UCLA runs away from Colorado late for homecoming victory
UCLA overcame four first-half turnovers Saturday at the Rose Bowl to beat Colorado 28-16 and move to 6-2 on the season.
Led by Ethan Garbers at quarterback once again, UCLA put up 487 yards of offense and ran away from the Buffaloes in the fourth quarter. Touchdown runs by TJ Harden and Collin Schlee in the final period pushed UCLA’s lead all the way to 28-9 at one point.
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders connected with Jimmy Horn Jr. on an 18-yard touchdown in garbage time to make the margin a bit more respectable.
UCLA moved the ball well in the first half, but it couldn’t finish drives. The Bruins averaged 6.3 yards a play compared to Colorado’s 2.7, but it had just a 7-6 lead on the scoreboard at the break.
Garbers was picked off by Travis Hunter on UCLA’s third offensive play of the game. On UCLA’s fourth possession, tailback Carson Steele fumbled the ball away after an 18-yard carry on the second play of the drive. Schlee was picked off by Hunter on the Bruins following possession.
The last two drives of the first half ended with a missed field goal on a 74-yard march and then another fumble from Steele.
UCLA opened the second half with fireworks. Garbers hit Logan Loya for 49 yards and then connected with Moliki Matavao for a 26-yard touchdown.
Colorado was never able to get its offense on track. Sanders completed 27 of his 43 passes, but managed just 217 yards through the air. As a team, the Buffs gained only 38 yards on the ground.
The Murphy brothers, Gabriel and Grayson, combined for three sacks. Laiatu Latu had two himself. Gary Smith III and Carl Jones Jr. each had a sack as well.
The Bruins held the Buffs to just 3.8 yards a play and 1.6 yards per rushing attempt.
Garbers finished with 269 yards through the air on 20-of-27 passing. Harden and Steele each had north of 70 yards rushing on the ground while Steele added a receiving touchdown. Loya led all pass-catchers with 111 yards on seven catches.
Next up for UCLA (6-2, 3-2 Pac-12) is a trip to Tucson to battle Arizona. That Week 10 game next Saturday is set for a 7:30 p.m. PT kick on FS1.
Colorado (4-4, 1-4 Pac-12) will host Oregon State at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN.