UCLA may have discovered a bright spot in a season that has been going off track. Just in time, you might say.
With their starting quarterback out due to injury, the Bruins turned to Justyn Martin. The redshirt sophomore made smart and effective plays early in his first college start, helping his team stay in a game they were expected to lose by a large margin.
In the end, UCLA fell 27-11 to No. 7 Penn State on Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium, facing many of the same problems that have troubled them all season. However, Martin showed real potential as the Bruins’ quarterback.
He completed his first six passes and quickly took charge of an offense that often seemed confusing to starter Ethan Garbers.
Martin didn’t make risky throws or poor choices while playing against one of college football’s toughest teams.
The game didn’t have a fairy-tale ending, as Martin couldn’t lead a comeback, even though he showed determination on the final drive.
He displayed his speed by running for first downs, converted a fourth down with a pass to Logan Loya, and connected with Loya again on a one-yard touchdown pass with just 16 seconds left.
