The 1985 UCLA Bruins football team was an American football team that represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their tenth year under head coach Terry Donahue, the Bruins compiled a 9–2–1 record (6–2 Pac-10), finished in first place in the Pacific-10 Conference, and were ranked #7 in the final AP Poll.

UCLA defeated defending national champion BYU 27–24 in Provo to start the season, and tied eventual SEC and Sugar Bowl champion Tennessee. The Bruins opened the Pac-10 season by losing 21–14 at Washington. They later got two key wins, the first against Arizona State, the second at Arizona. For much of the season, the rushing defense was ranked second in the nation, behind Oklahoma.Dodds, Tracy – True Grit on Ground : Walen Anchors UCLA's Ranked Rushing Defense. Los Angeles Times, November 6, 1985Dodds, Tracy – UCLA Bruins, Alias Smith and Jackson : Sophomore Outside Linebackers Have Earned the Respect of Their Coaches Los Angeles Times, November 13, 1986 They won the rest of their games leading to the 1985 USC vs UCLA game.

Needing a win against 4–5 USC, UCLA struggled. Gaston Green and Mel Farr Jr. had fumbles in the game. UCLA was leading in the fourth quarter 13–10 when Eric Ball fumbled at the USC 1 as he was about to score what would have been the clinching touchdown.Dodds, Tracy – Wildcats Find the Way to Lift Bruins' Spirits. Los Angeles Times, November 24, 1985 Freshman quarterback Rodney Peete led USC on a drive, converting a key fourth down along the way. In the last two minutes, USC again faced a fourth down, this time at UCLA's 2-yard line. USC scored to take a 17–13 lead, then intercepted UCLA quarterback David Norrie as he tried to lead a Bruin comeback. UCLA's loss opened the door for Washington to grab the Rose Bowl berth, but they were upset by Washington State the same day, 21–20. Washington lost the advantage due to their upset home loss to Oregon State. This put Arizona State in position to win the conference as they entered their rivalry game with Arizona with only one conference loss (40–17 to UCLA). But later that evening, Arizona defeated Arizona State 16–13 to cause a tie between UCLA, Arizona State, and Arizona.Oates, Bob – Strange Plays Beat Sun Devils : To UCLA's Benefit, Arizona State Was Own Worst Enemy. Los Angeles Times, November 25, 1985 UCLA won the tiebreaker and the Rose Bowl berth by virtue of its wins over Arizona and Arizona State.Dodds, Tracy – Donahue Says UCLA Didn't Back In : Coach Points Out Bruins Finished With the Best Record. Los Angeles Times, November 25, 1985UCLA had a record of 6–2, both ASU and Arizona were 5-2 having played one fewer conference games. The University of Arizona football Media Guide in the 2013 season lists the Wildcats as finishing tied for second place. The Arizona State University Media Guide in the 2013 season listed the Sun Devils as having finished in third place. The Pac-12 Media guide lists ASU and Arizona having tied for second with UCLA in sole possession of first place.

UCLA ended the regular season with a record of 8–2–1, and head coach Terry Donahue had been named Pac-10 Coach of the year.Donahue and Walen Win Honors in Pacific-10 Conference. Los Angeles Times, November 27, 1985 Five Bruin players were first team All-Pac-10: defensive tackle Mark Walen, offensive tackle Mike Hartmeier, kicker John Lee, nose guard Terry Tumey, and inside linebacker Tommy Taylor. Walen was named Pac-10 defensive player of the year. UCLA finished ranked #1 in the nation in rushing defense, at 70.3 yards per game. Oklahoma was second with 89.9 yards per game.University of Oklahoma Football Media Guide. University of Oklahoma Athletic Department. Norman, Oklahoma: University Printing Services 1986

The Bruins went on to defeat #4 Iowa in the 1986 Rose Bowl. Running back Eric Ball was selected as the most valuable player in the 1986 Rose Bowl.

UCLA's offensive leaders in 1985 were quarterback David Norrie with 1,819 passing yards, running back Gaston Green with 712 rushing yards, and wide receiver Karl Dorrell with 565 receiving yards.

Schedule

Game summaries At No. 8 BYU

Team Category Player StatisticsUCLA Passing Matt Stevens 6/11, 113 yards Rushing Marcus Greenwood 13 rushes, 71 yards Receiving Mike Sherrard 6 receptions, 98 yardsBYU Passing Robbie Bosco 29/41, 340 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Rushing Vai Sikahema 6 rushes, 54 yards Receiving Vai Sikahema 8 receptions, 129 yards

At Tennessee

San Diego State

At Washington

Arizona State

At Stanford

At Washington State

California

UCLA moved into first place in the Pac-10 with the win.

At Arizona

Oregon State

At USC

Vs. No. 4 Iowa (Rose Bowl)

Personnel

1986 NFL draft The following players were drafted into professional football following the season.

Mike Sherrard Wide receiver 1 18 Dallas CowboysJohn Lee Kicker 232 St. Louis CardinalsMark Walen Defensive tackle 374 Dallas CowboysTommy Taylor Linebacker 497 San Diego ChargersRobert Jenkins Tackle 6144 Los Angeles RamsSteve Jarecki Linebacker 8195 Los Angeles Rams

References