Post game mood
Just got back from the locker room after UCLA's 36-31 loss to Fresno State and it wasn't as bad as you might have expected. The general sentiment was one of frustration, but not dejection. Most of the players said they were happy that progress was made, that the offense showed signs of life, and that the Bruins put themselves in position to win.
Still, ending the way it did, with the defense unable to get the Bulldogs off the field on the final drive, which ate up almost nine minutes off the clock, was tough to swallow.
Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker called it ``humiliating.''
``It's unfortunate,'' he said. ``We wasted a pretty good performance by our offense.''
I have to give a lot of credit to freshman running back Derrick Coleman, who stood in front of his locker answering question after question about his fumble in the fourth quarter.
``I didn't have security of the ball and they hit it out from me,'' Coleman said. ``All I know is the ball came out and I should've had control of it. ...It's disappointing. We had the win in our reach. But we're all still healthy, we got a game next week, and we're going to get ready for it.''
I dont understand the love of Walker he seems to still be living off that 13-9 game a few years ago while in the last 2 years they seem to gove up 400 yads and 30 plus point every single game
Cant see him getting a hC job anytime soon
Come on, now. The guy's defense was very good for two seasons, and now he's lost his leaders in the backfield. The safeties seem to be the weak spot of the defense, not providing the kind of run support or mid-field coverage that Page, Keyes, and Horton did. They have to grow up and get the job done. Because of those issues, Walker can't use the kind of pressure his defense is known for because he's missing those stalwarts.
Just like with the offense, these guys need to grow up. I think this team is starting to find itself though. Beat UCLA now, because it will become increasingly harder in the future.
I'm dissapointed with the loss but very proud of the improvement we've made. Things are looking better and at least this game was exciting!
Isn't it time to give some other quarterback a chance to make something happen on offense? This guy Craft is not too crafty back there.
the anon who said CRAFT didn't make things happen, needs to get to the ROSE BOWL next week.
this was his best whole game, good passes and great runs with his feet. if had played this well last week, ucla might of won vs. zona.
I think the Bruins are getting better each week. I saw a competitive UCLA team out there today against a pretty good Fresno State team. A few mental errors cost the Bruins a win today. The penalty on Austin's kick off return for a td, the personal foul calls, and the fumble cost us a win....I'm sticking with this team to start pulling off some wins..
Love Coleman's attitude. He had a good game but for the fumble. The lesson was learned and it's time to move on.
Bruins are looking better all the time!
The replay showed that Coleman had two hands (and arms) around the ball. He had it secured, but a helmet popped it loose. 9 times out of 10, that ball is tucked away safely and he's down by contact. Unless he has zero upper body strength, then it should be considered a lucky hit.