Things began shakily. Like, really shakily. But what Dorian Thompson-Robinson giveth, he also taketh away.

The Bruins rolled past Bowling Green in the second half on Saturday to open their season with a 45-17 win. After the Falcons took a 17-7 lead early in the second quarter, UCLA outscored them 38-0 to end the game.

The day began with a three-and-out from UCLA’s offense. The ensuing punt was blocked by Bowling Green, scooped up, and returned for a touchdown. The Bruins faced a third down on their next possession and the groans began from those inside the Rose Bowl.

The Thompson-Robinson broke loose.

A rather ugly interception on UCLA’s next possession was followed up by a turnover on downs that halted a 10-play drive at the Bowling Green 27 without any points. Bowling Green then ripped off an eight-play, 73-yard scoring drive to go up.

From then on, UCLA decided to sit up in the gaming chair.

The Bruins scored on five of its next seven possessions. It punted only once the rest of the game. Wideout Kaz Allen caught a little screen, followed his blockers, and bolted into the endzone for a 20-yard score to tie the game.

Then tailback Keegan Jones caught a check-down and raced 52 yards for another score.

Running back Zach Charbonnet punched his way into the end zone from just 4 yards out to open the third quarter. Thompson-Robinson walked into the endzone for his second rushing score on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the Bruins up three scores and that was that.

The fifth-year senior quarterback for UCLA finished with 298 passing yards, 87 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. He completed 32 of his 43 passes (74%) while tossing just the one interception. Charbonnet went for 111 yards and a score on 21 carries. Jones added 42 rushing yards. Allen led all receivers with 10 catches for 85 yards and a score.

UCLA outgained the Falcons 626-162. Defensively, the Bruins gave up just 48 rushing yards (adjusted for sacks) and only 2.1 yards per carry. Gabriel Murphy and Stephan Blaylock each had a sack. Darius Muasau had a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown that was brought back by a penalty.

The Bruins (3-1) face Alabama State next Saturday.