So head coach Jim Mora is staying quiet on the status of Brett Hundley‘s arm. That is fine. It is strategy, but it is a strategy that no one likes, simply because they do not know what to look for in the coming game versus Arizona State. That is part of the plan. If no one knows what to plan for, they have to plan for everything, which makes extra work for one group of people in particular… the Arizona State football team. With that, here are a few quarterback scenarios that might happen involving Hundley.
Hundley Is Good To Go
Sep 13, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) warms up before the game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
If Hundley steps onto that field without any lingering effects from hyperextending his elbow against Texas, then there should be no worries going forward. Hundley should be able to pick up where he left off, except this time, I doubt there will be many more 11-yard diving scrambles directly into two defenders. Hundley has to be smarter in that department. He must know that a 1st quarter scramble for the 1st down is worth a lot less than his career. With that, the Bruins should leave the run game to Paul Perkins, Jordan James and Nate Starks.
Now for the fun part… Hundley’s passing game. No doubt the Bruin coaching staff has looked into everything and taken ever precaution with Hundley, so the focus on his game (and protecting him with the offensive line) will be critical. With that being said, Hundley should have a field day throwing the ball around Sun Devil Stadium. In his last full game, Hundley threw for 396 yards, completed a career-high 33 passes and 3 touchdowns in the win against Memphis. The same thing should happen against ASU.
Hundley Starts, But Is Not 100%
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If Hundley is able to play but has some limitations, that could affect everything. Hand-offs, passes, options and even carrying the ball. The most concerning thing in this scenario is if the O-line will be able to completely protect Hundley. The offensive line has done better every game, but the fact that they have let have let their quarterbacks take a hit 12 times this year is not good. Not only will concerns about Hundley performing be in question, but so will those in regards to the big guys up front. Whether or not Hundley plays, the Sun Devils know to attack the front line as each Bruin opponent has this year.
The main concern is if UCLA is going to play a conservative game. Will they bring everything in tighter just to avoid Hundley getting hurt? Will UCLA heavily commit to the run despite not being great (although improving) this season? That could cost UCLA yards, points and possibly the game. But something tells me, that if this is the case, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone could have something up his sleeve.
Hundley Is Out, Who Is In?
Dec 27, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterbacks Richard Brehaut (12), Brett Hundley (17), Jerry Neuheisel (11) and Kevin Prince (4) throw passes against the Baylor Bears in the 2012 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
If Hundley is out, this game could be up in the air, especially since Mora said he would not even name a back-up quarterback in place of the injured Hundley. Jerry Neuheisel did a noble effort getting the Bruins past Texas, but things are a bit more serious now and there will be no “winging it” and having to make swift decisions as to which QB goes up against Arizona State. Neuheisel has shown he can assimilate to the situation, but with a week and a half to assess that situation, could UCLA be priming Asiantii Woulard for the start?
Whatever reason Woulard was not picked to cover for Hundley in the Texas game do not matter now. If UCLA goes with Woulard, that makes the Bruins dangerous on a different level. Woulard is a dual-threat quarterback and even though he was not impressive in fall camp, does not mean his athletic nature has gone to shambles. It has been said the he is one of the most athletic players on the roster and now would be a good time to utilize his skills simply because his individual run game could be threatening to the ASU D. The best thing about it… no one has seen what Woulard can do. Advantage UCLA.
Either way, if Neiheisel or Woulard get the start, is there a contingent plan if that goes awry? It is not entirely out of the question that UCLA goes to a two-quarterback system, but will they? At that point, when Hundley is completely out of the picture, the Bruins need to come up with a plan that best fits them in the game situation.
I just know I would hate to be in that position if that were me, so for all intensive purposes, let ut hope Hundley is okay.