PALO ALTO—Displaying grit, heart and a steadfast refusal to give up on the season, UCLA crushed PAC-12 nemesis Stanford in Palo Alto, 34-16 on Thursday, October 17. The impressive victory snapped Stanford’s 11-game winning streak over the Bruins going back to 2008.

Beating Stanford offers the struggling program, especially UCLA Head Coach Chip Kelly, a brief respite from this troubling season. Although UCLA is 2-5 overall, their record in the bunched up PAC-12 is a respectable 2-2. Should UCLA build upon this momentum, and go on a winning streak, there is an outside shot of winning the PAC-12 South division.

Hands down it was the Bruins best game of 2019, as UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson returned after missing the previous game with a leg injury. UCLA dominated from the opening kickoff. Thompson-Robinson went 21 of 34 for 192 yards, throwing two touchdown paases, rushing for 66 yards. “I was day-to-day until tonight,” Thompson-Robinson said. “I had been practicing but I was told just before game time.”

Running Back Joshua Kelley steamrolled the Cardinal defense, with a 54-yard gallop to the end zone gaining 176 yards on the night. Wide Receiver Kyle Phillips hauled 10 receptions, including two TD catches.

UCLA’s attitude is admirable, rather than complain about the incredibly tough schedule or the lack of juniors and seniors, the Bruins hold themselves accountable instead of making excuses.

Game ball goes to the swarming, relentless Bruins defense. Stanford third string Quarterback Jack West made his first collegiate start, he was sacked a whopping seven times. While allowing a paltry 198 yards at the half empty stadium. Stanford falls to 3-4 on the year.

The Bruins will attempt to earn their first victory at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, October 26, when the No. 17 Arizona State Sun Devils visit. Regardless of the standings, UCLA and ASU is always an exciting game. There is still hope!