Tag it:

?

Two factors helped UCLA (7-6) change momentum in a game that Temple controlled early.

First, Temple lost the services of running back Bernard Pierce. The Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year gained 53 yards on 12 carries and scored one touchdown before injuring a shoulder in the second quarter. He did not return.

Second, UCLA adjusted its offense in the second half – favoring plays and schemes that called for less cutting on an icy field.

Ironically, the frigid conditions may have helped the Bruins make one of the game’s biggest plays – this one on the defensive side of the ball.

UCLA had already scored 10 second half points to pull within one of the Owls at 21-20 with just over six minutes left in the contest. As Temple quarterback Vaughn Charlton took a shotgun snap in his own end zone, standout defensive end Akeem Ayers slipped on his first step. He quickly picked himself off the ground and saw Charlton starting to throw a slant pass. Ayers jumped into the lane, snatched the pass and ran two yards into the end zone for a touchdown.

“I didn’t see him in the whole play …. (He) came out of nowhere,” Charlton said of Ayers, who had a similar interception – without the slip – in a game against Oregon earlier this season.

The Bruins decided to go for two points, and converted on a Kevin Prince to Nelson Rosario pass to put the west coast contingent up 28-21.

Temple reached for a big play to open its ensuing drive, but linebacker Korey Bosworth snuffed out an end-around run by James Nixon for a nine-yard loss. After a short run, Charlton threw an incompletion on 3rd and 16 from the Temple 17.

Charlton, making his first start since a win over Navy Oct. 31, completed seven of his first eight passes, including a 26-yard touchdown to tight end Steve Maneri on the opening drive. He was unable, however, to get the passing game going in the second half as he completed 1 of 7 and threw two interceptions.

Forcing the Owls to punt deep in their own territory, the Bruins expected good field position. What they got was significantly better. The snap sailed well over leaping Jake Brownell’s hands and bounced out of the end zone for a safety that gave UCLA a 30-21 lead – and the ball on the ensuing kick – with 4:29 remaining.

Temple would not get the ball again. Chane Moline, who led the Bruins with 75 yards, carried the ball six (of his 15 total) times while UCLA ran out the clock.

“We are obviously disappointed in the outcome, but I don’t want to diminish what these seniors have accomplished in their careers,” Temple head coach Al Golden said. It was an “unfortunate ending, but (we) definitely have to give credit to how UCLA finished the game.”

Not counting the final possession, UCLA scored on three of six second half possessions and also had an interception return for a touchdown.

Temple lost the ball on downs to end its first drive after intermission. Three punts two interceptions and a safety ended the other five drives.

The Owls looked much better on the game’s first possession when they drove 80 yards in six plays. Charlton hit Maneri with a 26-yard pass to finish the drive.

A 47-yard punt return by Terrence Austin set up UCLA’s first score. Prince hit Rosario for 46 yards and a touchdown on the next play.

Temple regained the lead on Pierce’s 11-yard run at 3:47 of the second quarter, but the freshman left the game on his next carry – a five yard run to start the Owls drive. Matt Brown came in for Pierce and led Temple with 83 yards on 20 attempts. He had one TD, a two-yard run which pushed the Owls up 21-7 after the PAT at 1:25.

Taking advantage of a 28-yard Temple punt, UCLA started a final drive from its own 45-yard line with just 17 seconds left. Prince completed passes for 14 and 19 yards to set up a 40-yard Kai Forbath field goal as time expired.

When Prince connected with Austin on a 32-yard TD to open the third quarter, momentum took a turn toward the Bruins.

Temple responded quickly on its following possession as Charlton gained 21 yards on the first play and Brown broke loose on a 29-yard run one play later. UCLA’s defense, however, rose to the occasion, and Temple bogged down at the Bruin’s nine. Brown was stopped for no gain on fourth and one.

Forbath’s 42-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter pulled UCLA to within one t 21-20, and Avery gave his team the lead with his interception later in the period.

“We had an excellent game plan,” Golden said. “I thought we came out with a lot of energy and a lot of passion …. We went after them. I was proud of our kids for doingthat, but we made too many mistakes.”