2018 UCLA Bruins football team

The 2018 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bruins were led by first-year head coach Chip Kelly and played their home games at the Rose Bowl. UCLA was a member of the Pac-12 Conference in the South Division. They began the season 0–4 for the first time since 1971,[1] as well as 0–5 for the first time since 1943, before finally winning their first game, in dominating fashion, against Cal. However, despite failing to improve upon their previous season's output of 6 wins and 7 losses and failing to qualify for a bowl game, the Bruins later defeated the USC Trojans to end a three-game losing streak in their crosstown rivalry. The Bruins finished 3–9 overall, their worst record since 1971. They went 3–6 in Pac-12 play, finishing in fifth place in the South Division.

2018 UCLA Bruins football
ConferencePac-12 Conference
DivisionSouth Division
2018 record3–9 (3–6 Pac-12)
Head coach
Defensive coordinatorJerry Azzinaro (1st season)
Home stadiumRose Bowl
(Capacity: 91,136)
2018 Pac-12 Conference football standings
Conf  Overall
Team W L    W L 
North Division
No. 13 Washington xy$  7 2     10 4  
No. 10 Washington State x  7 2     11 2  
Stanford  6 3     9 4  
Oregon  5 4     9 4  
California  4 5     7 6  
Oregon State  1 8     2 10  
South Division
Utah xy  6 3     9 5  
Arizona State  5 4     7 6  
USC  4 5     5 7  
Arizona  4 5     5 7  
UCLA  3 6     3 9  
Colorado  2 7     5 7  
Championship: Washington 10, Utah 3
  • $ Conference champion
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

Previous season

The Bruins began the season at 2–0, where the first win was a historic 35-point comeback against Texas A&M in front of 64,635 spectators at home on FOX.[2] At the conclusion of the second win, which was a 56–23 rout against Hawaii in front of 50,444 individuals at home on the Pac-12 Network, the Bruins were ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll. However, the Bruins would immediately be unranked after their loss at Memphis, and would have five more losses and four more wins at the conclusion of the regular season. As a result, Jim Mora was fired, a day after losing to rival USC for the third straight year, for "not [meeting] expectations" with the talent recruited.[3] Nevertheless, the Bruins participated in the 2017 Cactus Bowl against Kansas State, but they lost 17–35. The Bruins finished with an overall record 6–7, and 4–5 in conference play.

NFL Draft Selections

The Bruins had five individuals selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.[4][5]

Player Position Round Overall NFL Team
Josh RosenQuarterback110Arizona Cardinals
Kolton MillerTackle115Oakland Raiders
Kenny YoungLinebacker4122Baltimore Ravens
Scott QuessenberryCenter5155Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan LasleyWide receiver5162Baltimore Ravens

Preseason

Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released

Award Player Position Year
Lott Trophy[6] Adarius Pickett DB JR
John Mackey Award[7] Caleb Wilson TE JR
Lou Groza Award[8] JJ Molson K JR
Ray Guy Award[9] Stefan Flintoft P JR
Paul Hornung Award[10] Darnay Holmes DB/KR SO
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award[11] Caleb Wilson TE SR

Pac-12 Media Days

The 2018 Pac-12 media day was July 25, 2018 in Hollywood, California. The Pac-12 media poll was released with the Bruins predicted to finish in fourth place at Pac-12 South division.[12]

Media poll (South)
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1USC225 (22)
2Utah209 (14)
3Arizona178 (3)
4UCLA116 (2)
5Colorado80 (1)
6Arizona State72

Recruiting

Position key

Back B Center C Cornerback CB Defensive back DB
Defensive end DE Defensive lineman DL Defensive tackle DT End E
Fullback FB Guard G Halfback HB Kicker K
Kickoff returner KR Offensive tackle OT Offensive lineman OL Linebacker LB
Long snapper LS Punter P Punt returner PR Quarterback QB
Running back RB Safety S Tight end TE Wide receiver WR

Recruits

The Bruins signed a total of 27 recruits.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 14:00 p.m.Cincinnati*ESPNL 17–2654,116
September 810:00 a.m.at No. 6 Oklahoma*FOXL 21–4986,402
September 157:30 p.m.Fresno State*
  • Rose Bowl
  • Pasadena, CA
FS1L 14–3860,867
September 286:00 p.m.at ColoradoFS1L 16–3846,814
October 64:30 p.m.No. 10 Washington
  • Rose Bowl
  • Pasadena, CA
FOXL 24–3151,123
October 134:00 p.m.at CaliforniaP12NW 37–745,889
October 207:30 p.m.Arizona
  • Rose Bowl
  • Pasadena, CA
ESPN2W 31–3054,686
October 267:30 p.m.No. 23 Utah
  • Rose Bowl
  • Pasadena, CA
ESPNL 10–4141,848
November 34:30 p.m.at OregonFOXL 21–4256,114
November 1011:00 a.m.at Arizona StateP12NL 28–3146,466
November 1712:30 p.m.USC
FOXW 34–2757,116
November 2412:00 p.m.Stanford
  • Rose Bowl
  • Pasadena, CA
P12NL 42–4938,391
  • *Non-conference game
  • Homecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Pacific time

Sources: [14][15][16]

Personnel

Coaching staff

NamePositionYear at UCLAAlma mater (Year)
Chip KellyHead Coach/Offensive Coordinator1stNew Hampshire (1990)
Dana BibleQuarterbacks Coach1stCincinnati (1976)
Jerry AzzinaroDefensive Coordinator1stAmerican International College (1982)
DeShaun FosterRunning backs coach2ndUCLA (2002)
Jimmie DoughertyWide receivers/Passing Game Coordinator2ndMissouri (2001)
Vince OghobaaseDefensive line coach1stDuke (2010)
Don PellumLinebackers coach1stOregon (1985)
Paul RhoadsDefensive backs coach1stMissouri Western (1988)
Roy ManningOutside linebackers coach/Special Teams Coordinator1stMichigan (2004)
Derek SageTight ends coach1stCal State Northridge (2003)
Justin FryeOffensive line coach1stIndiana (2006)

Roster

2018 UCLA Bruins Roster

Quarterback

  •  3 Wilton Speight - Graduate Transfer
  •  7 Dorian Thompson-Robinson - Freshman
  • 12 Austin Burton – Freshman
  • 15 Matt Lynch - Sophomore
  • 17 Josiah Norwood - Freshman
  • 18 Devon Modster - Sophomore

Running Back

  •  1 Soso Jamabo - Senior
  •  4 Bolu Olorunfunmi - Senior
  • 19 Kazmeir Allen - Freshman
  • 20 Brandon Stephens - Junior
  • 22 Kenroy Higgins II - Freshman
  • 26 Martell Irby - Freshman
  • 27 Joshua Kelley Junior
  • 28 Cole Kinder - Freshman

Receiver

  •  2 Kyle Philips - Freshman
  •  6 Stephen Johnson III - Junior
  •  9 Dymond Lee - Sophomore
  • 10 Demetric Felton - Sophomore
  • 11 Audie Omotosho - Sophomore
  • 14 Theo Howard - Junior
  • 17 Christian Pabico - Senior
  • 21 Michael Ezeike - Freshman
  • 23 Chase Cota - Freshman
  • 25 Antonio Brown - Freshman
  • 29 Delon Hurt - Freshman
  • 39 Ethan Fernea - Junior

Tight End

  • 33 Drew Platt - Freshman
  • 81 Caleb Wilson - Junior
  • 82 Matt Alaimo - Freshman
  • 83 David Priebe - Freshman
  • 85 Greg Dulcich - Freshman
  • 86 Devin Asiasi Sophomore
  • 87 Jordan Wilson - Sophomore
  • 88 Connor Beadles - Freshman
 

Offensive Lineman

  • 55 Michael Alves - Sophomore
  • 56 Josh Wariboko-Alali - Junior
  • 57 Jon Gaines – Freshman
  • 60 Zack Sweeney – Freshman
  • 61 Bryan Weitzman – Sophomore
  • 64 Sam Marrazzo – Freshman
  • 65 Stephen DeFranco - Freshman
  • 66 Mohamed Khalil - Freshman
  • 70 Alec Anderson – Freshman
  • 71 Baraka Beckett - Freshman
  • 72 Zach Cochrun - Freshman
  • 73 Jake Burton - Sophomore
  • 74 Justin Murphy - Graduate Transfer
  • 75 Boss Tagaloa - Junior
  • 76 Christaphany Murray - Freshman
  • 77 Andre James - Junior
  • 78 Lucas Gramlick - Freshman

Defensive Lineman

  • 44 Martin Andrus – Sophomore
  • 50 Tyler Manoa – Freshman
  • 51 Martin Andrus – Sophomore
  • 53 Winston Polite – Freshman
  • 55 Steven Mason – Junior
  • 56 Atonio Mafi – Freshman
  • 85 Moses Robinson-Carr – Sophomore
  • 90 Rick Wade - Junior
  • 91 Otito-DC Ogbonnia - Freshman
  • 92 Osa Odighizuwa - Sophomore
  • 93 Chigozie Nnoruka - Junior
  • 95 Marcus Moore - Sophomore
  • 97 Odua Isibor – Freshman
 

Linebacker

  •  2 Josh Woods - Senior
  • 11 Keisean Lucier-South - Junior
  • 12 Rahyme Johnson – Sophomore
  • 14 Krys Barnes - Junior
  • 15 Jaelan Phillips - Sophomore
  • 25 Tyree Thompson - Junior
  • 26 Leni Toailoa - Sophomore
  • 32 Mique Juarez - Sophomore
  • 33 Bo Calvert - Freshman
  • 41 Jayce Smalley - Freshman
  • 43 Je'Vari Anderson - Junior
  • 46 Donovan Williams - Freshman
  • 48 Winston Anawalt - Freshman
  • 52 Lokeni Toailoa - Junior

Defensive Back

  •  1 Darnay HolmesSophomore
  •  3 Rayshad Williams - Freshman
  •  4 Stephan Blaylock - Freshman
  •  6 Adarius Pickett - Senior
  •  7 Morrell Osling III – Sophomore
  •  9 Elijah Gates – Freshman
  • 10 Colin Samuel - Junior
  • 19 Alex Johnson - Freshman
  • 22 Nate Meadors - Senior
  • 23 Kenny Churchwell III - Freshman
  • 24 Jay Shaw – Sophomore
  • 27 Patrick Jolly - Freshman
  • 29 Ryan Parks - Freshman
  • 30 Elisha Guidry – Freshman
  • 31 Zack Huffstutter - Freshman
  • 35 Rahjae Johnson - Freshman
  • 37 Quinten Lake - Sophomore
  • 47 Shea Pitts - Freshman

Punter

  • 20 Stefan Flintoft - Senior
  • 49 Colin Flintoft - Freshman

Kicker

  • 15 Andrew Strauch - Junior
  • 17 JJ Molson - Junior
  • 21 Quintin Wallace - Freshman

Long Snapper

  • 30 Johnny Den Bleyker - Junior
  • 58 Alex Michaelsen - Freshman
  • 58 Koby Walsh - Sophomore

Sources:

Game summaries

Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bearcats at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
Bearcats 0 17 0926
Bruins 10 0 7017

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Although favored by two touchdowns over the Bearcats, the Chip Kelly era at UCLA got off to a disappointing start with the loss vs. Cincinnati.[19] Despite jumping out to an early 10-0 lead after one quarter of play, UCLA was slowed by the Bearcats for most of the remainder of the game. There was some brilliance rushing the ball by freshman running back Kazmeir Allen, who scored a 74-yard touchdown in the 3rd,[20] but the pass game never seemed to click (with only 162 yards in the air and no touchdowns passing,)[21] several receivers dropped critical passes, and the offense struggled for the majority of the game. Additionally, starting quarterback Wilton Speight suffered a back injury in the 2nd quarter and had to be replaced with true freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson. A fumble by Thompson-Robinson deep in UCLA's own territory in the 4th quarter led to a costly safety, which ultimately swung the game in favor of Cincy. The "nail in the coffin" was perhaps a penalty for 12 men on the field against the Bruin defense, which came on 4th down during a critical goal line stand; this allowed Cincinnati to eventually score a touchdown rather than kick a field goal.

In all, the UCLA team was too inconsistent on the day and made too many crucial blunders to get the win against a talented Bearcats team that, though initially projected at the beginning of the year to be rather weak, would actually go on to win 10 games. After the game, Coach Kelly said in an interview that he intended to remain positive despite the loss.[22]

at Oklahoma

UCLA Bruins at No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners
1 2 34Total
Bruins 7 0 01421
No. 6 Sooners 14 7 141449

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

Fresno State

Fresno State Bulldogs at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
Bulldogs 13 3 15738
Bruins 0 7 7014

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

at Colorado

UCLA Bruins at Colorado Buffaloes
1 2 34Total
Bruins 10 3 3016
Buffaloes 7 7 141038

at Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado

Yet another disappointing Bruins loss led to UCLA equaling their worst start (0-4) since 1971,[29] despite signs of improvement in the 1st half. Another lackluster performance by starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson led to many calling for the true freshman to be benched by Coach Kelly.[30]

Washington

No. 10 Washington Huskies at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
No. 10 Huskies 7 17 0731
Bruins 0 7 31424

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

UCLA came close to upsetting the #10-ranked Huskies, but ultimately fell short as they started a season winless through 5 games for the first time since 1943.[33]

at California

89th rivalry meeting: UCLA Bruins at California Golden Bears
1 2 34Total
Bruins 7 6 71737
Golden Bears 0 0 707

at California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, California

Giving reason for optimism to both players[36] and fans alike, the Bruins finally earned their first victory of the season by manhandling Cal on the road, 37–7. Digging in, UCLA's defense was stout, forcing 5 turnovers (on 2 interceptions of Cal quarterback Brandon McIlwain and 3 fumble recoveries, including one that was run back for a touchdown by Keisean Lucier-South) while not surrendering any turnovers on offense themselves.[37] Bruin running back Joshua Kelley also had a tremendous game, continuing his hot streak by scoring 3 touchdowns while rushing for an impressive 157 yards on 30 carries.

A Bruin victory at California Memorial Stadium also marked UCLA's first true road win in over two years, dating back to their 17–14 triumph over Brigham Young in 2016.

Arizona

Arizona Wildcats at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
Wildcats 0 7 131030
Bruins 7 10 7731

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Utah

No. 23 Utah Utes at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
No. 23 Utes 3 14 21341
Bruins 7 0 3010

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

at Oregon

UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks
1 2 34Total
Bruins 0 7 7721
Ducks 14 7 71442

at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

at Arizona State

UCLA Bruins at Arizona State Sun Devils
1 2 34Total
Bruins 7 7 7728
Sun Devils 3 14 7731

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

USC

85th Victory Bell: USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
Trojans 10 14 3027
Bruins 14 7 01334

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Joshua Kelley ran for 289 yards and 2 TDs, leading the Bruins to a 34-27 victory. His 289 yards comprised the 3rd-highest single-game tally in UCLA history, and the most rushing yards by a Bruin in a game against their crosstown rival USC.[46] After a back-and-forth game, Kelley scored a 55-yard touchdown with 10:39 remaining in the 4th quarter to give UCLA the lead, which they were able to maintain. With the win, UCLA were able to finally reclaim the rights to the coveted Victory Bell for the first time in four years.

Stanford

Stanford Cardinal at UCLA Bruins
1 2 34Total
Cardinal 10 17 14849
Bruins 6 14 16642

at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

The Bruins had possession of the ball twice in the final 3 12 minutes of the game, but failed to go ahead or even the score on both drives in a 49–42 defeat to Stanford. Cardinal quarterback K. J. Costello threw a career-high five touchdowns, including three to receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside. UCLA had scored 15 unanswered points to briefly take the lead in the fourth quarter but ultimately suffered their 11th straight loss to the Cardinal.[50]

Speight threw for a career-high 466 yards in his final collegiate game, and despite the loss, the Bruins accumulated a season-high 528 yards of total offense. Tight end Caleb Wilson added 184 yards receiving. The Rose Bowl attendance of 38,391 was the Bruins' smallest home crowd since 1997. UCLA finished the season with a 3–9 record, their worst since going 2–7–1 in 1971.[50]

Honors

Pac-12

Team Player Position Year
First Caleb Wilson TE JR
Second Adarius Pickett DB SR
Honorable Stefan Flintoft P SR
Honorable Darnay Holmes DB SO
Honorable Theo Howard WR JR
Honorable Joshua Kelley RB JR
Honorable J.J. Molson PK JR

[51]

Players drafted into the NFL

RoundPickPlayerPositionNFL Club
7254Caleb WilsonTEArizona Cardinals
Mr. Irrelevant 2019

Notes

  • August 30, 2018 – Wilton Speight named starting quarterback for the Bruins for the season opener vs. Cincinnati.
  • September 21, 2018 – Sophomore QB Devon Modster announces his intentions to transfer from UCLA.[52]
  • October 15, 2018 – Keisean Lucier-South named Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
  • November 19, 2018 – Joshua Kelley named Pac-12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

References

  1. Bolch, Ben (28 September 2018). "UCLA comes out strong but runs out of gas late in 38-16 loss to Colorado". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  2. "UCLA scores 35 unanswered points to beat Texas A&M, 45–44". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  3. "Jim Mora fired by UCLA after six seasons as head coach". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  4. "Bruins Score Two First-Rounders in NFL Draft". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  5. "Trio of Bruins Picked on NFL Draft Day 3". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  6. "2018 Watch List | Lott IMPACT Trophy | Honoring College Football's Defensive Best". lottimpacttrophy.org. Retrieved 2018-07-17.
  7. "2018 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List Released" (PDF). July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  8. "Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Announces 2018 Preseason Watch List". July 25, 2018. Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  9. "Ray Guy Award preseason watch list unveiled". July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  10. "43 PLAYERS NAMED TO 2018 PAUL HORNUNG AWARD WATCH LIST". July 26, 2018. Archived from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  11. "2018 Nominations The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award" (PDF). August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  12. "Washington picked as Pac-12 favorite in preseason media poll". July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  13. "2018 Football Schedule". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  14. "2018 UCLA Bruins football schedule". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
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  16. "Cincinnati spoils Chip Kelly's UCLA debut with 26-17 win". ESPN. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  17. "Football vs Cincinnati on 9/1/2018". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  18. Plaschke, Bill (September 1, 2018). "Among UCLA faithful, Chip Kelly's debut had to hurt". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  19. Bolch, Ben (September 1, 2018). "UCLA's errors are costly in 26-17 season-opening loss to Cincinnati". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  20. "Murray's 5 total TDs lead No. 6 Oklahoma past UCLA 49-21". ESPN. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  21. "OU vs. UCLA". Athletics at the University of Oklahoma. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
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  27. "Gaskin runs for 2 TDs, No. 10 Washington beats UCLA 31-24". ESPN. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
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  29. Bolch, Ben (October 6, 2018). "UCLA looks better but loses to Washington 31-24 to fall to 0-5 for the first time since 1943". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  30. "Chip Kelly gets 1st win at UCLA, 37-7 over California". ESPN. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  31. "Football vs UCLA on 10/13/2018". Athletics at the University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  32. "Speight throws 2 touchdown passes to lead UCLA over Arizona". ESPN. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  33. "Football vs Arizona on 10/20/2918". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  34. "No. 23 Utah rolls over UCLA 41-10 behind Moss' career night". ESPN. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  35. "Football vs Utah on 09/26/2018". Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  36. "Ducks down the Bruins 42-21 to become bowl eligible". ESPN. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  37. "Football vs UCLA on 11/03/2018". Athletics at the University of Oregon. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  38. "Wilikins, Benjamin lead Sun Devils past Bruins". ESPN. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  39. "Football vs UCLA on 11/10/2018". Athletics at Arizona State University. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  40. "Kelley rushes for 289 yards, leads UCLA past USC 34-27". ESPN. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  41. "Football vs USC on 11/17/2018" (PDF). Athletics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  42. "Costello throws 5 touchdowns to lead Stanford over UCLA". ESPN. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
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  45. "Pac-12 Football All-Conference honors announced". Pac-12 Conference. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
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