PASADENA (Calif.) -- Chip Kelly, UCLA's coach, is beginning to change the direction of the Bruins after three disappointing seasons.
Their win against No. Although it was a surprise win against No. 16, LSU at Saturday's Rose Bowl, it should not have. The Bruins were a serious contender for the conference title due to their convincing performance, and the poor performances in the Pac-12.
Kelly stated that there may be people who are surprised by Kelly's statement. Because of their preparation this week, there wasn't anyone surprised in our locker rooms."
The Bruins had been 0-6 in nonconference games before last week's win against Hawaii. While the win was significant, it was played in front of a small crowd and had little national significance.
It's a different experience to beat LSU.
Although the Tigers have just finished a disappointing 5-5 season they are still less than two years away from winning the national title. That season ended with UCLA finishing at 4-8.
UCLA almost certainly has risen to the top of the national rankings. LSU is likely to fall. Kelly doesn't care about such things.
"I don’t care about where you rank and what we are doing in August and September. He said that it doesn't really matter. "It doesn't matter what ranking you give these guys, I think it's important that they know this. They know that they did a great job tonight. They also know Monday is not their day. It doesn't matter. It's what it's going talk about for others, but not for us."
UCLA's offensive playbook displayed a remarkable balance between pass and run. Brittain Brown (97 yards) and Zach Charbonnet (117 yard running backs) had positive performances, while Dorian Thompson-Robinson made some key throws (9 out of 16 260 yards, 3 touchdown).
"I am proud of this team. Thompson-Robinson stated that we knew it was possible all along. "We didn’t listen to all the noise and we played for each other tonight.
LSU's loss is the second consecutive season-opening defeat since it won the national title.
"Obviously, it was a difficult night. Coach Ed Orgeron stated that we didn't perform as well at LSU. It's my responsibility. That was what I said to the team. We're going to take a schematic view of it -- what we can do better.
"One game doesn't define a season. But we understand that it was disappointing for our fans, and we take full responsibility. We have to improve."
