The Bruins rank only eighth in total defense in the Pac-10, and fifth in scoring defense. These may not seem like the rankings of a top-notch defense, but many of the yards gained by opponents are gained late in the game. The important statistic is winning and losing. We've had a couple of games, because the offense has done so well and we've turned the ball over in a position where they can score some points, we've gotten ahead. We've been allowed to reward a bunch of players that would not normally play.
Few people care for excuses.
The Bruin defense is characterized as opportunistic rather than talented. But the defense can be proven as talented when one considers the fact that in six games UCLA has only allowed 13 points in the third quarter. This statistic signifies the ability of the Bruins to perform the defensive adjustments that are made at halftime. You're on that team and you want respect. You want to come and establish that you have a good defense that can definitely dominate a game.