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Olson struggles as Utah pounds UCLA

Sep 16, 2007 - 4:19 AM SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) -- Ben Olson's first start against Utah was a dream, but the second go-around was a nightmare.

Olson threw three interceptions and No. 11 UCLA continued to struggle on defense as the Bruins were crushed by the Utes, 44-6, on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Last year, Olson made his first start as a Bruin and led UCLA to a 31-10 season-opening triumph over the Utes at the Rose Bowl, completing 25-of-33 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns.

He wasn't nearly as sharp Saturday, completing 20-of-40 passes for 290 yards without a touchdown. He was also sacked five times and lost a fumble.

"I take responsibility for making poor decisions and not taking care of the ball," Olson said. "I need to play better."

"We kept them off balance," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "We never let their quarterback get comfortable and get a rhythm going."

Utah (1-2) had lost its first two games of the season and was 0-8 against UCLA all-time, but Tommy Grady and the Utes finally cranked up the offense.

The Utes scored only two TDs in their first two games but had five on Saturday. Grady threw a TD pass in each of the first two quarters as Utah opened a 14-6 lead at the half. UCLA never got back in the game over the final two quarters.

Louie Sakoda kicked field goals of 47 and 45 yards and Grady threw a 12-yard TD pass to Dallin Rogers in the third quarter as Utah extended its lead to 24-6.

Darrell Mack, who caught a 12-yard TD pass in the second quarter, scored two TDs in fourth quarter and Sakoda added a 45-yard field goal to finish off the rout.

Playing in place of Brian Johnson, who injured his shoulder in Utah's season opener, Grady was 19-of-32 for 263 yards and four TDs. Mack added 108 yards rushing on 19 carries and had three receptions for 34 yards.

Kai Forbath kicked a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 52-yarder in the second for the Bruins (2-1).

"There is not even enough time to discuss all the issues we had today," UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. "We did not play close to our potential and were never in sync."