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UCLA Football: Bruins’ comeback attempt falls short against Stanford

By Matthew Bartlett

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard #14 of the UCLA Bruins eludes the defense of Kendall Williamson #29 of the Stanford Cardinal on a pass play during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on November 24, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard #14 of the UCLA Bruins eludes the defense of Kendall Williamson #29 of the Stanford Cardinal on a pass play during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on November 24, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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UCLA football pushed Stanford to the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Even in defeat, the Bruins gave reasons to believe in Chip Kelly‘s team in the future.

An up and down season for UCLA has come to an end in heartbreaking fashion with a near-upset victory over Pac-12 North powerhouse, Stanford. The Cardinal have sputtered down the stretch this season, but a win over David Shaw‘s talented team would have been huge for UCLA and their fans.

Turning the ball over in Stanford territory with minutes to play effectively ended the would-be comeback bid. Still, UCLA’s narrow defeat gives reason to hope in what Chip Kelly is building in Westwood. Here are three key takeaways from the Bruins’ loss:

3. Even when the running game doesn’t work, Joshua Kelley does

Joshua Kelly has rushed for 100+ yards in more games this season than not. His 289-yard, two-touchdown performance over USC in the Bruins’ prior game was a career best. He didn’t come close to those numbers against Stanford but the talented tailback still found a way to have an impact on the game.

Kelly carried the ball 18 times for 55 yards and two rushing touchdowns.  As Wilton Speight did his best to keep the offense rolling, Kelly was the thumper ready to pick up the tough yards in the trenches. He picked up a pair of redzone touchdowns and found a way to contribute on a day when UCLA averaged 1.7 yards per carry as a team.

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