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UCLA vs Arizona: 3 Keys to Victory

By Jake Merrifield

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Here are 3 keys to victory for the Bruins against Arizona at the Rose Bowl this Saturday:

1) Stop the Run

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Rich Rodriguez is airing it out much more this year with Freshman QB

Anu Solomon

, but the Cats still feature two good backs. Freshman

Nick Wilson

and Senior

Terris Jones-Grigsby

are both averaging almost 6 yards per carry. The Bruins have given up more than 230 yards rushing in 3 of the last 4 games after not giving up more than 170 in their first 4 games. With the firepower that Arizona has in the passing game, it is vital that UCLA make the Cats as 1 dimensional as possible so Arizona is not operating from 2 and 3 down and short yardage.

2) Limit Arizona’s Big Plays

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    • Arizona’s top three receivers (Sophomores

    Cayleb Jones

    and

    Samajie Grant

    and Senior

    Austin Hill

    are all averaging over 14 YPC and all three have a TD catch of at least 60 yards. Running Backs Wilson and Grigsby both have rushing TD’s of 40 yards or more, and 10 different Wildcats have a TD play under their belt of at least 30 yards. UCLA’s defense has done a good job for most of the year in taking away big plays from the opponent (the Bruins have given up only 3 plays of 40+ yards all year). If the Bruins can make the Cats earn every score by having to make long drives, the Bruin defense will have more opportunities to make a stop or force a turnover.

    3) Stop Shooting Themselves in the Foot

    As good as the Bruin offense has been this year, Brett Hundley and friends seem to be making the big mistakes at the worst possible moments. A pick 6 to Utah. A fumble and interception deep in UCLA territory to Oregon, a 4th and 1 stuff of Eddie Vanderdose at Colorado.

    …The Bruins have a make or break opportunity in November…

    These examples along with numerous other meltdowns on 3rd and short are tarnishing an otherwise fantastic year by the UCLA offense. The Bruins need to avoid the big turnovers and convert the 3rd and short plays to keep the defense out of bad situations.

    October is done. The Bruins have a make or break opportunity in November and the ability to seize it.

    Can I get an 8-Clap?

    UCLA vs ARIZONA, Saturday, 730pm, The Rose Bowl