Fresno State leads UCLA at the half, 20-19

The Bruins had an effective running game and were able to control the clock, yet were unable gain enough inches on a fourth-down play late in the second quarter at the Fresno State 17-yard line.

The Bulldogs then drove 82 yards in seven plays, with Tom Brandstater throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Bear Pascoe for a 20-16 lead with 48 seconds left in the half.

Fresno State, No. 25 in the Associated Press media poll, , repeatedly made big plays yet was let down by its defense. The Bruins were able to go 50 yards in the final 43 seconds to set up a 46-yard field goal by Kai Forbath to take a little momentum into the locker room.

UCLA displayed a potent running game for the first time this season, with 113 yards rushing in the first half. Kahlil Bell, playing for the first time since the season opener, had 68 yards rushing, including touchdown runs of one and seven yards.

Fresno State's defense aided and abetted with three personal foul penalties, including a roughing the passer call that wiped out an interception.

The tone for an unbalanced act was set when Terrence Austin returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, only to have it nullified by a holding call on Adam Heater.

UCLA went three-and-out and Fresno State's Marlon Moore returned the punt 62 yards for a touchdown.

The Bruins controlled the line of scrimmage, holding onto the ball for 19 minutes 13 seconds in the half. Their 234 total yards in the first half were 43 more than they had for the game against Arizona last week.

Fresno State's Ryan Mathews had 83 yards rushing, including a 49-yard touchdown run.

chris.foster@latimes.com