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UCLA Football: UCLA vs. Washington State Early Analysis

By Michael Chavez

Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach argues a call during the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach argues a call during the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Jim Mora during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Jim Mora during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA Offense vs. WSU Defense

Plenty has been made of what kind of offense the Bruins will run in 2015 but it will certainly feature more power plays. Those kind of plays are the ones the Cougars struggled to deal with, just ask Stanford, in 2015 in part because their defense is designed for speed. There are quick, penetrating players but if you run right at them they can be worn down.

The UCLA game plan needs to be a willingness to keep Rosen on a pitch count at least early on, and lean on the Cougar front seven with their run game. UCLA has a stable of backs including a hammer in freshman Jalen Starks and a slasher in Soso Jamabo. Of course this gameplan only works if the offensive line can gel but should the run game falter, the Bruins will find themselves in a shootout. Something we know Rosen isn’t opposed to.

Next: UCLA Football: UCLA vs ASU Early Analysis

WSU Offense vs. UCLA Defense

If 2015 showed anything it’s that the Cougars are going to move the ball no matter who they play. Whether it was through the air or with a sneaky ground game, WSU is an offense that can’t be kept in check. The Bruins had a solid gameplan last season and tried their best to knock QB Luke Falk around and boy did they. The gameplan up front shouldn’t change too much. The defensive line should get after it but with the switch to a greater emphasis on the 4-3 there shouldn’t be a need to blitz just to bring pressure.

The Cougars also lost their most talented lineman to the NFL this past offseason and could how they replace him could help decide their season. The WSU offense is predicated on getting the ball out quickly so if the Bruins can jam on a few underneath routes, they’re going to throw the timing of this offense off which will lead to sacks and pressures. Of course Mike Leach is no fool and will force the Bruins to play in space, opening lanes for his passing attack.

Next: Final Analysis and Prediction