UCLA 7, Kansas State 7 (early second quarter)
UCLA capitalized on a huge break when Kansas State quarterback Carson Coffman fumbled a snap and linebacker Akeem Ayers recovered on the 11-yard line.
On the next play, UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince faked to running back Johnathan Franklin and went untouched into the end zone.
Kai Forbath, kicking despite a groin injury, made the extra point to tie the score.
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It took a big mistake and a moment of confusion, but on a third fourth-and-goal attempt from the one-yard line, Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas walked into the end zone.
UCLA stopped Thomas short on the Wildcats’ first try. But the Bruins were penalized for too many men on the field. UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel was furious on the sideline, as he had been trying to call time out.
Kansas State Coach Bill Snyder got his time out on the second fourth-down attempt, but it erased a one-yard sneak by quarterback Carson Coffman.
Thomas took the option pitch to the left on the next try and easily beat linebacker Akeem Ayers into the end zone.
The 55-yard touchdown drive followed a three-and-out set by the Bruins. Quarterback Kevin Prince threw three incomplete passes.
Pregame
UCLA kicker Kai Forbath warmed up in hopes that he'll be able to play today in the Bruins' season opener against Kansas State. Forbath, the Lou Groza Trophy winner last season as the nation's top placekicker, has been sidelined with a groin problem that is either soreness or a small tear. Forbath said this week there have been "mixed diagnosis."
Kevin Prince will start at quarterback for UCLA.
Prince, who was last season’s starter when healthy, missed nearly three weeks during training camp after suffering a small tear in a back muscle. He practiced this week and appears ready to play, judging by the accuracy and velocity of his throws.
Coach Rick Neuheisel remained mum on whether Prince or Richard Brehaut would start the game.
Family looks after family
UCLA offensive line coach Bob Palcic will have his son-in-law looking over his shoulder today ... or, rather, his son-in-law’s name.
Mark Simoneau was a linebacker at Kansas State from 1996-99 and is in the Wildcats’ hall of fame. His name is on the second-tier facade behind the UCLA side of the field at Snyder Stadium.
-- Chris Foster
Photo: UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times