In the warm, summer breeze of Pasadena, CA. We were set for a classic showdown between the SEC and PAC-12. As the LSU Tigers took on the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl stadium. Heading into the game the LSU Tigers come off a disappointing 5-5 season and a fourth-place finish in the SEC West. The Tigers also had to deal with the effects of Hurricane Ida and moved to Houston to practice at NRG Stadium. Even though the Tigers were dealing with a lot of adversity, they came in ready as the 16th nationally ranked team in college football with sophomore quarterback Max Johnson, a potential top receiver in Kayshon Boutte, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr, a top-six recruiting class, and Ed Orgeron leading the helm. 

On the other hand, UCLA also came in with a disappointing 3-4 record last season. The Bruins coming off their week zero 44-10 victory over Hawaii, look to continue their momentum. The Bruins were led by head coach Chip Kelly, senior quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and a dominant rushing attack ready to upset the Tigers. 

Throughout the first quarter, both teams were neck and neck fighting for every inch of the field with both defenses not allowing a score. Although the Bruins were successful in establishing their run game, the passing game didn’t appear to be much there with Thompson-Robinson having to scramble in the pocket as his biggest throw was to Kazmeir Allen for 36 yards. For the Tigers, their offense was converting several downs thanks to their passing game with Max Johnson easily finding his receivers on crossing routes. One problem the Tigers did have in the first quarter and later evident throughout the game was their inability to set up their rush game thanks to the physical UCLA defense. 

In the second quarter, the intensity started to heat up after Johnson threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Boutte. In response, Thompson-Robinson threw a perfect 75-yard touchdown to Greg Dulcich to tie the game. A few possessions later UCLA took the lead after former Michigan Wolverine Zach Charbonnet ran for a 12-yard touchdown. As the quarter ended with an LSU field goal making the score 14-10. 

As the second half commenced, there was a sense the Bruins could upset the Tigers after UCLA’s Caleb Johnson intercepted Max Johnson. Thompson-Robinson then capitalized on the turnover by throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Chase Cota to increase the lead. LSU would then retaliate with a Johnson 44-yard touchdown pass to Boutte. As the rest of the third quarter settled with both teams trading field goals with the score showcasing the Bruins leading 24-20.

In the fourth quarter, UCLA just kept their foot on the pedal and began to score with ease as Brittain Brown scored a one-yard run and Kyle Philips slipped away from two LSU cornerbacks for a 45-yard touchdown. LSU despite being down 18 points would score a late 45-yard touchdown thanks to Max Johnson’s pass to Kayshon Boutte in the end making the final score 38-27.

Overall, the game between LSU and UCLA was dramatic and entertaining to see. As this game was a tale of UCLA establishing themselves as a top 25 college football program and LSU having to regroup for next week’s matchup versus McNeese St. 

Lastly, here are some of my key takeaways from the game:

1. Zach Charbonnet may be the real deal after a combine (223 yards and 4 touchdowns) these past two games.

2. UCLA’s offense had dynamic playcalling and led the game in total yards.

3. UCLA’s defense allowed LSU only 49 rushing yards and pressured Max Johnson.

4. LSU could be the next wide receiver U after the play of Kayshon Boutte.

5. Will the Bruins continue their momentum and how does LSU get back into the top 25?

If you would like to see more photos from the game. Click on “Photos” to see the excellent shots by each photographer.

Gallery on lsu.rivals.com however photos are by Gary A. Vasquez of USA TODAY Sports.

• Photos

Luis Sinco is a staff photographer for the Los Angeles Times.

• Photos

All game statistics are from and credited to ESPN