UCLA rewind & fast forward

Rewind

Looking back at UCLA’s 44-6 loss to Utah

As expected: Well, the Bruins flew to Salt Lake City on Friday, then checked into their hotel. They took a bus to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday morning and suited up for a game.

The rest was a red blur.

Oh, the Bruins flew home after the game, as expected.

Unexpected: The defensive collapse. Everyone could see that the offense was a work in progress. Rome, like quarterback Ben Olson’s career, wasn’t built in a day.

But the defense was supposed to be the rock the Bruins could cling to, not the weight that dragged them down for the third time, as was the case Saturday. But members of the Utes’ junior varsity, subbing for injured teammates, taught the Bruins’ defense a valuable and costly lesson.

Stepped up: The Bruins’ pep squad showed courage and moxie, continuing to cheer throughout most of the game. It was a more sustained effort than the one shown by their classmates on the field.

Stepped back: Pick up a UCLA roster, start reading at “A” (tackle Brian Abraham) and continue through “Y” (long snapper Christian Young). Skip kicker Kai Forbath and those who weren’t in uniform for the game, but don’t omit coaches. That covers it.

Coach’s quote: Karl Dorrell, after having to relive the experience on the game film, said, “This was a complete team effort, in terms of how well we did not execute in offense, defense and special teams.”

Dorrell added the understatement, “there is plenty to teach” from the game film.

But picking out things that matter, Dorrell was able to focus on a few areas, most noticeably the number of offensive penalties.

“We had seven offensive penalties, and six were on reasonable third downs, where it was third and medium or third and short,” he said.

He added that the team will “reevaluate everything” when asked whether personnel changes would be part of the aftermath.

“We had meetings with the team and they understand what the circumstance is,” Dorrell said. “Now we start back up and get going in a positive way.”

Injury report: Guard Shannon Tevaga suffered a knee injury, and Dorrell said he would be unavailable this week. Linebacker Aaron Whittington suffered a concussion and was unlikely to play, Dorrell said. Marcus Everett’s sprained ankle might keep him out of practice early in the week.

Fast Forward

Looking ahead to the game vs. Washington (Saturday, Rose Bowl, 7:15 p.m., Fox Sports Net)

First look: Washington had a 7-3 lead on Ohio State at halftime Saturday, then saw the Buckeyes score 30 second-half points -- sound familiar, UCLA fans? Only the Huskies were playing the nation’s 10th-ranked team.

Washington was an annoying 5-7 team in 2006 -- ask the Bruins, who blew a 16-0 lead in a 29-19 loss. There is no reason to believe the Huskies are any different this season. The Buckeyes rolled up 481 total yards, and Washington quarterback Jake Locker had three passes intercepted.

Topic of the week: Sifting through the rubble.

Is there a Wizard about (one not named Wooden) who can remind the Bruins they had a heart all along?

No one needed to remind Bruins players of the way they cried “uncle” in the second half Saturday. Players and coaches repeatedly said they were “embarrassed.” Coaches said they needed to dissect the film to fix what was broken. Team leaders vowed to step up.

All the right things were said. Yet, what will actually be accomplished in the six days before they face the Huskies?

Defensive end Bruce Davis suggested a starting point Saturday, saying, “This is not our style of football, it never has been and never will be again. We need to address this, maybe meet without coaches to clear the air and see what’s on everybody’s chest and go from there.”

Season log (2-1)

Sept. 1: Stanford (1-1); Won, 45-17.

Sept. 8: Brigham Young (1-2); Won, 27-17.

Sept. 15: at Utah (1-2); Bruins are no longer undefeated in Mountain West Conference play.

Sept. 22: Washington (2-1); What will make the Huskies feel better about their 33-14 loss to Ohio State? Spending the week watching game film of the Bruins.

Sept. 29: at Oregon State (2-1)

Oct. 6: Notre Dame (0-3)

Oct. 20: California (3-0)

Oct. 27: at Washington State (2-1)

Nov. 3: at Arizona (1-2)

Nov. 24: Oregon (3-0)

Dec. 1: at USC (2-0)