[Quack Attack]

UCLA gets offensive in 33-14 win over San Diego State




Bruins benefit from improved line play; quarterback Kevin Prince overcomes two interceptions to pass for 176 yards and a touchdown.





No need for UCLA football coaches to review the game film in order to determine improvement this week.

Things were pretty clear throughout the Bruins' 33-14 victory over San Diego State that there has been progress coming off a 4-8 2008 season. How much probably won't be known for another week, following a road game at Tennessee. But there were enough good things at the Rose Bowl to warrant some optimism.

Quarterback Kevin Prince was solid, completing 18 of 29 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown, though he had two passes intercepted. He put the Bruins in the end zone twice in the last six minutes of the first half, helping UCLA overcome a 14-3 deficit. Prince connected with Terrence Austin on a six-yard fade pattern for a touchdown and a 23-14 halftime lead.

The offensive line, which played so poorly last season, opened holes and provided protection, and running backs Derrick Coleman and Johnathan Franklin benefited from the new-found surge.

Franklin scored on a 12-yard run and Coleman burst through a gaping hole for a 29-yard touchdown run. UCLA's longest scoring play in 2008 was 21 yards.

The growth on offense helped keep the defense off the field, allowing them to shut down the San Diego State offense over the final three quarters.

Any upset thoughts disappeared when Jerzy Siewierski blocked a field goal attempt and Alterraun Verner returned it 70 yards for a touchdown, giving UCLA a 33-14 lead with 37 seconds left in the third quarter.

chris.foster@latimes.com