UCLA Football: UCLA vs. Oregon State Early Analysis

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 7, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; UCLA running back Sos Jamabo (1) carries the ball to score a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; UCLA running back Sos Jamabo (1) carries the ball to score a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA Offense Vs. OSU Defense

The Bruins had an offensive explosion last year up in Corvallis. The Noel Mazzone offense stretched the Beaver defense to beyond its limits and the results clearly showed on the scoreboard.This year, under a new offensive coordinator, there’s no reason to believe the results should be too different.

Despite Oregon State improving on both sides of the ball and having another year in their respective systems, they are still outclassed in terms of athletes against the Bruins. The UCLA running game can really grind teams down and let’s not forget about UCLA’s not so secret weapon in Josh Rosen.

Rosen had a field day last year and should only improve this season with a new quarterback coach in Marques Tuiasosopo. Look for Rosen to have another 300 yard game and for the running backs to spread the wealth on the ground.

Related Story: UCLA Football: Predicting the Defensive Starters

OSU Offense Vs. UCLA Defense

The Beavers have the talent on the perimeter to stress almost any team in college football and a rugged running back that will knock you on your backside. The offensive line is where the real question is and the Beavers will almost certainly be without their best one in LT Sean Harlow who will probably redshirt this season with injury.

The Bruins have the front seven to really get after a quarterback and the secondary to play man to man in any blitz situation. It could get really ugly for the Beavers if they can’t protect their signal caller.

A solid running game and play action will be best way to slow down any UCLA pressure. Bootleg plays will also allow the Beavers to only worry about half the field instead of trying to protect for extended periods. If they can get enough of these plays to go for positive yardage and eventually points, they will hold up their end of the bargain in the bid to win this game.

Next: Final Predictions