Bruins will try to stop losses at tough California site

UCLA will be trying to avoid a third consecutive loss, but the last time the Bruins won in Berkeley, Cade McNown was their quarterback. McNown is now 38 yards old. Staff writer Chris Foster examines the game’s story lines and matchups:

Indefensible

The last three games have gone like this for the UCLA defense:

Arizona State, 488 yards passing; Utah, 242 yards rushing; Oregon, 258 yards rushing.

The Bruins can look forward to a lower-tier bowl game if things do not improve.

California has put up a couple of basketball scores — 59-56 over Colorado, 60-59 over Washington State. Bears’ quarterback Jared Goff has improved considerably from the chuck-and-duck freshman he was a year ago. He has 22 touchdown passes, with three interceptions. Better pass blocking has been the key to his improved efficiency.

UCLA will attempt to disrupt his rhythm, but the Bruins have only seven sacks in six games.

The Bruins must also be aware of Daniel Lasco, who has 495 yards rushing for the Bears.

There was a lot of talk in Westwood about “gap integrity” this week. Translation: stick to your assignment and don’t freelance.

Risk and reward

UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley has completed 72% of his passes, best in the nation. But maybe it’s time to take a few risks.

The junior quarterback does have a swagger in his DNA, and a receivers corps who can scorch a defense. But at times, Hundley hold onto the ball, too long.

A little daring might put an opposing defense on its heels. Hundley has 11 touchdown passes, and five have been long-range strikes covering 62, 80, 80, 93 and 40 yards.

California allows 402 yards passing per game. The Bears have given up six touchdown passes of 40 yards or more, so there may be risks worth taking.

Handle with care

Hundley fumbled and had a pass intercepted last week, both of which led to Oregon touchdowns. Yet he had a better day than Goff.

Goff fumbled on the one-yard line on the Bears’ first drive, with Washington’s Shaq Thompson returning it 100 yards. Goff then fumbled at his own 29, setting up another touchdown for a 14-0 Washington lead. It allowed the Huskies to quarantine the Cal offense, taking away the deep routes in a 31-7 victory.

The Bruins, at times, have been effective at converting turnovers into points. The defense has returned three interceptions and one fumble for touchdowns, which made big impacts in victories over Virginia and Arizona State.

Got your back

Paul Perkins has emerged as UCLA’s go-to running back. He has three 100-yard games and has not been held under 80 yards this season. He doesn’t have see-you-later speed, but averages 6.3 yards per carry.

Statistically, Cal has been decent against the run — possibly because the Bears have been so poor against the pass. Another grind-it-out day by Perkins could keep the heat off Hundley.

Looking ahead

The Bruins once won 18 consecutive games against Cal. Now they are mired in another streak: UCLA has lost seven consecutive games at Berkeley — and three of those Bears teams finished with losing records.

UCLA receiver Jordan Payton called it “our curse” this week. It’s time to exorcise it if the Bruins are to achieve their remaining goals.

UCLA plays Colorado next week, another road game against a team perceived as lower-level in the Pac-12. But the Bruins have no margin for error after back-to-back losses. They need to have a 6-2 record as they head into the November gauntlet of Arizona, Washington, USC and Stanford.

chris.foster@latimes.com