UCLA Sophomore Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was efficient Saturday against the 24th ranked team in the nation. Thompson-Robinson also known as “DTR”, completed 16-of-23 passes for 176 yards against the Sun Devils in a 42-32 victory keeping the Bruins PAC12 South title hopes alive.
After a 12-yard run early in the 4th quarter, the dual-threat Quarterback was carried off the field with an apparent lower left leg injury. DTR did not return after being helped off the field by trainers, and Austin Burton took over the offensive duties for the injured Quarterback.
After being assisted off the field, UCLA trainers wrapped DTR’s knee with ice as he looked on supporting his team while the Bruins closed out a big PAC12 South win.
When asked post game about the status of Thompson-Robinson and his injury Head Coach Chip Kelly said, “I know the same as you. I know he has a left leg injury and that’s it. I have not talked to the trainers.”
Though UCLA’s overall record has them out of the top 25 national rankings, the Bruins are still in the PAC12 title hunt. UCLA improves to 3-2 in conference play sitting third in the PAC12 South in large part to a big day from Senior Running back Joshua Kelley.
Kelley had a career day, rushing for 164 yards and 4 touchdowns helping steamroll the Bruins to a much needed win and remaining competitive in the conference.
“You know, I like playing at the Rose Bowl. We needed a win here, for sure. We haven’t had a win at home this season. So that was an extra incentive for us,” said Kelley when asked how he felt about his big day. “But our offensive line was so amazing. I can’t do that without them. Dorian was making plays. Kyle was making plays.”
After consistently being asked about his career his 4 touchdown performance, Kelley persistently deflected all credit to his offensive line for his success running the ball.
“They’re amazing. Those guys are awesome for us, as a team. They played amazing tonight,” emphasized Kelley. “They knew that they had a big challenge tonight, going up against a great defense. They were flat-out amazing. We can’t do what we did without that offensive line. They were spectacular. They deserve all the credit.”
A big factor in UCLA’s win was their domination of offensive possession. The Bruins had possession of the ball for 38 minutes compared to ASU’s 21 minutes. “With some of those 10, 12, 14-play drives, when we are downhill and physical, you know, I think that’s really benefiting us,” stressed Head Coach Chip Kelly.
The Bruin defense helped keep the offense in the driver’s seat from the very first ASU possession of the game forcing Sun Devil Running back Eno Benjamin to fumble, recovered by Freshman Safety Elisha Guidry.
The Bruins were 2-for-2 on 4th down plays including a gutsy 4th and 2 conversion in the first quarter. The aggressive gameplan and play calling played a major part in the ability for the Bruins to take a strong lead and not look back.
UCLA will face Colorado at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif, November 2nd. The Bruins will need Dorian Thompson-Robinson back on the field as soon as possible with 4 conference games left, as they look to compete for a PAC12 conference title.
