What you need to know
UCLA avoids disaster, winning in DeShaun Foster’s debut
UCLA avoids disaster, rallying past Hawaii in DeShaun Foster’s coaching debut
HONOLULU — DeShaun Foster has long contended that nothing said about him or his team mattered once it played ball.
UCLA’s new coach is too inexperienced? Play ball.
The Bruins won’t be able to master a complex NFL offense? Play ball.
They’re headed for a rough debut in the Big Ten? Play ball.
The Bruins finally got to play ball, and it wasn’t pretty. Far from it. What transpired on a sweltering afternoon Saturday at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex only reinforced all the preseason doubts even after UCLA rallied for a 16-13 victory over Hawaii.
Nearly midway into the third quarter, it looked like the highlight of Foster’s day might be walking off the team bus with a collection of colorful leis draped around his neck. He certainly wasn’t feeling the aloha spirit watching an offense that stumbled or special teams that looked wholly unprepared while the Bruins fell behind by 10 points in the first half.
UCLA defense picks up huge stop to seal win
After the touchback, Hawaii started on its 25 and had no remaining timeouts.
Brayden Schager’s first pass was incomplete. On second down, Schager was sacked for a loss of nine yards.
On third and 21, Schager passed for a 15-yard gain.
The Rainbow Warriors could not spike the ball on fourth down. Schager tossed the ball to receiver Pofele Ashlock at the first-down marker, but UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger forced a fumble. Bruin Bryan Addison collected the ball and sealed the win.
UCLA 16, Hawaii 13, end of fourth quarter
UCLA hits field goal, takes lead in final minute
UCLA started with the ball on its 41.
Ethan Garbers’ deep pass was incomplete and UCLA was called for illegal formation.
On first and 15, Garbers stepped up in the pocket and found Moliki Matavao across the middle for a 20-yard gain.
Garbers then found Bryce Pierre for an 11-yard gain before the two-minute timeout.
Garbers passed across the middle to Rico Flores Jr. for a 10-yard gain to the Hawaii 23.
Garbers looked to Flores again, but the ball was tipped and it fell incomplete.
On second and 10 with 1:17 left, Garbers ran for four yards.
Hawaii then took a timeout with 1:10 remaining.
On third and five at the Hawaii 18 with 1:10 remaining, Hawaii blitzed, Garbers ran for three yards and stayed in bounds.
Hawaii called timeout with 59 seconds left.
After the break, Mateen Bhaghani hit a 32-yard field goal to give UCLA its first lead.
UCLA 16, Hawaii 13, 56 seconds left in the fourth quarter
UCLA forces a punt
Hawaii started on its 9-yard line.
Brayden Schager passed for a six-yard gain. The Rainbow Warriors were stuffed for a four-yard loss on the next run play. On third-and-eight at the Hawaii 11, the Rainbow Warriors had to take a timeout because the play clock was running out.
After the timeout, UCLA rushed three and Schager had time to find Pofele Ashlock for an 18-yard gain.
Hawaii ran for one yard and the right tackle was hurt on the next play. On second-and-nine, Schager’s deep pass was incomplete and nearly intercepted by UCLA.
On third-and-nine, UCLA blitzed and Schager’s pass fell incomplete.
UCLA punted with 3:17 left in the game.
UCLA 13, Hawaii 13, 3:08 left in the fourth quarter
UCLA drive fizzles and Bruins punt
UCLA started with the ball at its 28-yard line.
T.J. Harden ran the ball for one yard before Ethan Garbers tossed a screen pass to Harden for six yards. On third-and-three, Garbers tossed another screen pass to Harden for nine yards.
Garbers had time and found J.Michael Sturdivant for 16 yards across the middle.
On first down at the Hawaii 40, Keegan Jones carried the ball for a loss of one yard. Garbers passed across the middle toward Sturdivant and it was broken up by Hawaii. On third-and-11, Garbers tossed another pass across the middle to Sturdivant that fell incomplete.
UCLA punted and Hawaii will take over at its nine-yard line.
UCLA 13, Hawaii 13, 5:51 left in the fourth quarter
UCLA defense opens fourth quarter with a stop
UCLA kicked off and Hawaii took a fair catch at its three-yard line.
Hawaii started at its 25. Brayden Schager passed for a one-yard gain. Schager had time on the next snap and found a receiver across the middle for 14 yards.
On first down on the Hawaii 40, Landon Sims ran for four yards and carried the ball again for another four yards.
Schager’s next pass was incomplete, but the UCLA defense was called for holding and Hawaii gained 10 yards on the play.
Kain Medrano stuffed running back Cam Barfield on the next play, dropping him for a two-yard lass.
On second-and-12 at UCLA 44, the Bruins sacked Schager for a loss of one yard.
On third and 13 at the UCLA 45, Hawaii got a delay of game penalty as the play clock ran out. It was the team’s 10th penalty of the game and second delay of game error of the contest.
Schager tossed the ball deep across the middle into coverage and the pass fell incomplete.
Hawaii was forced to punt and the ball was downed at the UCLA 28.
UCLA 13, Hawaii 13, 9:30 left in the fourth quarter
UCLA hits field goal to tie game
Facing second-and-12 at the Hawaii 22-yard line, Ethan Garbers passed to Keegan Jones for three yards.
On third-and-nine, Garbers overthrew J.Michael Sturdivant, who just returned after an injury absence.
Mateen Bhaghani hit a 37-yard field goal to tie the game.
UCLA 13, Hawaii 13, 14:05 left in the fourth quarter
UCLA is driving as third quarter ends
UCLA started with the ball on Hawaii’s 35-yard line after the Bruins’ interception.
Ethan Garbers delivered a short pass to Moliki Matavao, who carried the ball for a total gain of 15 yards.
T.J. Harden then ran for a loss of two yards as time expired in the third quarter.
UCLA will face second-and-12 at the Hawaii 22-yard line to open the fourth quarter.
Hawaii 13, UCLA 10, end of third quarter.
UCLA defense gets big interception
Hawaii opted to return the ball from its one-yard line and was dropped at the Rainbow Warriors’ 11-yard line.
Brayden Schager’s pass across the middle fell incomplete.
Schager was hit as he tossed the ball on second down and D.J. Justice intercepted the ball at the Hawaii 35.
There was no return and UCLA will take over in Hawaii territory.
Hawaii 13, UCLA 10, 38 seconds left in the third quarter
UCLA closes promising drive with field goal
After a touchback, Ethan Garbers ducks out of pressure and runs for 16 yards to the UCLA 41-yard line.
T.J. Harden ran to the right and outside for a gain of one yard.
Hawaii blew up the Bruins’ draw play, stuffing Harden for a loss of three yards.
Garbers runs through the collapsing pocket and passed on the run to Rico Flores Jr. for a 53-yard gain.
Garbers’ next two passes were incomplete, setting up third-and-goal at the Hawaii eight-yard line.
Hawaii had a lot of time, but found no good options and instead ran for four yards.
Mateen Bhaghani hit a 22-yard field goal to trim Hawaii’s lead.
Hawaii 13, UCLA 10, 54 seconds left in the third quarter
Hawaii extends lead with field goal
After a touchback, Hawaii started on its 25-yard line.
Brayden Schager’s pass up the middle fell incomplete and Hawaii ran for three yards on the next play.
On third-and-seven, a deep Schager pass fell incomplete.
The officials tossed many flags and a hat. Illegal substitution and pass interference were declined, while Hawaii accepted the roughing the passer penalty and gained 15 yards on the play.
On first down at the Hawaii 43, Hawaii made a pregame adjustment to change which side his running back lined up and the Rainbow Warriors gained nine yards.
Schager’s next throw to Pofele Ashlock was incomplete.
Schager went back to Ashlock, who gained 23 yards on the sideline pass play.
Schager dodged one tackle for a gain of 11 yards, moving the ball to the UCLA 14.
Hawaii ran the ball for four yards and for a loss of one on the next two plays. On third-and-seven, Schager passed to the right corner of the end zone and out of bounds.
Kansei Matsuzawa lined up and hit a 28-yard field goal.
Hawaii 13, UCLA 7, 4:12 left in the third quarter
Ethan Garbers delivers UCLA’s first touchdown of the season
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers showed more poise backed up against his own end zone.
On first down at the Bruins’ four-yard line, Garbers completed a three-yard pass to T.J. Harden. He then found J.Michael Sturdivant for a 12-yard gain.
Sturdivant was hurt on the play, prompting a timeout with 12:29 left in the second quarter. TV cameras showed Sturdivant getting his hamstring stretched on the sideline before he walked to the locker room under his own power.
On first down at the UCLA 19, Garbers looked for two targets before running with the ball and getting tackled for a loss of two yards.
Garbers ran for nine yards, bringing up third-and-three.
Garbers evaded pressure and pass to Harden for a six-yard gain.
Keegan Jones then broke away for a rare long run, gaining 11 yards.
Jones ran for three yards before Garbers tried to connect with Rico Flores Jr. deep. A Hawaii defensive back held Flores and was called for pass interference, resulting in a Bruins first down.
Garbers went back to Flores across the middle for a 39-yard touchdown and the Bruins hit the extra point.
Hawaii 10, UCLA 7, 8:41 left in the third quarter
UCLA defenses forces punt to open third quarter
UCLA kicked off to open the second half.
Hawaii returned the ball 13 yards. The Bruins were called offside, so the Rainbow Warriors will start at their 35-yard line.
Hawaii carried the ball for two yards and then one yard, setting up third-and-seven at the Rainbow Warriors’ 38. The Bruins blitzed and sacked Brayden Schager.
Hawaii was called for a personal foul, but the penalty was declined to bring up fourth down.
Hawaii punted, it got a lucky bounce and it was downed at the UCLA four-yard line.
Hawaii 10, UCLA 0, 13:17 left in the third quarter
UCLA turns ball over in its red zone, limits Hawaii to field field goal
UCLA started on its six-yard line with 30 seconds left and two timeouts.
Ethan Garbers was immediately under pressure and got rid of the ball to avoid a safety, but it was intercepted by Hawaii’s Logan Taylor. The Bruins’ offense managed to tackle Taylor at the UCLA 6-yard line.
Landon Sims rushed for no gain and Hawaii called timeout with 19 seconds left.
Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager passed incomplete to the left sideline.
On third-and-goal with nine second left, Schager was sacked.
The Bruins’ defense has found its footing, but its offensive line is struggling.
UCLA called timeout and Kansei Matsuzawa lined up to kick for Hawaii. He narrowly cleared the crossbar after the kick was partially blocked, converting the 28-yard field goal attempt.
Hawaii 10, UCLA 0, end of second quarter
UCLA comes up with big interception
Brayden Schager passed for five yards and up the middle for another 10, moving the ball to the Hawaii 34 before the new two-minute timeout before the end of each half in college football.
After the break, Schager delivered a shovel pass to Landon Sims for 10-yard gain.
Schager carried the ball on the next play for two yards. The quarterback tried firing across his body up field and the ball fell incomplete.
On third-and-eight at the Hawaii 46, Schager’s pass up the left sideline was ruled out of bounds. After a review, officials overturned the call and determined it was a catch for 12 yards.
Hawaii ran for eight yards on the next play.
On first down, UCLA intercepted Schager’s pass across the middle that was tapped in the air by his receiver. Ramon Henderson stretched out to deflection at the UCLA 6-yard line.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 30 seconds left in the second quarter
UCLA offensive line continues to struggle
UCLA started on its 11-yard line.
Ethan Garbers was nearly sacked on the opening play of the drive after the offensive line failed to block a defender, but he delivered an acrobatic heave as he fell to avoid the loss of yards.
Garbers then completed an eight-yard pass to J.Michael Sturdivant. Garbers’ next pass attempt to Jack Pedersen was long, but Hawaii was called for roughing the passer and extended UCLA’s drive.
Garbers had a lot of time, but Hawaii had three defenders on Rico Flores Jr. and the ball fell incomplete.
UCLA’s Anthony Frias II ran for two yards as the offensive line struggled to offer protection, setting up third-and-eight.
With the pocket collapsing, Gabers tossed the ball deep off his back foot and it fell incomplete in front of Flores.
On fourth-and-eight, UCLA punted and Hawaii took a fair catch at its 28-yard line. The Rainbow Warriors were called for holding on the returning, pushing the ball back to its 18.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 2:49 left in the second quarter
UCLA defense earns a stop
Hawaii opened its next series with three consecutive runs for gains of three, eight and four yards, moving the ball quickly to the Hawaii 49.
The Rainbow Warriors were called for delay of game, bringing up second-and-11 at the Hawaii 44.
Brayden Schager’s next pass into traffic was incomplete.
Schager tried to evade pressure on third-and-11, but he injured his ankle earlier in the game and was slower in his attempt to evade pressure. Keanu Williams sacked him and Schager stayed on the field after the play, prompting a timeout. CBS reported Schager signaled suggesting he had the win knocked out of him.
Hawaii punted to end the drive and it was downed at the UCLA 11.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 4:54 left in the first quarter
UCLA misses long field goal
UCLA started on its 39-yard line.
The Bruins’ offensive line missed a block and running back T.J. Harden was stopped for no gain on first down.
Ethan Garbers then passed down the left side to Titus Mokiao-Atimala for 21 yards.
On first down at the Hawaii 40, Harden rushed for a loss of a yard. Garbers then passed to Moliki Matavao for a six-yard gain.
On third-and-four, Garbers tossed into traffic and the pass was broken up.
UCLA lined up to go for it on fourth-and-four at the Hawaii 34.
The Bruins called timeout before the snap to avoid a delay of game penalty as the play clock was running out.
After the timeout, Blake Glessner attempted a 52-yard field goal and missed it wide right with 7:46 left in the second quarter.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 7:46 left in the second quarter
UCLA defense picks up a big stop
Hawaii opened with the ball on its 28.
Brayden Schager pass for six yards and then for another nine yards.
Schager followed that with another six yards, quickly moving the ball to the Hawaii 49.
Schager rolled to his right before Kain Medrano helped run him out of bounds for no gain, bringing up third-and-four.
Schager dropped back and looked to his left for a five-yard gain and a first down.
Ale Kaho broke up Schager’s next pass. UCLA brought a blitz and Schager tossed it quickly to is left for an eight-yard gain. Schager’s next pass was incomplete.
Hawaii went for it on fourth-and-two and UCLA’s defense was finally able to contain and drop Schager for a loss of one yard and a turnover on downs.
UCLA will take over at its 39-yard line.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0 with 10:31 left in the second quarter
UCLA ends drive with incomplete pass
Facing third-and-20 to open the second quarter, Ethan Garbers broke out of the pocket and tossed the ball incomplete while on the run.
UCLA punted from its own end zone and got a great bounce to the Hawaii 28-yard line.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 14:40 left in the second quarter
DeShaun Foster blames rough start on nerves
During his CBS sideline interview at the end of the first quarter, DeShaun Foster blamed the rough start on nerves.
“Just got to calm down,” he said. “It’s about us. We’re shooting ourselves in the foot, making mistakes. I think it’s just adrenaline, a little big going the first game. So hopefully my guys will settle in and we’ll get going.”
Ethan Garbers flirts with another interception as first quarter ends
UCLA started on its 20-yard line.
Ethan Garbers’ first two passes were off target. On the second one, Garbers was hit and fortunate teammate Titus Mokiao-Atimalala could break up a pass nearly intercepted by Hawaii.
Garbers completed a pass to J.Michael Sturdivant for 17 yards, but the UCLA center was called for a facemask penalty.
Time expired and UCLA will face third-and-20 to open the second quarter.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, end of first quarter
Hawaii quarterback injures ankle during drive that ends in punt
Hawaii started on its 20-yard line.
Quarterback Brayden Schager tossed an incomplete pass before connecting for a 12-yard gain. He launched a pass deep that fell incomplete, but UCLA’s Ramon Henderson was called for pass interference.
With the ball at the Hawaii 47, Schager passed to Curtis Spencer for a one-yard loss. UCLA’s Kain Medrano then forced a Hawaii fumble, but the ball spun out of bounds before the Bruins could collect it.
On third-and-four, Schager’s pass up the middle was short and the quarterback appeared to injure his right ankle on the play. Hawaii was called for illegal formation, bringing up third-and-nine.
It’s unclear UCLA accepted the penalty instead of forcing fourth-and-four, but the early fake punt likely was a factor in the decision.
UCLA took a timeout as Schager tried to stretch his left foot and put pressure on what appeared to be a tender ankle.
UCLA brought pressure and Schager tossed a pass out of bounds. The Rainbow Warriors punted the ball into the end zone.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 47 seconds left in first quarter
Ethan Garbers tosses interception in Hawaii’s end zone to end promising drive
After a touchback, UCLA started on its 25-yard line.
T.J. Harden ran for one yard and then for seven. Hawaii was called for its second penalty of the game on the play, giving the team another 15 yards.
Ethan Garbers’ pass into traffic to Keegan Jones was bobbled and dropped. The Hawaii defense was called for pass interference and the ball UCLA was awarded a first down.
Garbers’ next screen pass to Harden was complete, but it went for a loss. His next completed pass to Titus Mokiao-Atimala brought up third-and-four. Garbers passed to Carter Shaw for a first down that extended the drive to the Hawaii 12-yard line.
UCLA was called for an illegal shift penalty and Hawaii declined the penalty. Garbers handed off to Harden, who was dropped for a loss, but Hawaii was called for offsides.
On second-and-five at the Hawaii seven-yard line, Garbers’ pass to Jones was incomplete. The officials called targeting on Hawaii’s Peter Manuma. After a review, the rescinded and UCLA faced third-and-five.
Garbers took a low snap and rolled to the right before tossing into a crowded end zone. Hawaii’s Jalen Smith intercepted the pass for a touchback.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 3:17 left in first quarter
Hawaii uses fake punt to help fuel touchdown drive
Hawaii opened with the ball on its 27.
Quarterback Brayden Schager rolled out for a three-yard, Bruin Kain Medrano stuffed a run up the middle for no gain and Schager passed to Landon Sims for one yard.
Punter Lucas Borrow lined up to boot the ball, but he pulled it down and ran for 19 yards.
Schager passed for a quick eight-yard gain and followed it with a three-yard pass, moving the ball to the UCLA 39 with 9:42 left in the first quarter.
Schager has been delivering the ball quickly in response to the UCLA blitz.
He completed a pass for a nine-yard gain on the left side and then added another for an 11-yard gain across the middle to move the ball to the UCLA 19.
The Bruins’ was closing in Schager for a potential sack when he passed to wide open Pofele Ashlock for a 19-yard touchdown.
Hawaii hit the extra point to take the early lead.
Hawaii 7, UCLA 0, 7:43 left in first quarter
UCLA’s first drive ends in a punt
UCLA stared on its 40-yard line thanks to a Hawaii penalty on the opening kickoff.
Bruins starting quarterback Ethan Garbers ran for 11 yards on first down, but the Bruins could only gain five more yards before opting to punt on fourth-and-five at the Hawaii 44.
The Bruins downed a short punt and took over it its 27.
UCLA 0, Hawaii 0, 13:08 left in first quarter
And we’re off ...
UCLA lost the coin toss and received the opening kickoff.
Hawaii kicked the ball out of the end zone and there was a late flag at around 12-yard. The Rainbow Warriors were called for unnecessary roughness and UCLA picked up an extra 15 yards to start its first drive.
UCLA releases first Big Ten availability report
UCLA was notoriously tight-lipped about injury updates during the Chip Kelly era.
The Big Ten requires all teams to release availability reports before kickoff. Ben Bolch offers a look at UCLA’s first report.
UCLA set to play in smallest venue of the season
Ben Bolch shared this early look at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex, where UCLA will soon play Hawaii.
The Rainbow Warriors’ stadium is under renovation, so the Bruins are preparing to play in the smallest venue of their season with a seating capacity of 16,909.
Bruins ready to say â€aloha’ to a quick start
DeShaun Foster just gave away part of his first game plan.
Contrary to many of his counterparts who take their teams to Honolulu, UCLA’s new football coach said he would not wear a tropical shirt when the Bruins face Hawaii on Aug. 31 in their season opener.
“We’re not on vacay,” Foster said Wednesday. “You know, bowl games, it’s a different feel; this is our first game — people are always saying this is their Super Bowl [but] this is ours too, you know. We want to get this started off on the right foot.”
Foster said his team could play its opener now but would gladly take 10 more days to simulate as many game-like scenarios as possible. There are also positions to be won — Mateen Bhaghani and Blake Glessner are competing to be the kicker and Brody Richter and Chase Barry the punter — and plays to be perfected from among the “million” that Foster said percolated inside offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s brain.
DeShaun Foster is a man of few words. He plans to make UCLA football the talk of L.A.
The doubts have resurfaced, the same old chatter as before, swirling around DeShaun Foster like an all-out blitz.
He’s never been a coordinator, much less a coach. What does he know about leading a team? Isn’t he way too mellow and reserved for this?
Some of the skepticism that greeted UCLA’s new football coach upon his hiring in February subsided during a feel-good offseason. Foster salvaged recruiting, galvanized his team and energized fans over four blissful months.
Then came Foster’s freeze during Big Ten media day. The coach went quiet after about a minute of small talk on the big stage, his silence broken only by an uncomfortable smile. One of the few things he did say — “We’re in L.A.” — became an instant meme. It was all the radio hosts and podcasters needed to turn back on the spigot of suspicion.
DeShaun Foster is ready to make his head coaching debut
DeShaun Foster makes his entrance before his first game as UCLA football head coach.
From NCAA Division III to the Big Ten: The unlikely rise of UCLA’s Luke Schuermann
Luke Schuermann often gets “the look” whenever he mentions his last football stop. It can be a quizzical expression or a blank stare based on the level of knowledge of the words just spoken.
Johns Hopkins? Wait, give me a second. Oh, you mean the school known for producing renowned journalists, doctors and scientists?
That’s right. That one. Among its most famous alumni are CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, former President Woodrow Wilson and film director Wes Craven.
Something the Baltimore-based private research institution is not known for is its football program. Its first team, in 1882, had to play as the Clifton Athletic Club because of the school’s contempt for the emerging sport. For its first 13 seasons, students served as coaches.
UCLA’s offensive line vows not to let other teams feast on quarterback Ethan Garbers
Can Lincoln Riley cool down his already hot coaching seat? Can UCLA’s DeShaun Foster coach the team to a winning record?
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers went out to dinner with his starting offensive line Sunday at a barbecue joint in Santa Monica. The only thing heftier than the five 300-pounders might have been the bill.
There was no doubt who was picking it up — the same guy who will rely on these beef-eaters more than anyone else this season.
“He did, yeah,” right tackle Garrett DiGiorgio confirmed Monday with a laugh.
Preventing Garbers from absorbing hits as the Bruins approach their season opener Saturday at Hawaii is among their top priorities, especially given what happened last season. UCLA allowed 42 sacks in 2023, ranking No. 113 out of 130 major college football teams.
UCLA vs. Hawaii: Betting lines and how to watch
Here’s a look at the betting odds, spread and over/under for UCLA vs. Hawaii, which is set to start at 4:30 p.m. PDT on Saturday.
The game will be shown live on CBS and Paramount+ and will air on 1150 AM in Los Angeles.
Five things to watch as the DeShaun Foster era begins when UCLA faces Hawaii
Aloha, DeShaun Foster.
Greetings, Big Ten.
Hello, the start of something special?
UCLA will embark on new beginnings galore when it faces Hawaii at 4:30 p.m. PDT Saturday at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu. It’s the debut for the Bruins’ football coach and the team’s first game after officially ditching the Pac-12.
The question is whether any of it will lead to fresh results for a program that has been frozen in frustration since Foster ran free like a kid on Waikiki Beach when he played for the Bruins more than two decades ago.
Answers may not be immediately forthcoming. UCLA is a two-touchdown favorite against a team that struggled to beat Delaware State in its opener last weekend, pulling away with 21 unanswered points in the second half.