After a slow start on their first two drives, the UCLA Bruins got on the scoreboard thanks to running back Johnathan Franklin, who ran 59 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown to tie the USC Trojans at 7-7, which remained the score after one quarter. UCLA had negative one yard on its first two drives, but Franklin began drive number three with a six-yard scamper. Then, on the second play of the drive, Franklin ran the ball 59 yards to the end zone with 3:58 remaining for his eighth touchdown of the season.
Franklin has 78 yards on six carries through the first quarter tonight, seemingly well on his way to a 100-yard game, which bodes well for the Bruins. Franklin this season has rushed for 100 yards four times, and UCLA has won all four of those games. The Bruins are 0-7 when Franklin hasn't reached the century mark.
After the tying touchdown drive, USC had their own three-and-out drive, and was forced to punt. Matt Barkley has completed six of 12 passes for 83 yards, but the touchdown throw came from freshman running back Dillon Baxter. Allen Bradford, who got the start at tailback tonight, has 44 yards rushing on eight carries.
UCLA got the ball back and drove the ball successfully again, this time with some help for Franklin from running back Derrick Coleman, but the Bruins could not gain anything through the air and was forced to punt. UCLA quarterback Richard Brehaut has completed just one of eight passes for eight yards in the first quarter. USC begins the second quarter deep in its own territory.
For more local college football news, be sure to read the SB Nation blogs for both UCLA (Bruins Nation) and USC (Conquest Chronicles).