Too Many Mistakes For UCLA As They Lose To Kansas State, 31-22

I was afraid that this might happen.

Ever since the end of last season, fans and pundits voiced their concern of the UCLA Bruins losing five of their starting defensive linemen and linebackers, which could potentially leave them vulnerable against the run in 2010.

Those fears were realized this past Saturday as Daniel Thomas, who ran for 234 yards – the most for a UCLA opponent since USC’s Reggie Bush ran for 260 yards against them in 2005 – led his Kansas State Wildcats to a 31-22 victory over the Bruins in front of the largest crowd to see a home opener in their history: 51,059.

UCLA’s run defense was an absolute sieve in giving up a total of 313 yards on the ground, the most since Oregon in 2008.

In addition to his two touchdowns, Thomas had runs of 44 and 29 yards, as well as a 35-yard TD jaunt with less than minute left to put an exclamation point on the affair.

Despite his heroics, it would be inaccurate to say the Thomas was the sole reason for UCLA’s woes, as Rick Neuheisel’s team made so many costly mistakes that I would have been screaming in frustration if I was the coach:

Three turnovers.

3-for-13 on third down conversions.

Eight penalties, including a key personal foul on linebacker Akeem Ayers and having twelve men on the field after a 4th and goal stop, which led to a Kansas State touchdown.

Kevin Prince was certainly below par, not only because he was responsible for the turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble, but also for the fact that he completed just 9 of 26 passes.

Being that the offensive line did a good job in giving him time to throw, allowing just one sack, that is inexcusable, as well as the wide receivers dropping as many throws as they did.

At least Kai Forbath was on his game as he kicked three field goals of 44, 35, and 42 yards.

The worst part of this loss was that the Bruins were in the game until the very end, holding a 10-7 lead at halftime before they blew it. Take away the mistakes and the lack of tackling, and UCLA would have won.

The best thing about this is that Neuheisel has a week to clean things up before the home opener at the Rose Bowl against Stanford, which is also the Pac-10 opener. With the Bruins at 0-1, they must win at home these coming two weeks, as Houston comes to Pasadena on Sept. 18.

It will be interesting to see how they bounce back in front of the Bruin faithful.