NORMAN, OK—The UCLA Bruins showed heart against the No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, September 8 from Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, trading blows and staying close in the first half before the Sooners ran away with the game 49-21, over the Bruins.

Oklahoma Quarterback Kyler Murray, an early Heisman candidate, added five touchdowns in the blowout victory. UCLA falls to 0-2, the Bruins scored the first TD of the afternoon. A 65-yard reception by Tight End Caleb Wilson set up Running Back Bolu Olronfunmi for a 3-yard TD run, Bruins 7-0. Wilson hauled in 4 receptions for 92 yards, while Oloronfunmi had two rushing touchdowns.

Oklahoma returned the ensuing kickoff for 86 yards, before Murray bolted for the end zone, evening the score at 7-7. UCLA got pressure on Murray early, and contained the Sooners ground game. After a 58-yard bomb touchdown catch by OU’s Marquise Brown, Bruins fans realized this was going to be a long afternoon. Yet, the Bruins only trailed 21-7 at halftime. The miraculous victory was still within reach.

That dream quickly faded; the Bruins offense was unable to move the ball as Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was sacked a whopping six times. Thompson-Robinson threw for 254 yards, and a TD in the loss. The true freshman missed some receivers, but his poise and speed will make him a star in the near future.

The Sooners rallied off 21 straight points, taking a cushy 42-7 lead along the way. The Bruins spread offense hasn’t been effective thus far in 2018. UCLA must stretch the field in order to find the end zone. Also, the offensive line has to improve as a unit. Chip Kelly will look for his first victory as UCLA head coach on Saturday, September 15, when the Bruins host Fresno St. at 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Bowl.