Josh Rosen, No. 11 UCLA bury No. 16 Arizona 56-30
TUCSON — Breaking down No. 11 UCLA's 56-30 victory against No. 16 Arizona:
THE BIG PICTURE: UCLA took advantage of Arizona’s first-half mistakes — three turnovers — en route to the blowout win. The Wildcats also lost Anu Solomon after the quarterback was hit in the head by a thigh pad on a run early in the second quarter. But given UCLA’s potent, efficient offensive performance, it probably wouldn’t have mattered. Paul Perkins can run. Josh Rosen can throw. And the Bruins have plenty of other playmakers, too. The combination was overwhelming, and it’s time to welcome the Bruins to the national picture.
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT: After a narrow escape of Brigham Young last week, and with the season-ending loss of linebacker Myles Jack to a knee injury — just the latest in a series of tough blows for the UCLA defense — the Bruins arrived in Tucson with questions. Consider them answered. UCLA looked every bit like a bunch capable of winning the Pac-12 and reaching the College Football Playoff. There’s plenty of season left, and the Pac-12 South still looks like a minefield. But UCLA looks built for the gantlet. Arizona might not have had a fair shot after Solomon’s exit, but the Wildcats weren’t ready for UCLA; a 3-0 record was exposed as built on nonconference cupcakes.
BREAKOUT PLAYER: We already knew about Rosen. His reputation preceded him into the Bruins’ starting quarterback job as a freshman. He played very well in the season opener against Virginia, but regressed in the next two games. Against Arizona, in his first Pac-12 game, Rosen was efficient and occasionally splendid. In the first half, as UCLA put the game away, he was 13-for-17 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, but the stat that better measured his impact was UCLA’s third-down conversions: 7-for-8 in the first half, including several critical passes by Rosen. Rosen finished 19-for-28 for 284 yards, two passing TDs and one rushing TD. The Bruins have talent all over the roster — and a quarterback who might just elevate them.
TOP PLAY: UCLA put the game out of reach with a quick, 64-yard touchdown drive late in the second quarter. Fifty-nine yards came on third-and-8, when Rosen scrambled away from a sack, kept his eyes downfield and feathered a perfect strike to Jordan Payton. It was a prime example of the freshman’s talent, but more his poise. Payton was tracked down at the 3, but Perkins scored two plays later to make it 42-14.
GALLERY: HOW THE TOP 25 FARED