Defense can’t forget Bruins who got away

If the Cal defense wasn’t forcing a turnover, it was having a hard time wrapping up anyone Saturday.

The Bears missed a number of tackles and gave up 567 yards of offense in their 36-34 loss to UCLA.

“Not pleased at all with our tackling,” Cal head coach Sonny Dykes said. “It was bad.”

It particularly hurt the Bears just before halftime. UCLA started a possession on its 5yard line with one minute and 17 seconds left on the clock. The Bruins quickly marched to midfield, and then quarterback Brett Hundley threw a screen pass to running back Paul Perkins.

Perkins was able to run 49 yards into the end zone to give UCLA a 24-14 lead at halftime.

The Bears forced two fumbles and one interception, but they allowed the Bruins to move the ball. UCLA rushed for 237 yards on 47 carries and passed for 330.

Cal linebacker Michael Barton said the Bears’ defense must improve its tackling immediately.

“That’s something that’s very unacceptable by us,” Barton said. “Some tackles are made, this game could change.” No rush: Cal was unable to develop a consistent rushing attack against a UCLA team that’s been vulnerable to the run.

Daniel Lasco rushed for just 44 yards on 19 attempts. Cal overall had 56 rushing yards on 31 carries.

The Bruins had given up 500 rushing yards in their past two games, to Oregon and Utah.

“We didn’t get a lot of push up front,” Dykes said. “It just didn’t seem like we were able to find the lanes we normally do.” Short kicks: Most of Cal’s kickoffs were shorter kicks to ensure UCLA didn’t have a good chance for a long return.

Dykes said he gave up field position because injuries have forced a younger coverage unit.

“Our coverage unit is pretty decimated right now,” he said.