Will UCLA Rely More on the Running Game in 2015?

The departure of Brett Hundley from the program brings up a few questions that need to be answered by the coaching staff. At the moment none are more important than who the starting quarterback will be in 2015. But there is one question that might not be answered until the season begins, will the offense be centered around the passing or running game? We’ll take a look at how the offense might look different next year.

UCLA Bruins

The offense last year was centered around the passing and running game of Brett Hundley, and with him taking the next step to the NFL it leaves a gap in an offense that returns 10 starters including the Pac-12’s leading rusher, Paul Perkins.

Now it’s up to the coaching staff to determine how the play calling will change with a brand new signal caller (possibly true freshman Josh Rosen). A new starting quarterback will more than likely bring growing pains to a team that is ready to win now. A way to take the load off the new guy will be turning Perkins into a workhorse back, something that he came close to becoming last year with Hundley.

When the offensive line struggled to keep Brett Hundley upright last year the team was forced to put Perkins in a more prominent role. It took the pressure off the line and Hundley while allowing Perkins to develop into the conference’s leading rusher. It kept opposing defenses from keying into the pass every play, giving the quarterback more time to go through his reads and progress through the play.

The UCLA coaching staff should be looking to do the same this year with an inexperienced starting QB at the helm and a more prepared Paul Perkins ready to handle the large amount of carries he is sure to get.

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