Go Joe Bruin
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UCLA vs Texas A&M: A Battle on the Edge

By Michael Chavez

Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) sacks Nevada Wolf Pack quarterback Tyler Stewart (15) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportFor Garrett I looked at multiple games but I’m going with the Alabama tape for this one.
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) sacks Nevada Wolf Pack quarterback Tyler Stewart (15) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportFor Garrett I looked at multiple games but I’m going with the Alabama tape for this one. /

Garrett Is Geared Up

Now I’m not saying the Bruins are Alabama nor am I saying McDermott is Cam Robinson at the left tackle position. However both teams are major programs and both have potential first round selections at the left tackle position.

One way the Tide dealt with Garrett in the run game was to line up a tight end on his outside shoulder and not even try to block him with the tackle. On the snap the tight end would slide down the line and seal off Garrett as the back bounced it outside.

It isn’t the wildest scheme but it was incredibly effective and allowed the runningbacks to break into the second level quickly.

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The Alabama offense was also willing to run right at him which is something UCLA will have to do. If the Bruins try to avoid running to his side they’ll just be limiting themselves. Garrett was able to make tackles when runs came to his side but they were four to five yards downfield

Of course Garrett also got his licks in. Against ‘Bama Garrett showed off every facet of his game and was strong against Robinson who outweighs him easily by 50lbs.

He displayed strong hand usage and his overwhelming speed and athleticism were on display. Garrett would often line up in a wide-9 stance and when Robinson would overset to the outside, he would cut it back up inside between the guard and tackle to make tackles for loss.

Robinson displayed his own footwork by getting back inside or using his inside hand to push Garrett into a guard. It was a stellar chess match.

Now let’s look at his opposite for this Saturday’s huge match up.

Next: Mount McDermott