Go Joe Bruin lists 50 things UCLA Football fans should look for durging the 2016 season.
50 days! That is how long we have until the UCLA Football team takes the field against Texas A&M on September 3 to start the 2016 season.
I can hardly wait.
With expectations high after an 8-5 season, UCLA is looking to bounce back and try to claim another 9 or 10 win season. Heck, with everything that college football analysts are hoping of the Bruins, it is possible for UCLA to snag 11 or 12 wins, but let us calm down with that kind of talk right now. There is plenty of time for that later.
Right now, let us take a look at 50 things all Bruin fans should keep an eye on as the season progresses. From Game 1 to their bowl game, the Bruins will have a lot going for them this season.
Next: 1-5
1. The Start of School, A Dip in Production?
It happens every year. Right around the third or fourth game of the season when UCLA starts school, the UCLA Football team usually hits a bump in the road. With almost a month to concentrate on nothing but football, once school starts, the added pressure of being a student athlete takes hold and somehow the Bruins take a step back in production. If this were to happen, hopefully it happens after game #4, against Stanford.
2. Hollins Breakout Year?
Deon Hollins had a breakout game during the 2015 Alamo Bowl. With three total sacks, he looked to be the pass rusher the Bruins so desperately have been looking for since the departure of Anthony Barr. During the 2015 season, he didn’t exactly fulfill those demands, but there was progress. Though he was still effective, for the most part production suffered due to the lack of overall effectiveness with the run defense. This year, in a 4-3 defense, he could flourish.
3. Special Teams Upgrade?
Ka’Imi Fairbairn won the Lou Groza Award for best kicker in the country and there is talk UCLA has a better kicker coming in this season. They will also have a better punter and long snapper. This past national signing day, UCLA snaked three special teams players who wore all number two at their position last year. Special Teams: upgraded.
4. What’s Up With Tom Bradley?
Though this is a concern more for the present, Bruin fans everywhere want to know what is happening with Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley. After a deposition was unsealed claiming he knew of Jerry Sandusky’s crimes, Bradley has maintained that he nothing about said crimes. So is he free of this debacle or will it come back to haunt him (and UCLA) this year?
5. More Rosen Running The Read Option
Many Bruin fans might not realize this because of the limited amount of runs he took in 2015, but Josh Rosen is a runner. Just check his high school tapes. He is particularly good in the read option. So will we see more runs from Rosen in 2016? We think so.
Next: 6-10
6. Pass Rushing Progress
The run defense was atrocious in 2015, which included a less than effective pass rush. That could change in 2016 as the defense is basing their schemes in the 4-3 defense (4 linemen, 3 linebackers). With this scheme, the Bruins will have more bodies going at offenses at the line of scrimmage, and hopefully that also means more players going around offensive lines to attack the quarterback.
7. Rosen Record Breaker, Part Deux
Josh Rosen broke several long standing and freshman records in 2015. With all of his talent and wisdom, it is possible he continues that trend in 2016.
8. More Sacks Allowed
Last season UCLA had an incredible drop in sacks allowed. The Bruins only gave up 15 for the year as opposed to xx from the previous year. Hat was mostly due to having the most experienced line in the nation, but after losing three starters, UCLA’s sacks allowed could take several hits.
9. A Shape-Shifting Offense
UCLA football will play the spread offense as well as power football. Here at Go Joe Bruin we have coined the term “Amoeba offense”. UCLA well not completely convert over to a power-based offense, but instead use elements of the power and the spread to have the offense operate moving forward.
10. The Last Adidas Jersey
This is the last year that Adidas will be clothing the UCLA football team. The unfortunate part for the UCLA football team, is that it took the last season for Adidas to get the UCLA jerseys right. The shoulder stripes are correct, the pants are gold and there’s no fancy extras. It actually looks like a UCLA football jersey. With it being the last Adidas uni, there is a chance it could be a collector’s item.
Next: 11-15
11. Defensive Backs On Top of the Pac
Last season, UCLA had horrible run defense, which is probably why teams ran the ball more than the passed against UCLA. Still, the Bruins were pretty solid defending the air and they return four starters from last season. It seems logical the Bruins will continue to be a solid pass defense team.
12. Jim Mora’s Separation
We haven’t really talked about Jim Mora’s separation here at Go Joe Bruin, because it’s none of our business. But there is the lingering worried that Mora will be a bit distracted this year. Will that affect how he runs the team?
13. Balance of Power
Last year the Bruins had an awkward balance between offense and defense. With the offense using a more uptempo style of play, they were often off the field quickly after a quick score or three and out, putting a tired defense back on the field. Can the new offense kill the clock or will the D be on the field double the time the offense is (again)?
14. The Punt and Position Game
The punting game was atrocious for UCLA last year. We’re not exactly sure what happen with Matt Mengel and the experiment with Kenneth Walker, but it was an overall failure. Because of it, this caused a lot of field position problems that gave way too many advantages to Bruin opponents. That changes this year as UCLA gets #2 punter in the nation, Austin Kent and we cannot wait to see how he improves the punting game.
15. The Backup QB Battle
Not only does UCLA have a solid quarterback, but they also have potentially three solid backup quarterbacks. This fall it’s going to be interesting to see who is the number two. Devon Modster, Matt Lynch or (long shot) Dymond Lee.
Next: 16-20
16. DC Tom Bradley More Comfortable in the 4-3?
The 4-3 formation was something that Bradley ran when he was at Penn State. When he got to UCLA, Jim Mora wanted to stay in the 3-4, but with issues of run defense, Bradley is stacking the line. In moving to a style he is more familiar with, the defense should run a lot more efficiently.
17. True Freshmen, Everywhere
The Bruins had one of the biggest recruiting classes this past National Signing Day which means we could see a lot of the newbies take the field in 2016. It is no secret that Mora is not afraid to play freshman, so expect to see new faces out there as early as Game 1.
18. Adams at Wide Receiver
UCLA has a lot of questions at receiver, but maybe the most interesting is what exactly will Ishmael Adams do as a converted defensive back. He looked good in spring and adapted to his new position, now he just needs to put it to action.
19. How Will The Run Defense Be?
With a change to a 4-3 defense and the return of Eddie Vanderdoes, the hope is that UCLA can reduce the average rushing yards given up to way below 198.5 yards per game (their average from last season). In spring we saw transfer Nick Terry and Eli Ankou Imporve on attacking the gaps and saw some good things against from pass rushers Deon Hollins and Keisean Lucier-South. If the Bruins looked anything like their spring production, they should vastly improve their run defense.
20. Wadood Breakout Year?
Wadood is a beast. Know this. The UCLA DB has been consistent from the first game he played in blue and gold and he has only gotten better. This week, Wadood was named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list (best defensive back in the nation) and we can see why. He is quick, aggressive and hard hitting. Wadood. It’s a name the entire nation will soon know.
Next: 21-25
21. Penalties
UCLA has been atrocious with penalties. Yes, Mora does not mind the aggressive penalties, but it is the senseless, undisciplined penalties that are drive killers. With the shift to a power-based offense, the O-line will have to be extra diligent in trying to avoid penalties this year.
22. Meadors, Head Hunter
The defensive backs are the deepest, talented and most experienced position group on the UCLA Football team. They have a great group of veterans and just as equally a great group of youngsters. One of the better youngins is Nate Meadors, a player that looked ready for action last season, but his aggressiveness can not be denied. Look for Meadors this season as he should be called upon several times to lay the hits from the secondary.
23. Fullback Attack
Full backs? Here? Now? Hell yeah! With Kennedy Polamalu looking to add power to his offense, the Bruins will adopt tight ends and fullbacks. The fullbacks will be an interesting addition because it will add a stout element to the already strong running game, but will also take the pressure off the Bruin RBs. Remember Myles Jack in the diamond formation? Imagine a lot more of that.
24. Who’s the Boss?
If the defensive line was looking for help, they got it this past signing day. One of the biggest commitments UCLA got back in February was from DT Boss Tagaloa, a beastly character that (if he doesn’t this year) could be the next Vanderdoes. Look for him to get some field time this season.
25. Which Receivers Will Step Up?
I recently projected the depth chart for the receivers and tight ends and stated that this could be the best group of receptionists in the Jim Mora era. UCLA is at least three deep with good receivers at the X, Z, slot and tight end spot. At least from my perspective, I expect the Bruins to have a very impressive year. Know the names Eldridge Massington, Mossi Johnson, Darren Andrews, Theo Howard, Ishmael Adams, Alex Van Dyke, Stephen Johnson and Nate Iese, just to name a few.
Next: 26-30
26. Oh Yeah, Stanford
So both UCLA and Stanford were chosen to win their respective divisions with Stanford being chosen to win the conference. If UCLA wants to win the conference, they will have to find some way to beat Stanford, possibly twice. Once in the regular season (week 4) and then again in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
27. Snoop In The Stands
With the return of Cordell Broadus, UCLA could have some more celeb power looking on. With Broadus being the son of famed rapper Snoop Dogg, there is a good chance we see Snoop repping the Bruins in the stands this season. Maybe a photo op with another famous father… Sean “Kettle Bell” Combs.
28. The Return of Vanderdoes
When Eddie Vanderdoes went down in Game 1 of the 2015 season, the collective Bruins faithful’s draw dropped. This season, Bruin fans cannot wait to see what the redshirt junior does to avenge his lost season.
29. What Is The Non-Conference Schedule About?
Really Coach Mora? Why would you schedule both Texas A&M and BYU away? It is great that UCLA gets UNLV at home, which should be a beat down, and the upside is that the Bruins get more home games in the conference schedule, but to have two brutal away games seems a bit much.
30. Three-Headed Monster At Running Back
Despite losing nine starters on offense, including the Bruins top running back the last two years Paul Perkins, the Bruins should be well fortified with the three-headed monster they have this season. Soso Jamabo, Nate Starks and Bolu Olorunfunmi will help the Bruin ground game reach new heights as all three are reliable backs that can and will do some damage in 2016.
Next: 31-35
31. Rosen Vs USC
Josh Rosen did not seem happy with his performance in the game versus USC last season. The Bruins could have clinched their first South Division title since Jim Mora’s first season, but a bloodletting at the hands of the Trojans not only kept the Bruins out of the Pac-12 Championship Game, but they were reduced to a lower tiered Foster Farms Bowl.
32. Tight Ends, Hooray!
Part of the move to a power offense will be using tight ends more consistently. Not only did the Bruins hire a tight end coach in Rip Scherer after last season, but they recruited tight ends and converted players to the new position. The use of TEs will help the power formation, though it is nothing new as UCLA has used tight ends (or Y-receivers) in the past.
33. Speed Receivers
UCLA has had some consistent and reliable receivers the last several years. What they haven’t had in the Jim Mora era are speedy receivers. That changes this year. Kenneth Walker, who has been the fastest player on the team the last several years, has improved his pass catching abilities. The addition of freshman Theo Howard will also help put some speed in the passing game. Basically, look out for blue and gold blurs in 2016.
34. Winning at the Rose Bowl?
The Bruins have been road warriors the last few years and somehow less than stellar at home. That might be a little tougher this year as the Bruins have some of their more difficult games at the Rose Bowl. Will their perceived trajectory of success help them win several key games or they once again bound for home disappointment?
35. A Powerful Offensive Line?
The thing about moving to a power based offense is that you need every facet of your offense to be on the same page and be up to the task. The offensive line is coming from a spread offense. With the Bruins trying to move to a more power based offense, they might be a little light in the trenches. Can the Bruin big boys push around some of the tougher defensive lines on their schedule or will they be pushed around themselves?
Next: 36-40
36. Hey Mique, You’re So Fine!
Mique Juarez was another big commit to the UCLA football team back in February. His talents have been compared to that of Myles Jack. If Juarez is anything like Jack, then the Bruins should be able to have a very formidable linebacking corps.
37. Savaiinaea and Brown at Backer
Speaking of linebackers, two LBs that saved UCLA last year after several Bruins went down with injuries (or just did not cut it) were Jayon Brown and Isaako Savaiinaea. These two Bruins really stepped up their game and helped the defense last year. Expect them to not only be leaders in 2016 but to continue to make trouble for opposing offenses.
38. Pac-12 or Bust
It’s about time. UCLA not only needs to return of the Pac-12 Championship Game, but they need to win it. The Bruins went to the Pac-12 championship in Mora’s first year and have only sniffed it in the last three. With all that is expected of them into 2016, they should be able to show they are the top team in the Conference of Champions.
39. Stability At O-Line
The Bruins lost three starters from last season which would normally be a cause for concern. They also lost out on a key transfer, Jake Raulerson, who was denied admission to a graduate program at UCLA. That should also cause concern, but the Bruins have stability with returning experience from Conor McDermott, Scott Quessenberry, Kenny Lacy and Kolton Miller giving the line stability.
40. Alternate Jerseys
We already talked about how this will be Adidas is last year with the Bruins and that they unfortunately, finally, made the uniform what it should have been on the backs of the Bruins all along, but what about the alternate jerseys? Will the Bruins have a sweet third option this year, or will Adidas mail it in with another subpar alternate?
Next: 41-45
41. Prince Molson?
Did you know that former UCLA Basketball player Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was a prince? Of course you did, because every announcer that called a UCLA basketball game said so. Are we going to be hearing the same about new UCLA kicker J.J. Molson, who is a descendant of the Molson family of Montreal? You know, Molson beer? How many times are we going to hear about that this year? (Insert eye rolling emoji.)
42. Road Warriors Again?
Aside from a horrible loss at USC and in the Foster Farms Bowl to end the year, the Bruins have been pretty damn good on the road. Will it continue this year? We will see, but it will be difficult as the Bruins start at Texas A&M and at BYU in two of their first three games.
43. A Proper Bowl
Not only should UCLA be stepping up their game and aiming for a Pac-12 championship, but they should also be gunning for a top-tier bowl. None of this Foster Farms or Alamo or Holiday Bowl nonsense. UCLA needs to get into a New Year’s Day bowl, prefer preferably the Rose Bowl game.
44. Will the 4-3 Stop the Run?
The goal for the defense is to not happen what happened last season. The Bruins were just horrible stopping the run and that needs to change. While solidifying the defense in a 4–3, the Bruins should have a better chance of stopping the run this year.
45. Does Power Bring Diamonds?
Diamonds are Bruins best friend. At least they were the last couple years when the Bruins used defensive players in an offensive power set. Though UCLA will be utilizing more power schemes, hopefully we continue to see the power formation that has been so successful for them in the last few years.
Next: 46-50
46. 3 Specialists Upgrading
Special teams is going to be very special this year. The Bruins snagged commitments from three players that were all ranked #2 at their position in last season. Not only will we have a great long snapper, and a great punter, but also an excellent kicker.
47. How Good Are The Defensive Backs?
The Bruins are returning four starters in the secondary. That is excellent considering the fact that UCLA was the top pass defense team in the Pac-12 conference last year. That trend should continue as the DBs are talented and DEEP.
48. The Year of Soso
Though we will see a triple threat at running back, the one player that looks to have a breakout season is Soso Jamabo. He was instrumental in holding the running game together when Paul Perkins and Nate Starks were briefly sidelined with injuries last season. In the spring, he looked even better and should be the #1 back this fall.
49. Losing Games They Should Win
Every year, like clockwork, it seems there is a game the UCLA football team should win but actually lose. If UCLA wants to become elite, they need to win all the games they should win and not give up or get blown out in the more difficult games. I HAVE SPOKEN!
50. 10-Win Season and Beyond…
I’m just gonna say it right now, UCLA is going to have another 10-win season, will return to playing a high level of football and they will get to a the best bowl in the Mora era. I’m looking at you Rose Bowl game!
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Go Bruins!