Defense Is Busy Setting Up the Offense

The statistics are out, and they show that 13th-ranked UCLA is leading the nation in scoring at 43.3 points a game.

It’s true testimony to the Bruin defense.

UCLA has scored 303 points, 120 of them after the 16 recovered fumbles or 14 interceptions. The Bruins have generated 30 turnovers in seven games, 18 more than they have suffered, and the 2.57-per-game difference is also the best in college football.

They have scored two touchdowns on interceptions.

Turnovers have given UCLA scoring drives of as short as one yard, against Texas, and the Bruins have 17 touchdowns and eight field goals on drives that began in opponents’ territory after turnovers or after their defense had forced short punts.

Larry Atkins leads the Bruins in turnovers, with five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Nine UCLA players have recovered fumbles, and nine have intercepted passes.

“They’re playing to their potential. They’re definitely playing to their potential,” said Coach Bob Toledo on Monday.

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Receiver Freddie Mitchell, who talked of transferring after being told Thursday that he would be redshirted, said Monday he was staying at UCLA. The Bruins are also redshirting receiver Cody Joyce.

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NEXT FOR UCLA

WHO: California

WHERE: Rose Bowl

WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: None

RADIO: AM 1150