UCLA bids to bounce back in finale vs. Fresno State

UCLA was hoping its season would last until at least December.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, they weren't able to secure a bowl berth and their 2024 campaign will conclude on Saturday afternoon with a nonconference game against visiting Fresno State.

UCLA (4-7) needed to win its final two games to qualify for a bowl, however those hopes were dashed with a 19-13 loss to crosstown rival Southern Cal last Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

"They kept rebounding this whole season, so they will continue to be resilient and be the type of football players that I know they are," UCLA first-year coach DeShaun Foster said. "The season is not over. They signed up to play ball, and we are going to finish the season on a good note. Our guys will get out there, and I am going to try to send the seniors off the right way."

UCLA recovered from a five-game losing streak by winning three in a row, but a 31-19 loss at Washington on Nov. 15 put the Bruins into a must-win situation against the Trojans.

UCLA held a 13-9 lead entering the fourth quarter versus Southern Cal but only managed one first down on its final three possessions.

"We let one slip through our hands," Foster said. "All of these losses have come to, pretty much, us just letting it slip through our hands. We have to find a way to finish games and just keep coming out after the half and play better and finish a game. We have to really put our stamp on the end of it. We've just got to learn from this."

Fresno State (6-5) secured a bowl bid with a 28-22 win against visiting Colorado State on Saturday.

Bulldogs running back Bryson Donelson rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, but the true freshman sustained a leg injury late in the game. He will be a game-time decision against UCLA.

"Hopefully, he can go," Fresno State coach Tim Skipper said.

--Field Level Media