UCLA Vs Texas: Position Group Report Card
Sep 13, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Jerry Neuheisel (11) throws against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Here is the Go Joe Bruin Position Group Report Card for UCLA Vs Texas.
Quarterbacks: A-
Things looked like they were going really wrong, really fast for UCLA when QB Brett Hundley left the game with an injury on the second UCLA drive. At that point, it was never certain who the back-up would be between Jerry Neuheisel and Asiantii Woulard but we quickly found out after the longer commercial break that it was the younger Neu. If we were grading based on just the first half, this grade would be lower, but it is a good thing we are grading cumulatively.
In the second half, things started clicking for Neuheisel. The really short slants and not-well-timed swing passes were not only improved, but they opened play book helped with different looks. It was also good to see Hundley, who had his elbow firmly wrapped, helping to call the plays and help out his teammate. When it all came together, the QBs not only got a passing grade but a little bit of extra credit with a 33-yard touchdown for the win.
Running Backs: A
Sep 13, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins tailback Paul Perkins (24) runs with the ball against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium. The Bruins beat the Longhorns 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Paul Perkins, I mean… PAUL FREAKING PERKINS! Now you know his name. Perkins has been the work horse for UCLA that has slowly gotten better in the three games the Bruins have played, despite the run game not completely being there. It continued to improve when the Bruins were forced to implement a ground attack. When Neuheisel was operating in the first half, he did not have much in his bag of tricks. The run game was then heavily utilized by UCLA, with small improvements. In the second half, everything was clicking which made the run game very effective. UCLA also had their “power formation” with Myles Jack and Eddie Vanderdoes to grind out a few dirty yards which helped the Bruins throughout the game.
Receivers: B+
The receivers have been pretty solid in the last few games, but that was with Hundley slinging it all over the field. They were not called upon as much against Texas, but what they did do was help the overall game when the plan went to hell. Blocking was good, routes were executed and balls were caught with confidence. The most important one being the Neuheisel to Jordan Payton 33-yarder at the end of the game. Neu put it out there and Payton finished. A damn fine effort.
Offensive Line: B+
Because this is cumulative, the line gets a lower grade due to their woeful first half. Fortunately, their A+ effort in the second half opened up the run game and allowed Neuheisel to do what he does and pull the Bruins through. It was even good to see them hold the pocket when needed, especially in that first drive of the second half that got the Bruins their first touchdown. This was all about improvements.
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Defensive Line: B+
The defensive line did what they could to get at Texas and that was not easy feat. Not because Texas has a good offensive line, heavens no! When Hundley went down, everyone knew that the defense had to step up and be the ones to take control of this game. Talk about pressure. In the first half, the defense looked like it was going to have another Memphis-like performance, but like every unit, they improved in the second half. They even got a sack from Vanderdoes, woohoo! Still, even cycling in a few young guys helped the overall product as they stopped the Longhorns on several drives after halftime.
Linebackers: B+
There was a sort of method to the madness. Last week, the Bruins were confused and did not exactly know what was going on. With the stakes as they were, the linebackers, dug in and held off Texas as best as they can. Jack was everywhere, despite having more than few carries on offense. Eric Kendricks was like a velociraptor attacking his prey and limiting the Texas run game. Deon Hollins even got a sack of his own. In all, with the weight of the game on their shoulders, they came through and helped with a solid second half comeback.
Defensive Backs: B-
UCLA was without Randall Goforth and Marcus Rios, so immediately the secondary was thin. It got worse as Anthony Jefferson sprained his ankle in pregame. No problem. Well, sort of. The Bruins got burned on the second Longhorn touchdown with sophomore Jalen Ortiz in coverage missing an all-important assignment. Still, the collective effort was solid enough to hold Texas to only 196 passing yards.