Go Joe Bruin
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UCLA Football vs. BYU: 3 Keys to Victory

By Mike Regalado

Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) trails the play as running back Paul Perkins (24) breaks from BYU Cougars linebacker Sae Tautu (31) to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Ucla won 24-23.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) trails the play as running back Paul Perkins (24) breaks from BYU Cougars linebacker Sae Tautu (31) to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Ucla won 24-23.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) during a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) during a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Shut Down The Run

I don’t care how they do it (except for being unsportsmanlike), they just need to do it. UCLA’s defense is still trying to figure out how to stop the run and it is not going to get any easier against BYU.

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The Cougars have a very versatile running back in Jamaal WIlliams. He will test the Bruins up the middle and on the sides and will find ways to get around the Bruin front line. Not only is he fast, but he is strong. It is going to take more than a simple wrap up to stop him.

In addition to that, BYU has a talented dual-threat quarterback in Taysom Hill. He does not have as good of an arm as Tanner Mangum (who led the Cougars against the Bruins last season), but he is more mobile. He will definitely keep the Bruins guessing, which is why UCLA needs to be a lot more disciplined with their run defense.

What will help the Bruins is Eddie Vanderdoes returning to the line up after straining his knee in the first half of last week’s UNLV game.

In addditon, UCLA will also add some pass rushers back into the mix as defensive ends Deon Hollins and Takkarist McKinley return from injury.

Next: Come Out Strong in the 3rd Quarter