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UCLA Football: UCLA vs. Oregon State Early Analysis

By Michael Chavez

Nov 7, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte (18) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Oregon State safety Brandon Arnold (3) during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte (18) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Oregon State safety Brandon Arnold (3) during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Jordan Villamin (13) catches the ball to score a touchdown in front of California Golden Bears cornerback Darius Allensworth (2) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Jordan Villamin (13) catches the ball to score a touchdown in front of California Golden Bears cornerback Darius Allensworth (2) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Players

QB Darell Garretson

The quarterback position hasn’t been a strength for the past few years in Corvallis. That could change this year. Garretson hails from Chandler High School in Arizona which gave the Bruins former stud Brett Hundley. He took over for Seth Collins last season and proved to be a much steadier option for the offense and benefits from throwing to a talented receiving corps. He’s also aided by having a solid backfield that he can lean on when he needs to. His return this year should provide a steadying force for this offense and in turn for the team.

WR Jordan Villamin

If you’ve follow the NFL and CFB, you’ll notice the Beavers have had some success getting wide receivers into the NFL. From Markus Wheaton to Brandin Cooks there has been a recent pipeline from Corvallis to the league and that flow should continue with this next key player.

Since coming to Oregon State Villamin has been the go-to guy and paired well with fellow veteran receiver Victor Bolden. With his size, speed and strength, he is a true matchup nightmare. All he really needs is more consistent quarterback play and he should get it this year.

LB Titus Failauga

Coming into year two of a 3-4 defense, the Beavers have done all they can to try and find the right pieces to make this unit go. If you’re going to run this type of scheme you’re going to need outside linebackers that can get after the passer but can also be effective in coverage. Failauga is able to do all of those things as a converted defensive lineman.

With his 6-3 248lb frame, he’s capable of setting the edge in run defense but is a skilled and athletic pass rusher. Despite not being able to practice much at all this fall camp due to a lingering injury, he’s still atop the depth chart. That type of unspoken confidence from the coaches will show dividends during the season.

Related Story: Jim Mora Talks Season Preparation

Stats

  • UCLA leads the all time series 41-16-4
  • Last season’s 41-0 win wasn’t the worst defeat the Beavers have suffered to UCLA. In 1954 the Bruins won 61-0.
  • Soso Jamabo averaged 10 yards per carry against Oregon State last season on only 9 carries.
  • The Oregon State quarterbacks combined for 131 yards and 3 interceptions against the Bruins in 2015.

Next: Offense versus Defense