Sep 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Payton (9) runs for a first down in the second half of the game against the Memphis Tigers at the Rose Bowl. UCLA won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Because the Bruins have not met “expectations” so far this season, means they will constantly be compared to previous games for some sign that they are improving. But the UCLA receivers are one of those units that we do not have to worry if they will get better, but instead ask how much better can make it? The UCLA air show, as it were, produced 396 yards and a lot of it had to do with the skills of wide receiver Jordan Payton and tight end Thomas Duarte.
Betsided
Last week in the article To Receive Is To Give, I pointed out that when the Bruins got better later in the game, the receivers had better production. That was all you saw in the game against Memphis where the Bruins edged out the Tigers 42 to 35.
With the return of Jake Brendel starting at center, the offensive line was a lot more solid. In turn, that gave quarterback Brett Hundley time to operate in the pocket, which allowed for the receiver’s routes to be run with out the worry of hurrying up. It was the first of many airshows we will witness the season. It was quite beautiful (sans the pick six which tied it in the fourth quarter… live and learn).
Hundley finished with 330 of 44 passes, 396 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. He would not have gotten any of that with out the help of Payton and Duarte. Not saying that Hundley had nothing to do with that because he put several balls right on the money.
Still, a lot of credit has to be given receivers who are not only separating themselves from the opposition, but also from the depth chart. Payton and Duarte in the last two weeks have made more than a few impact plays, which included several fantastic strikes against Memphis.
In 2 games, Payton has been the go to guy for solid yardage. He has a team-high 15 receptions for 202 yards, which is 101 yards a game. Hundley will take that any day.
Sep 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Memphis Tigers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Duarte only has seven receptions, but he had made the most of his 149 yards, mostly in the form of two impressive touchdowns. The first was a stretched out play for the pylon and another was his untouched 35-yard touchdown. I am telling you, these receivers are going to make noise.
But that is not all. Payton and Duarte have the majority of the attention, but do not forget that 62-yard bomb to Kenneth Walker at the end of the first quarter. Devin Fuller got his number called a lot as he picked up 58 yards. Devin Lucien and Eldridge Massington got in the game too.
The point is to look for this unit to be successful this season. So far they appear better than last year and that is saying something, especially with the Bruins losing their #1 guy Shaquelle Evans. But for now, it is great to have a deep unit that has a lot of youth and talent on it and is producing.
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