run out the clock on the ensuing drive, as they punted the ball with 8 seconds left on the clock. They move to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 play. The Utes dropped to 2-4, 0-3 in the Pac-12.

Box Score Hero: Brett Hundley was 15-for-21 for 183 yards and one touchdown. He also ran the ball 15 times for 68 yards and a score.

Rankings Ramifications: Neither team was ranked prior to this game. By moving to 5-2, UCLA may receive votes in the polls, but many voters might still have their 43-17 loss to Cal last Saturday on their minds.

But Did They Cover? The Utes pulled the backdoor cover, as UCLA was favored by 10 points.

For More On This Game: For more on Bruins football, visit UCLA blog Bruins Nation, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes and SB Nation Los Angeles.

For more on Utes football, visit Utah blog Block U, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes.

Follow @SBNationCFB

This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

UCLA vs. Utah score: Bruins build lead to 21-7 after three quarters

The UCLA Bruins lead the Utah Utes, 21-7, through three quarters at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins' defense has been up to the task, as the Utah offense has yet to score a point.

The Utes' only touchdown came on a muffed punt by UCLA returner Steven Manfro. Utah's Ryan Lacy recovered the ball in the endzone to put the Utes on the board.

Other than that play, the game has been dominated by the Bruins. Quarterback Brett Hundley has been making plays with his arm and feet. Hundley is 12/17 for 162 yards and a touchdown, while also carrying the ball 11 times for 44 yards and a score. His touchdown pass was a 64-yard strike to Shaquelle Evans in the first quarter.

UCLA running back Johnathan Franklin has had a sub-par day by his standards thus far. Franklin has 65 yards on 15 carries, and scored the Bruins' only third quarter touchdown on a 3-yard run to cap off 5:47 drive. With the two-touchdown lead, Franklin will likely see plenty of carries to close the game out.

UCLA vs. Utah score: Bruins maintain 14-7 lead at halftime

The UCLA Bruins lead the Utah Utes, 14-7, at the half in the Rose Bowl. All 21 points were scored in the first quarter, as defenses tightened up in the second.

UCLA has put together two scoring drives that were polar opposites. The first touchdown came after a 13-play, 69-yard drive. Quarterback Brett Hundley ran the ball in from 12 yards out to cap it off.

The next Bruins score came on a 64-yard touchdown pass from the Hundley to Shaquelle Evans.

Sandwiched by the two UCLA touchdowns was a Utah drive that resulted in a punt. The punt was muffed by returner Steven Manfro. After a scramble, Utah's Ryan Evans recovered the ball in the endzone for the Utes' only points of the half.

Hundley has been efficient, completing 9/12 for 141 yards and a touchdown, as well as the rushing score. Utah will get the ball to start the second half.

UCLA vs. Utah score: Bruins lead Utes, 14-7, despite special teams mistake

The UCLA Bruins lead the Utah Utes, 14-7, after one quarter of play in the Rose Bowl. The Bruins have dominated on offense, but made a big mistake on special teams that has kept the Utes within striking distance.

UCLA opened the scoring with 5:36 to go in the first quarter. Quarterback Brett Hundley took it himself for a 12-yard touchdown run that capped a 13-play, 69 yard drive.

The Bruins stopped the Utes and forced a punt on the next drive, but UCLA punt returner Steven Manfro muffed a punt that rolled into the endzone. Utah's Ryan Lacy fell on the ball to tie the game at 7-7.

It didn't take long for the Bruins to answer back. Hundley hit Shaquelle Evans on a 64-yard touchdown pass to put UCLA on top with 3:24 left in the quarter. Hundley has started fast, completing 7/8 passes for 105 yards.

Utah has the ball and faces a 4th and 1 in their own territory as the second quarter begins.

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