Tuesday, January 12, 1999
Rose Bowl report card
UCLA vs. Wisconsin
January 1, 1999
Quarterback: B+
Cade McNown capped off his Bruin career by throwing for 340
yards and two touchdowns. He scrambled when necessary and kept the
team in the game.
But two under-thrown passes turned out to decide the game.
First, the interception by Wisconsin’s Jamar Fletcher that was
returned 46 yards for a touchdown. Second, on third and three from
the Wisconsin 47 with 1:10 left in the game, McNown under-threw a
wide-open Brad Melsby. On the next play McNown got sacked and the
game was over.
Running Backs: C-
The running game was a non-factor – except when DeShaun Foster
failed to hear an audible and fumbled near the end zone in the
second half.
Although the Bruins did run the ball 38 times, the team only
managed a meager 3.2 yards per carry. The impact by the running
backs was made on the receiving end, as Lewis caught a screen pass
and turned it into a 38-yard touchdown. Fullback Durrell Price
caught three passes for 102 yards, including a 61-yard
touchdown.
Wide Receivers: B-
Brian Poli-Dixon’s hamstring injury hampered the Bruin offense.
Danny Farmer was his usual spectacular self, with seven receptions
for 142 yards and a touchdown. Freddie Mitchell returned from a leg
injury to provide a spark. He even threw his second touchdown pass
of the season. Brad Melsby was solid in replacing Poli-Dixon.
Tight Ends: C
Mike Grieb and Ryan Neufeld each had one reception. But both
catches were made in the first half and no throws went their way in
the second half.
Offensive Line: C-
Holes for the running game were scarce in comparison to past
games while McNown was sacked three times. To deal with the
pressure, the Bruins called more designed rollouts for McNown.
Junior tackle Kris Farris felt he had a good enough game against
the Badgers to declare himself eligible for the NFL draft.
Defensive Line: D
No pressure and many missed tackles equal a Wisconsin victory.
The Bruin game plan was designed to stop Wisconsin tailback Ron
Dayne, and just like in Miami, players were in position to make
plays. But the Badger offensive line dominated the game.
Linebackers: D-
Senior Brendan Ayanbadejo came back from a knee injury to try
and help stop Dayne, but the linebackers as a whole failed to clog
the lanes. Time and time again Ayanbadejo, Tony White, Ryan Nece
and Robert Thomas failed to wrap-up Dayne. The linebackers took
wrong angles and allowed Dayne to explode for huge gains.
Secondary: C+
Forced to single cover the receivers because of a scheme
designed to stockpile the line of scrimmage, Marques Anderson and
Jason Bell played several yards off the line of scrimmage and
allowed the short passing game to get on track for Wisconsin. Only
one turnover was forced by the defense and missed tackles plagued
the secondary.
Special Teams: B
The return game was solid as Ryan Roques got a 46-yard kickoff
return and a 22-yard punt return. Punter and place kicker Chris
Sailer made his only field goal attempt (30 yards) while getting
great hangtime on three punts that averaged 47 yards. Wisconsin was
only able to return one of those punts and the return went only
three yards.
Coaching: B+
Even with all the injuries and the challenge of getting the
Bruins ready to play after the disappointing loss at Miami, head
coach Bob Toledo had a chance to win the Rose Bowl. The intricate
offense once again surpassed the 30-point barrier, but the defense
couldn’t make the big plays.
Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti felt the team should have
stopped Dayne, but the personnel on the field never quite executed
on defense.
Game GPA: 2.07
Evaluation by Vytas Mazeika, Daily Bruin staff
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