One highlight per play often wasn’t enough for UCLA’s defenders last season.
Defensive end Takkarist McKinley memorably waylaid Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau, leading to a wobbly pass that was intercepted by Bruins linebacker Jayon Brown. Rather than watch the rest of the play unfold, McKinley rose and sprinted downfield to make a block that allowed Brown to pick up extra yardage.
It was a relentlessness that had been missing from UCLA’s defense this season before linebacker Kenny Young made it a throwback night Saturday at the Rose Bowl during the Bruins’ 27-23 victory over Colorado.