UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson throws towards South Alabama in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Ashley Landis, Related Press
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson leaps over Washington linebacker Kamren Fabiculanan throughout a recreation Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. The twin-threat QB has the complete consideration of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham this week. Marcio Jose Sanchez, Related Press
Amid a profession full of highs and lows, fifth-year UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson got here again for another season of school soccer in hopes of serving to the Bruins win a Pac-12 championship and establishing himself as an NFL-caliber participant.
“I believe I advised ya’ll on Monday, see if Washington can run with us, not the opposite method round.” — UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson after massive win over Washington
Final Friday on the Rose Bowl, Thompson-Robinson loved maybe his most interesting second as a Bruin with a win over Washington. It was thought of this system’s largest victory below coach Chip Kelly.
Now, UCLA (5-0, 2-0) has jumped into The Related Press ballot at No. 18. The Bruins host No. 11 Utah Saturday (1:30 p.m. MDT, Fox).
Towards the beforehand unbeaten Huskies, Thompson-Robinson accomplished 24 of 33 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, outshining Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. in a 40-32 triumph.
However Thompson-Robinson, who's climbing up the college’s all-time charts for passing yards, passing touchdowns and speeding yards, wasn’t completed making a press release after the sport.
First, he retweeted a slight posted by USA At this time from earlier within the week: “Have you ever ever seen a much less spectacular 4-0 group?”
“I’m studying by the articles all through the entire week, persons are saying we’re the worst 4-0 group on the market, they’re writing us off,” Thompson-Robinson advised reporters. “So I believe my boys got here in right here with a chip on their shoulder. I believe I advised ya’ll on Monday, see if Washington can run with us, not the opposite method round. In order that’s my reply. That’s my reply.”
Requested if he reads what’s written about his group, Thompson-Robinson stated, “I do learn it. I get notifications similar to everyone else does. And if you happen to assume phrases don’t damage, they do. They do and I at all times keep in mind even when I don’t say nothing. So we now have quite a lot of issues forward of us. Proper now, we’re targeted on Utah.”
In the meantime, Utes coach Kyle Whittingham is impressed by what he’s seen from Thompson-Robinson, the reigning Pac-12 offensive participant of the week, this season.
“You may see him getting higher and higher. He’s taking part in his finest soccer proper now, from my vantage level,” he stated. “Chip’s carried out an awesome job creating him. Not that he wasn’t good earlier than however he’s actually taken his recreation to a different degree.
“He appears to be very poised, he makes performs and he takes care of the ball. He’s a dual-threat (quarterback), which is the most important problem for us — his skill to run in addition to throw the soccer. … It’s at all times robust to face a man that may lengthen performs like he can.”
Thompson-Robinson has definitely elevated his recreation this season. Has he had a chip on his shoulder these days?
“No, I believe Dorian’s had a chip on his shoulder for the reason that day he walked in right here. I believe that’s what drives him and motivates him in every little thing he does,” Kelly stated. “He’s at all times kinda performed like he’s had a chip on his shoulder, that’s his motivation and that’s what drives him, that’s the competitor that he's. And that’s what you like about him, that he’s the final word competitor.
“Whether or not he’s a real freshman or he’s a fifth-year senior, I don’t assume his motivation degree has modified in any respect. He’s at all times been a fiery competitor and that’s one of many stuff you love about him, his aggressive nature is superior. So we like to see that, however that’s not one thing that simply impulsively he fell into throughout his fifth yr, he’s been like that for 5 years now.”
After all, UCLA has different playmakers in addition to Thompson-Robinson.
Duke switch extensive receiver Jake Bobo caught six passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns towards Washington.
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson leaps over Washington linebacker Kamren Fabiculanan throughout a recreation Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. The twin-threat QB has the complete consideration of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham this week.
Marcio Jose Sanchez, Related Press
“I'd say he’s been in a rhythm each recreation we’ve performed, so it actually simply is determined by how the protection deploys themself in what they’re gonna give us. However he’s been like that for the reason that day he acquired right here, he’s acquired an incredible work ethic, actually cares about soccer, loves taking part in soccer,” Kelly stated about Bobo. “He’s a type of guys that’s within the constructing 24/7, he’s acquired an awesome really feel for our quarterbacks. … He’s a byproduct of the onerous work he’s placing in. We’ve been lucky sufficient to have him. Individuals determine they need to play sure coverages on him, I believe he understands them and may exploit them.”
In the meantime, operating again Zach Charbonnet, who had 22 carries for 124 yards and one TD towards the Huskies, is one other weapon for the Bruins.
“He’s among the finest (operating backs), for sure. He’s actually good,” Whittingham stated. “He’s a giant, robust again with good imaginative and prescient. He’s acquired some pace to him. He’s robust. If he’s not the most effective, he’s among the finest we’ll face this yr.”
Final yr, Utah beat UCLA 44-24 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. That evening, Thompson-Robinson didn’t play as a result of an injured hand. Two years in the past, the Utes-Bruin matchup was canceled as a result of COVID-19.
Earlier than that, in 2019, Thompson-Robinson was on the improper facet of a 49-3 recreation towards Utah in Salt Lake Metropolis.
“They kicked my butt round a number of occasions,” Thompson-Robinson recalled. “In order that’s the final reminiscence I've, that’s the final style I've in my mouth.”
Now, Thompson-Robinson will get another crack at Utah, the defending Pac-12 champs. He’s keen to indicate, like he did final week towards Washington, why he, and UCLA soccer, deserve nationwide respect.
Utes on the air
No. 11 Utah (4-1, 2-0)
at No. 18 UCLA (5-0, 2-0)
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MDT
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, California
TV: Fox
Radio: ESPN 700