After a horrible loss at California, the UCLA Bruins look to bounce back against a hungry Utah Utes team.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
What is the best case scenario on Saturday? Well, UCLA must run the ball early and often. Establishing a run game against Star Lotulelei and company is very important. If we can successfully run the ball, this game won’t be close. Senior HB Johnathan Franklin hasn’t found painter since the game against Nebraska. Yes, its been that long. UCLA’s O-Line MUST come to play on Saturday, blocking for our backs and most importantly our QB is the priority. Our passing game will be able to do well against Utah’s secondary, but I’d like to see us pound the ball and ware them down. The offense needs to get back on track after last weeks debacle.
As for defense., it’s simple, STOP JOHN WHITE! Last year he tore us up, running for 167 yards and two touchdowns. If we can stop him, Utah is going to be forced to pass the ball, which to be fair; they’re pretty bad at. I know that they don’t have the best QB, but our secondary can make a D-III QB look like a Heisman candidate. Look what they made Zach Maynard look like. UCLA has playmakers in the secondary, laugh all you want, but we have some athletes. It’s killing me to see them struggle for about the 4th straight year. Confidence is key for the secondary. Back to stopping the run, Marsh and Barr need to be in the backfield constantly. So far, they have done a great job doing that. Marsh recovered 2 fumbles last week, and Barr forced one. Best case, we stop White and make Hayes throw. Utah might roll with Travis Wilson for this game, I know nothing about him, but if we can pressure him; it’ll pay off. All year, we’ve been getting pressure on opposing teams’ QBs.
Kicking woes: Fairbairn, please make a kick! Sincerely, every UCLA fan in the country. I understand he’s young, but it’s leaving points on the board and that is NEVER a good thing. Mora has confidence in him, but I don’t. Time to roll with Jeff Locke. Locke is one of the best kickers in the nation, why not use him for FGs and XP? Seems like a great idea in my opinion.
If UCLA runs up to 90 plays and limits John White IV, this won’t be close. I say my Bruins blow them out.
GO BRUINS!