UCLA Football: Aggies find endzone first against Bruins at the Rose Bowl

Last year UCLA football fell on the road in a close, overtime contest against the Aggies. The maroon and white found the endzone first on Sunday.

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In a move that won’t be questioned because it worked, Kevin Sumlin elected to go for it on fourth down in overtime against UCLA a year ago. Quarterback Trevor Knight took a keeper around the left tackle and into the endzone for what would become the game winning touchdown.

Trevor Knight is gone, off to the NFL as an undrafted free agent. In his stead is newly minted Aggie quarterback Nick Starkel. Offense has never been a problem during Sumlin’s five-year tenure with Texas A&M. Even with a new man in the gun, the Aggie offense returned to form, striking first in the Rose Bowl on Sunday Night.

UCLA marched somewhat efficiently down the field on the first possession, using a few third down conversions via Rosen’s arm. That set up a chip shot field goal which JJ Molson knocked through easily. Then it was the Aggies’ turn.

Texas A&M used a series of short passes and a good rushing attack to move the down field and set up a first and goal. Running back Keith Ford walked untouched into the endzone for the first touchdown of the day.

Texas A&M leads UCLA 7-3 in the first quarter.

Both coaches need this game. Jim Mora has not liven up to expectations in Los Angeles and the fan base is starting to get restless. That’s especially true as USC looks to be on the rise once again thanks to a talented passer of their own, Sam Darnold.

Next: 2017 UCLA football game-by-game predictions

If Mora’s seat is hot, Kevin Sumlin’s seat is scalding. Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward has publicly issued a decree that he needs to win now. His team threw the first big punch today, we’ll see if they can hold on in this early season road test.