The UCLA Football team took a hit on the defensive side of the ball as news came out that junior defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes is out for the entire season after suffering an ACL tear.
Jack Wang of InsideSoCal.com had written that Head Coach Jim Mora said Vanderdoes’ knee had “locked up” earlier in the game, though he played through it.
It appears that Eddie Vanderdoes had injured it or caused more damage to the injury later in the game.
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With 3:43 remaining in the 3rd quarter, the UCLA offense had the ball at Virginia’s 3-yard line, prompting them to bring out their heavy formation which consists of defensive players in the back field.
UCLA QB Josh Rosen had connected with DT Kenny Clark on a pass play that read as a run for Myles Jack. In the ensuing celebration, Vanderdoes ran over to his teammate and lifted Clark into the air. Vanderdoes had hit the ground after bringing down the 310 lbs. Clark.
Big man party in the end zone! Congrats to DT Kenny Clark on his 1st touchdown as a Bruin!#BruinRevolution #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/DxMDEfaxfs
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) September 6, 2015
This is a crushing blow for the UCLA defensive front. Both Vanderdoes and Clark were named as one of the best D-line duos before the season. They were expected to power the Bruin’s run defense which was evident on Saturday when they only allowed 98 rushing yards.
The Bruins are already thin on the defensive line, but have several young players that can step up. Matt Dickerson, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Eli Ankou all played against Virginia, so expect them to be part of what could be a heavy rotation of D-men.
Injury News and Such
-Although it did not look too bad 60 rows up in the Rose Bowl, S Randall Goforth had left the game with a neck injury, but is not considered serious.
#UCLA DB Randall Goforth had a sore neck, Coach Jim Mora said, but Mor also said he should practice tuesday @UCLAFootball #pac12
— chris foster (@cfosterworld) September 6, 2015
–Steven Manfro apparently dislocated his shoulder in pregame warm-ups.
–Nate Starks did not play and Mora would not elaborate.
Next: The New UCLA Football Defense