UCLA Football: 3 takeaways from loss to Arizona in Week 7

UCLA football hit the road to take on Arizona and here’s what we learned from the Bruins’ tough loss in Week 7.

Another tough loss for UCLA might mean that a bowl berth is questionable for the second straight year. After getting off to a hot 2-0 start with a monster comeback win over Texas A&M in the season opener, the Bruins are 1-3 with the lone victory coming against Colorado, 27-23, in Week 5.

The Bruins look to be lacking confidence, and that’s not good for such a young team. They are talented, but experience trumps talent most of the time, especially when the guys don’t believe in themselves. Seeing three losses in the last four games may have caused some of these guys to shut down emotionally.

UCLA is not just 3-3 on the season and fighting for any semblance of momentum. Unfortunately, things are looking grim after three losses in four contests.

Here are three takeaways from the Bruins’ loss to the Wildcats.

3. Khalil Tate is really, really good

Don’t be upset, Bruins fans, Khalil Tate is just that good.

Tate didn’t need to do much with his arm, and he didn’t on Saturday in the victory over the Bruins. He finished with 148 yards and a touchdown through the air on just 9-of-13 completions. He was still effective with his arm, but he proved to be a major force with his legs.

The sophomore dual-threat looks like a rising star in the Pac-12 and might just be the next big thing to come out of Tucson. He has been brilliant over the last two games, passing for a total of 302 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 557 yards and six scores.

Yes, you read that correctly. Tate has over 550 rushing yards in a two-game span. As a quarterback. Before you clear your lenses again, just go back and watch the incredible game film.

When Tate gets into open space, it’s game over for defenses. This kid is the real deal with his legs and there may be no way he is slowed by any Pac-12 defense he faces from this point on.