Head Coach Karl Dorrell has said it was a matter of time until all three units -- the offense, defense and special teams -- got on track at the same time.
That time was Saturday night in the Rose Bowl. The Bruins put together an excellent second half with all three units "clicking," beating the Huskies, 46-16, in front of 68,319.
UCLA's defense, after surrendering 271 yards in the first half to Washington and their quarterback Cody Pickett, shut down the Huskies in the second half, allowing them only 71 yards after halftime.
Washington's vaunted wide receiver Reggie Williams had 8 catches for 80 yards in the first half, but only had two in the second half for 25. UCLA's cornerback Matt Ware got the assignment of defending him almost exclusively in the second half and pretty much shut him down.
UCLA also got three touchdowns as a result of their defense in the second half. Defensive tackle Rod Leisle, on his first play back from his suspension, recovered a Cody Pickett fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, safety Jarrad Page stepped in front of a Pickett throw at the UCLA 24 and ran it in for a score. Linebacker Justin London intercepted a Pickett pass that the UCLA offense converted into a touchdown.
Leisle also had a pass interception in the second half.
The Bruins amassed 392 yards of total offense, with the offensive star of the game being receiver Craig Bragg, who had 8 clutch catches for 142 yards on the night. Drew Olson had a second good showing in a row, completing 16 of 24 passes for 258 yards with one interception. He also boot-legged in a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
UCLA's running game wore down the Huskies, having it's best running production of the season, netting 134 yards on the night. The tailbacks combined for 151 yards, with Manuel White totaling 83 and Tyler Ebell looking good with 50. White, Ebell and Maurice Drew each had rushing touchdowns.
Injury Note: Center Mike McCloskey fractured his ankle. His prognosis is uncertain.