American college football season
The 1981 UCLA Bruins football team was an American football team that represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 1981 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their sixth year under head coach Terry Donahue, the Bruins compiled a 7–4–1 record (5–2–1 Pac-10), finished in a tie for fourth place in the Pacific-10 Conference, and lost to Michigan in the 1981 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.[1]
UCLA's offensive leaders in 1981 were quarterback Tom Ramsey with 1,793 passing yards, running back Kevin Nelson with 883 rushing yards, and wide receiver Cormac Carney with 539 receiving yards.[2]
This was the Bruins' final season at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, their home field since 1928, sharing with the USC Trojans. UCLA moved to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the 1982 season.
Season summary
At USC
Game information
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First quarter
- USC – Steve Jordan 38-yard field goal. USC 3–0. Drive:
- UCLA – Kevin Nelson 11-yard run (Norm Johnson kick). UCLA 7–3. Drive:
Second quarter
- USC – Steve Jordan 44-yard field goal. UCLA 7–6. Drive:
- USC – Marcus Allen 7-yard run (pass failed). USC 12–7. Drive:
- UCLA – Ricky Coffman 23-yard pass from Tom Ramsey (pass good). UCLA 15–12. Drive:
- UCLA – Norm Johnson 32-yard field goal. UCLA 18–12. Drive:
Third quarter
- UCLA – Norm Johnson 28-yard field goal. UCLA 21–12. Drive:
Fourth quarter
- USC – Steve Jordan 22-yard field goal. UCLA 21–15. Drive:
- USC – Marcus Allen 5-yard run (Steve Jordan kick), 2:14. USC 22–21. Drive:
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- UCLA – Kevin Nelson – 26 rushes, 79 yards, TD
- USC – Marcus Allen – 40 rushes, 219 yards, 2 TD
- Top receivers
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Norm Johnson's game-winning 46-yard field goal attempt was blocked in the final seconds and UCLA lost its opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl.
1982 NFL Draft
The following players were drafted into professional football following the season.
Player |
Position |
Round |
Pick |
Franchise
|
Luis Sharpe |
Tackle |
1 |
16 |
St. Louis Cardinals
|
Tim Wrightman |
Tight end |
3 |
62 |
Chicago Bears
|
[3]