Here are the keys to victory for UCLA when the BYU Cougars visit the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
Will the Bruins let these guys do this again? Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
1. Identify the Blitz and Get Rid of the Ball – the Cougars have played an aggressive 3-4 defense in their first 2 games and showed blitzes from every angle. Don’t expect this to change much against Josh Rosen and the UCLA offense. The offensive line and running backs must be able to pick up the stunts, blitzes and delays that the Cougars throw at them or Rosen is going to get beat up. Getting rid of the ball on time will be equally important for Rosen. This is not a game to get happy feet or be indecisive. BYU will probably hit Rosen even when he gets rid of it on time, they will break him in half if he gives them a chance.
Does this face cream “emotionally stable” to you? Will Myles Jack keep his cool against the Cougs? No and No, but he will hit someone really hard. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
3. Maintain Emotional Stability – Josh Rosen and the Bruins were the belles of the ball after the Week 1 domination of Virginia. That win looks even better after the Hoos barely managed to avoid upsetting Notre Dame. Additionally, Oregon’s loss and Auburn’s near loss propelled the Bruins into the top 10, a height the Bruins have not exactly been comfortable at in recent years. Hopefully, the Bruins have learned to stay focused on what they can control and can tune out the hype.
Also, BYU is the type of team that can goad Myles Jack into doing something crazy. Hopefully, he can avoid earning a suspension against the chippy Cougars.
Go Bruins
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