UCLA manhandles California

PASADENA, Calif. – Freshman safety Tevin McDonald made the first three interceptions of his college career, Derrick Coleman scored three touchdowns, and UCLA bounced back from one of its most embarrassing losses in years to beat California 31-14 on Saturday.

McDonald’s interceptions set up two touchdowns and a field goal for the Bruins (4-4, 3-2 Pacific-12 Conference), who took the heat off much-maligned coach Rick Neuheisel, at least for the time being, with their most impressive performance of the season.

Neuheisel, who has one year remaining on the five-year contract he signed before the 2007 season, has a 19-26 record at UCLA and has led his team to just one bowl game.

The Bruins scored 24 of their 31 points after turnovers in handing Cal (4-4, 1-4) its fourth loss in five games. The Golden Bears committed five turnovers, four on interceptions thrown by Zach Maynard, who was 14 of 30 for 199 yards.

Coleman scored on a 2-yard run in the second quarter and runs of 20 and 24 yards in the final quarter. He finished with 80 yards on 16 carries. Kevin Prince gained a career-high 163 yards on 19 carries and completed 9 of 18 passes for 92 yards.

Isi Sofele gained 74 yards on 15 carries and Keenan Allen caught seven passes for 83 yards for Cal. Allen entered the game averaging 129.4 receiving yards – tops in the nation.

UCLA gained 386 yards to Cal’s 333.

The Bruins were shredded for 573 yards by Arizona in a 48-12 loss Oct. 20. The Wildcats scored touchdowns on each of their six first-half possessions for a 42-7 lead.