Sep 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) carries the ball 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
Here is our Position Group Report Card for Memphis vs UCLA.
Quarterback: A-
Brett Hundley showed exactly what he is made of one week after he was heavily pressured by a rabid Virginia front. With Jake Brendel back at starting center, the line had structure and was able to let Hundley do what he does with a lot more time to operate. There were a few plays were he seemed to stall and even had a pick six at the end of the game, but overall he put the Bruins into position to score on several possessions and even had several beautiful touchdown passes.
Running Backs: C
Paul Perkins gets an “A” for effort as he was the only one able to produce anything. Despite running for most of the yards, he was over shadowed by Iron Man, Myles Jack who had seven crucial yards on a 4th and 1 and a 4-yd TD. It is great that he is automatic but it is disconcerting that there is no permanent RB that can do this already.
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
Wide Receivers: A
They had a beautiful game and made some of the most beautiful catches and scores in this early season. Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte were called upon several times and they did not disappoint as they combined for 11 receptions on 214 yards. Duarte even added a pylon dive and a 35-yard catch for TDs. To add, Kenneth Clark helped with the early attack as he pulled in a 65-yard bomb. I am telling you, this unit is going to impress this season.
Offensive Line: B
As noted above, Brendel’s return was huge. The line was tighter and allowed Hundley to work, but they still gave up several sacks and do not have perfect chemistry, but they will get better. Aside from Brendel playing his first game, it was the first time he has played consistently since the second week of training camp. Still, for what they did against Memphis is commendable. Do better in the next game.
FanSided
Defensive Line: B-
It took seven quarters, but the Bruins finally managed to get a sack. Aside from that, the DL was held off by the Memphis offensive line. The D-line had the pressure, but was never able to break through and really disrupt the QB Paxton Lynch who threw for 305 yards. The Bruin front line has to find a way to improve on that or come conference time, some of the better O-lines will chew them up.
Linebackers: C-
The linebackers seemed very confused against the Tigers. Memphis executed a lot of sweeps, slants and overloads which perplexed the defense and often times left the Tiger receivers with five yard buffers. This was not the team we saw last week or heard about the entire off-season. There were missed tackles, missed assignments and even missed opportunities that the Tigers capitalized on and was able to stay with the Bruins until the end. The Bruins passed this test, but just barely.
Defensive Backs: B-
They were not the best out there, but they were not the worst. The Tigers did not go down field a whole lot as their short game was working perfectly, but when they would go to the sidelines or no-man’s land between the LBs and the secondary, there was definitely miscommunication. A lot of what baffled the linebackers caused the secondary to try and make up for those miscues. The DBs held their own, but they were also not stellar as we have been hearing about since the end of last season. If UCLA wants to show that they truly have a “no passing zone”, then they have to step up their game from Texas on out.