UCLA vs. LSU Week 1: Social media reactions to the Bruins' primetime victory

Looking at the odds and the rankings, the Bruins' win over the Tigers on Saturday night was surely an upset.
But with multiple experts and outlets leaning towards UCLA football as the week went on, there was a building buzz around its game versus LSU. As it turns out, the Bruins had what it took to win, and now they're standing at 2-0 heading into their bye week.
The highlights came early and often Saturday starting with a 75-yard touchdown from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to tight end Greg Dulcich, and people were impressed with the athleticism of one of the nation's top tight ends.
When he stopped on a dime…… https://t.co/MZ27OJiWu0 pic.twitter.com/ZAeT0WRjuS
— Jeffrey (@Flash_Gordon24) September 5, 2021
The run game drew its fair share of attention as well.
Zach Charbonnet once again broke the 100-yard threshold after needing just six carries to do so against Hawaii in Week 0. He had a 43-yarder, a 20-yarder, a 17-yarder and a 12-yarder, the last of which went for a touchdown against LSU on Saturday.
The Michigan transfer finished the night with 117 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, and people were once again impressed by his efficiency and nose for big plays.
UCLA hasn't had a back like Charbonnet since Myles Jack, if we're being completely honest with ourselves.
— David Woods (@daviddavidwoods) September 5, 2021
UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet is the real deal, folks. Get on the train or get left behind https://t.co/kZEYhGZAqA
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 5, 2021
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson chipped in on the ground with 46 sack-adjusted rushing yards of his own, but he did most of his damage through the air.
From an early bomb to receiver Kazmeir Allen to big touchdowns to Dulcich, recevier Chase Cota and receiver Kyle Philips, Thompson-Robinson was dialed in on many of his biggest attempts. Still, he had a rough interception and took some sacks that he hasn't taken since his sophomore year.
Media members and fans alike were drawn to Thompson-Robinson's eclectic performance, but many realized the good heavily outweighed the bad for the must-watch player, who posted a career-high 242.1 passer rating on the night.
In 13 pass attempts, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has taken four sacks, thrown an interception ... and completed passes of 75, 36 and 35 yards. Just pure chaos at all times. I love this team.
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) September 5, 2021
Dorian Thompson Robinson ladies & gentleman add him to your “WATCH LIST “ no matter what QB Award!
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) September 5, 2021
The defense may not have had as many highlight reel plays, but they too earned some good faith by holding LSU to 20 points before the start of garbage time and a total of 48 rushing yards by the time the clock hit all zeroes.
There were clear holes in the secondary all night, which was rightfully pointed out by some. But as was the case with the offense, the good outweighed the bad by a wide margin and the defense used its nose for the ball, hard hits and aggressive mentality to throw off Tigers quarterback Max Johnson.
The postgame reactions came flooding in before the game actually went final, and it wasn't pretty for LSU.
On the UCLA side of things, people rejoiced in the Bruins beating yet another SEC opponent and staking their claim of part of the pie on a national stage. It's only two games into the season, but that hasn't stopped people from extrapolating and looking ahead to what this could mean for UCLA and the Pac-12 moving forward.
Before the game we kept talking about how if LSU loses to UCLA well then they've got far larger issues than we are acknowledging and this feels even more true now
— T-Bob Hebert (@TBob53) September 5, 2021
Losing is one thing, but getting pushed around and dominated is another
Is UCLA football... actually good??
— Matt Wagner (@Matt_Wagner24) September 5, 2021
As fans flood out of the Rose Bowl, one UCLA fan tells a crowd of Bruins that they oughta start a new chant to rival SEC fans’ “S-E-C” chant.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 5, 2021
“The A-LLI-ANCE! The A-LLI-ANCE!” he yells.
College football is back.
How UCLA giving LSU the L pic.twitter.com/KJ1oQMtbVg
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) September 5, 2021
My favorite storyline of the college football season so far is that UCLA absolutely bullies people now, both on offense and defense.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 5, 2021
Extremely physical, well-coached team.
Pac-12 North took one on the chin today.
— kwade (@KwadeSays) September 5, 2021
Pac-12 south was fine but UCLA added a major gold star.
Conference looks wide open as ever
A handful of players jumped on board the discussion as well, crediting the fans for showing up to outmatch the LSU crowd and notch an attendance mark of over 68,000.
That's a far cry from last game, so with more than twice as many fans in the stands, the Bruins made sure to put on their best performance in years.
Don’t think I forgot what y’all said just a week ago. Again, LOVE THIS TEAM AND THIS OFFENSE! 2-0. #GoBruins
— 🦋 (@DoriansTweets) September 5, 2021
Bruin Nation you showed up and showed out. The energy was unreal ! #UCLA
— Quentin Lake (@quentin_lake) September 5, 2021
Energy was unreal‼️ LOVE THIS TEAM @UCLAFootball
— K10 (@kazmeir_) September 5, 2021
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