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Keegan Jones’ blazing speed helps UCLA get past Washington State

October 8, 2023

UCLA defensive lineman Carl Jones couldn’t hold back his thoughts as Carson Steele spoke of fellow running back Keegan Jones’ speed.

“He’s so fast,” Carl said to no one in particular during the postgame press conference on Saturday, shaking his head as he scanned the stat sheet, looking for Jones’ numbers.

“We’re just so close,” Carl said. “Seeing everything that he does at practice and him able to get his number called and him do what he what he did today when his number did get called, it’s just a testament to what he does at practice.”

Jones hadn’t had a carry all season, but was handed the ball three times and took it to the house twice in UCLA’s 25-17 win over Washington State on Saturday afternoon. His speed and shiftiness add even more tools to a running back room that’s already deep.

Jones, who was a 200-meter dash Tennessee state champion in high school, was moved to receiver in the spring after showing versatility at the running back position in his first four seasons with the Bruins. He ended 2022 with 320 rushing yards with five touchdowns and 237 receiving yards with four touchdowns.

Currently, Jones is spending time with both the receivers and the running backs during practices.

“It’s hard enough for me to remember all the plays,” Steele said. “I couldn’t imagine him trying to remember all those wide receiver positions and stuff. But him just being able to come in and execute, it’s how we win games.”

Coach Chip Kelly has called on multiple running backs this season during games. TJ Harden (286 yards, two TDs) has been lauded for his vision, while Anthony Adkins (122 yards, one TD) and Colson Yankoff (82 yards, one TD) bring physicality.

Steele shouldered the load on Saturday against the Cougars, running through defenders with rugged determination to reach 140 yards on 30 carries. UCLA totaled 192 yards on the ground.

“We had to get one first down to finish the game,” Kelly said, “and on the first play, he just went through like three guys that just kept going. But I think the fact that TJ can play and Anthony Adkins can really play, Keegan can play and Colson can play. We’re gonna get tested and the fact that we have some depth there is a real positive for us.”

Moore seeking advice from DTR

UCLA almuni Zach Charbonnet and Dorian Thompson-Robinson were both on the sidelines for the Bruins’ Saturday afternoon game against Washington State. Both are on bye weeks with their respective NFL teams, Seattle and Cleveland.

Current freshman quarterback Dante Moore used the opportunity to seek advice from Thompson-Robinson during the third quarter.

“I went up to him and I’m like, ‘Tell me what you’re seeing out there. Tell me what some things I can work on,’” Moore said after the game.

“He just told me, ‘Just go out there, just keep taking a deep breath.’ The defense is doing what they gotta do, they’re getting stops for you. You just have to capitalize, score and get in the end zone,” Moore continued.

On the next play, Moore threw a 14-yard pass to J.Michael Sturdivant for an apparent touchdown, but the catch was ruled incomplete after official review.

Moore completed 22 of 44 passes for 290 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions in the game.

Pro wrestling comes to the Rose Bowl

The first-ever pro wrestling event was held at the Rose Bowl on Saturday afternoon. UCLA and the Rose Bowl hosted PCW Ultra for some pregame professional wrestling and lucha as part of the Los Bruins promotion.

“Who would turn down UCLA to wrestle at the Rose Bowl?” PCW Ultra founder Joseph Cabibbo said.

PCW Ultra had a ring set up near the B Gate of the Rose Bowl and drew crowds of fans who were entering to watch the football game. The wrestling promotion was contacted by UCLA staff after they had attended a PCW Ultra event at Memorial Hall in Wilmington.

“It means a whole lot,” Cabibbo said. “I have a very loyal roster and staff so to have these big wins in a place like the Rose Bowl, it’s really great for morale and really awesome for the entire team. It’s a victory for us.”

The promotion is celebrating its eighth year and will be putting on a show at Urban Con in Ontario on Oct. 22 before hosting a Halloween-themed “Creature Feature” at memorial Hall in Wilmington.

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Orange County Register