In the first meeting on September 8, 2007 at the Rose Bowl Stadium, the Bruins avoided an upset in a tough game by beating the Cougars, 27–17.

[3] On December 3, 2007, following the final regular season game against USC, Los Angeles papers and the Associated Press reported that UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell was fired during a meeting with athletic director Dan Guerrero.

Instead of simply downing the ball, the Cougars ran a running play up the middle and RB Harvey Unga fumbled.

Forbath then attempted a 28-yarder at the end of the game, but it was blocked by Eathyn Manumaleuna to preserve the Cougars' victory.

The Bruins size and strength advantage allowed them to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.