UCLA football stumbles against rival Pac-12 South, Arizona State – Daily News

PASADENA – Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and UCLA’s No.20 started quickly but fell flat at the end of a 42-23 Pac-12 South loss to Arizona State.

Thompson-Robinson found all of his favorite targets early in the passing game to complete the duo of running backs Zach Charbonnet and Brittain Brown. UCLA held the lead four times in the first half, but was shut out in the second half.

The Bruins and Sun Devils held on to three points in the opening quarter before each team produced their strongest quarterback. The Bruins scored 20 points while the Sun Devils scored 21 points and took a 24-23 lead in the locker room at halftime.

The Bruins had the opportunity to reduce ASU’s lead before the end of the first half as Kain Medrano recovered from a missed punt return by the Sun Devils.

After Medrano recovered, the Bruins immediately took advantage of the field position and kicker Nicholas Barr-Mira pulled off a successful 26-yard field goal attempt at the end of the time limit.

The Bruins have also been plagued by recurring struggles that have proven to be costly.

Center Sam Marrazzo did not adjust for the game, having suffered an injury in the Stanford game which led to Duke Clemens starting at the center. The Bruins are still struggling with mismanaged snaps and had one in the first quarter, when a ball flew over Thompson-Robinson’s head. The free ball was recovered by ASU and converted into three runs on the next drive with a field goal.

UCLA coach Chip Kelly also voiced the need for the Bruins’ defense to limit explosive play last week. Unfortunately for UCLA, this is still a work in progress.