UCLA v. Stanford

     Although a cardinal seems a nonexistent threat to a bruin, the UCLA v Stanford football game this Saturday was a different story.

     Taking place in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, The PAC-12 showdown between UCLA and Stanford was quite the event. There was much anticipation for the game, and PVHS student Katherine Macleod explained that she has “been looking forward to this game for quite some time”.

     Stanford fans were confident in their team’s ability to win, seeing as Stanford has defeated UCLA in their past eight encounters. However, not all hope was lost, with OddsShark only favoring Stanford by three points.

     The game began, and during the first quarter, Stanford’s Conrad Ukropina kicked the first field goal. However, UCLA soon intercepted the ball, and with 18 seconds left in the 1st quarter, scored a touchdown. The UCLA fight song rang out, leaving the gold and blue ecstatic. This, presumably, was not the song that Stanford wanted to hear.

     The second quarter was relatively quiet until UCLA’s JJ Molson scored a 27-yard field goal, thus bringing the score to 10 to 3.

     After half time (and a quick pizza break for myself), the third quarter commenced. Again, no changes in the score occurred until finally Stanford’s Conrad Ukropina kicked another field goal, increasing Stanford’s score by an additional three points.

     Contrary to the middle quarters, the fourth quarter was filled with excitement. Towards the beginning, Stanford kicked a field goal, bringing their score within one point of UCLA’s. UCLA was quick to answer, scoring another field goal of their own.

     Just when the Bruins thought that they were about to end their losing streak, Stanford scored a touchdown and left UCLA trailing.

     With 24 seconds of playing time left, UCLA struggled to close the three-point gap between them and Stanford. UCLA’s quarterback, Josh Rosen, attempted to throw a long pass down the field, but Stanford’s defensive back Justin Reid thwarted this attempt. With a field goal an unlikely possibility, Josh Rosen attempted one more time. This unfortunately did not work out in UCLA’s favor, with Stanford’s Soloman Thomas recovering the fumble. Perhaps adding insult to injury,  Soloman ran to the end zone to score another touchdown, leaving the final score 13-22 Stanford.
     UCLA coach Jim Mora, although understandably disappointed, is not giving up, saying, “We have to rebound, we have to come back strong. And we will.” Although the three-point spread was slightly extended, the UCLA Bruins put forth a valiant effort and will hopefully have better luck against Arizona next week.