Bruins Win Battle of the Freddies: Mitchell’s Numbers Surpass Milons’

Freddie vs. Freddie, a Saturday afternoon funfest:

Alabama’s versatile Freddie Milons, a preseason All-American by some publications, turns the first change of possession into a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown. Crimson Tide, 7-0.

UCLA’s versatile Freddie Mitchell takes a handoff from DeShaun Foster on a reverse, pulls up, sees Brian Poli-Dixon streaking down the sideline with tight coverage from cornerback Milo Lewis, and delivers a 31-yard touchdown pass to an in-stride Poli-Dixon. Bruins, 14-7.

UCLA’s Freddie catches a 46-yard touchdown pass from Ryan McCann with 7:05 remaining in the third quarter, what turned out to be the winning points at the Rose Bowl. Bruins, 28-24.

Alabama’s Freddie had five catches for 49 yards, three punt returns for 97 yards and one touchdown, two kickoff returns for 39 yards and one rush for four yards.

UCLA’s Freddie had four catches for 91 yards and one touchdown, one pass for 31 yards and a touchdown and one run for minus-three yards.

“Before the game, everybody was talking about Freddie Milons this, Freddie Milons that,” Mitchell said. “I wanted them to know about the other Freddie. I think today people will be talking about Freddie Mitchell.”

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Gabe Crecion was the Bruins’ choice as starting tight end, but, as expected, all three players at the position played. The No. 1 role might even be rotated throughout the season, among Bryan Fletcher, Mike Seidman and Crecion. . . . Santi Hall, the backup linebacker who quit the team during fall camp after being suspended for a game, has enrolled at Sacramento State. He is eligible to play immediately because he transferred from a Division I-A school to a Division I-AA school.