There really is not much the Bruins have to do to play a consistent game. They can improve on all areas, but these three things I am about to list could really help those efforts considering what Oregon is going through. Here are the Bruin keys to the game.
UCLA’s Defensive Line
More from UCLA Bruins Football
- UCLA Football: It’s time for the nation to meet Dante Moore
- UCLA Football: Where are they ranked heading into week 4
- UCLA Football: Position battle breakdown for Utah showdown
- UCLA vs. Utah: Location, time, prediction, and more
- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
A huge game is needed from whatever three or four guys are on the defensive line. Eli Ankou, Kenneth Clark, Ellis McCarthy, Takkarist McKinley, Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Eddie Vanderdoes all need to have their best game of the season. With Oregon having offensive line woes, teams have sacked Ducks QB Marcus Mariota 12 times in the last two games. The Bruins have not had the best luck getting in the backfield, so today would be the day to make that happen. Not necessarily blitzing, but putting more pressure in the line, especially where Oregon has some young guys securing spots for injured veterans.
Cutting Off The Edges
As for UCLA’s offensive line woes, it is imperative that the Bruins stop defensive attacks off the edges of the line. Last week, Utah murdered the Bruins and threw the Bruin O-line off their game. A lot of that came from the tackle positions that Caleb Benenoch and Malcolm Bunche occupy. The middle of the line has done a decent job, so if the Bruins play together, dig deep and disallow the Duck front seven to penetrate the line, Brett Hundley can work his magic whether it be in foot or through the air.
Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linemen line up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Burn’em Deep
Oregon is giving up a lot of yards through the air. Though they have some solid secondary players, they have not been as sharp as in years past. The Duck’s defensive coordinator Don Pellum has been criticized for his lack of execution and vision (funny, where have Bruin fans heard that before?) which has put Oregon in some compromising spots. The Bruins offense HAS TO attack like they did against Arizona State. The O-line has to stand strong, blocking has to be impeccable, routes needed to be executed perfectly and Hundley has to make quick decisions getting the ball to his guys.
If that happens, there is no doubt UCLA comes out with a win.
For further reading, check out our Game Preview and Gameday Info.