BOULDER, Colo. — Brett Hundley, Johnathan Franklin and the rest of the UCLA Bruins bounced back from a tough defeat, beating Colorado 42-14 Saturday night for their best start since 2007.
Hundley threw for 281 yards and 2 touchdowns and also ran for 2 scores as the Bruins (4-1, 1-1 Pacific-12) improved to 30-10-2 in the weeks following a loss that dropped them from the rankings.
Franklin set the tone early, running for 97 of his 111 yards in the first half and making all 3 of his catches for 48 yards as the Bruins jumped ahead 21-7 at the break.
The Buffaloes (1-4, 1-1) were driving in the third quarter when they were stuffed on fourth-and-1 at midfield, then fumbled the ball on their next two possessions.
“We’re not at that point where we can overcome mistakes like that,” Buffs Coach Jon Embree said.
Leading a swarming Bruins defense were linebackers Anthony Barr and Damien Holmes, who had a combined 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss and 3 hurries of quarterback Jordan Webb.
The Buffaloes rallied past Washington State last week with three touchdowns in the final seven minutes, and they needed a similar comeback this time after falling behind by three touchdowns through three quarters.
It was the Bruins who poured on the points this time, sealing their first victory in Boulder since a 33-16 victory in 1984. They returned in 2003, losing 16-14.
Franklin, who was limited to 45 yards a week earlier, had a big first half, when his 28-yard run after a screen pass set up Hundley’s 1-yard touchdown keeper that put UCLA ahead 21-7 at halftime.
UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks and free safety Tevin McDonald stuffed Tony Jones on fourth-and-1 at midfield in the third quarter when the Buffs had the momentum and still harbored hopes of an upset, then combined for a crucial takeaway on their next series.
McDonald punched the ball free after tight end Vincent Hobbs hauled in a long pass and Kendricks scooped it up.
In another Pac-12 game, Taylor Kelly threw three touchdown passes to help Arizona State (4-1, 2-0) send California (1-4, 0-2) to its worst start ever under Coach Jeff Tedford with a 27-17 victory in Berkeley, Calif.
MOUNTAIN WEST
Boise State survives
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Joe Southwick passed for 311 yards and three touchdowns and Timmy Smith knocked down a fourth-down pass with two minutes to go to help No. 24 Boise State beat New Mexico 32-29.
Boise State (3-1, 1-0) led by 25 points at halftime after turning three Lobos’ fumbles into 18 points.
New Mexico (2-3, 0-1) turned two Broncos’ second half fumbles into touchdowns to help close the gap. The Lobos did not throw a pass in the second half until its final play but baffled the Broncos with their triple-option offense.
After New Mexico forced Boise State into a 44-yard field-goal attempt that failed, the Lobos took over on their 27. Three plays left the Lobos facing a fourth-and-4. New Mexico brought in starting quarterback B.R. Holbrook for the passing situation, but Smith batted away the toss that was intended for Lamaar Smith.
Jay Ajayi had 118 yards and a touchdown on six carries for Boise State.
In another game involving a Mountain West Conference team, Cody Getz had 222 yards rushing to lead Air Force (2-1, 1-1) to a 42-21 victory over in-state rival Colorado State (1-4, 0-1) at Air Force Academy, Colo.
WESTERN ATHLETIC
Nevada tops Texas State
SAN MARCOS, Texas - Cody Fajardo threw for three touchdowns and ran for one more as Nevada (4-1, 1-0 Western Athletic Conference) defeated Texas State 34-21 on Saturday afternoon.
Fajardo was 21 of 34 passing for 286 yards, connecting twice with Zach Sudfeld for touchdown, including on a 9-yard pass. A 12-yard pass to Aaron Bradley led to another touchdown. In the third, Fajardo kept the ball for a 6-yard run to add to the score.
Texas State (2-2, 0-1) was scoreless after halftime.
In another game involving a WAC team, Austin Lopez kicked four field goals to complement a strong defensive effort as San Jose State (4-1) shut out Navy (1-3) 12-0 in Annapolis, Md.
Sports, Pages 35 on 09/30/2012