In one of the bigger games of the college calendar this month, Cal defeated UCLA 36-7 to tighten their grip on GRR’s #1 ranking.
It’s hard to beat Cal if you can’t win your lineouts, and lineout security was certainly a difficulty for the Bruins. So was field position (those two things often go hand in hand). Cal began the game putting UCLA under some pressure in the Bruins’ 22. Trying to defend and get the ball back UCLA gave up too many penalties, and got a man in the bin for their pains. Cal struck as a result, mauling it over with hooker Cade Crist scoring the points.
Moments later UCLA over-pursued in the defensive line and flyhalf Rand Santos just launched off his left foot and raced through the gap. He fended off some other attention and sidestepped his way over. Just like that it was 14-0.
UCLA did have some chances to pull points back after they got back to full strength, but Cal disrupted their lineout and were very quick over the ball.
The Bruins did manage a goal line stand, earning a penalty to relieve the pressure. But the Bears went right back with some impressive ball-handling to put wing Emmett Cook down the sideline for a try. Cormac Saint’s kicking boots were on and he slotted his third conversion and then added a penalty late in the first half for a 24-0 lead.
