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UCLA Football vs. Arizona Wildcats: Three Keys to Victory

By Andrew Goodman

Sep 24, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball while being tackled by UCLA Bruins running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) and linebacker Kenny Young (42) during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball while being tackled by UCLA Bruins running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (4) and linebacker Kenny Young (42) during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a gut-punch loss, the UCLA Football team must respond this Saturday at home against the Arizona Wildcats and make a statement. Here is how they can do it.

Arizona is coming off a difficult loss this past weekend against Washington in overtime. The UCLA Football team is also recovering after a late-game meltdown to Stanford.

That makes Saturday’s matchup very interesting.

Stop Arizona’s Rushing Attack

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Arizona comes into this game hampered (that’s an understatement) by injuries. They are down to their 4th string running back, but that won’t shy them away from doing what they do bestL run the ball.

This is a good test for the Bruins, who have to deal with dual-threat QB, Brandon Dawkins.

He doesn’t like to throw the ball deep, rather he checks under coverage and dumps it off to his receivers and hope they make a play.

He is also very mobile. Dawkins already has 390 rushing yards and 7 TDs on the ground, not bad for a quarterback.

It is unclear who is starting at tailback this weekend for Arizona, but if UCLA cannot stop the run, this game could get ugly.

Attack The Secondary

UCLA didn’t have much success throwing the ball downfield against Stanford, but that should change against Arizona’s secondary. This is a great opportunity for UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen to get in sync with his wide receivers.

Rosen and the receiving corps haven’t really been on the same page this early in the season, but look for that to change. Look for UCLA to challenge Arizona’s secondary early and much more than they did against Stanford in their last game.

Related Story: Mora Likes What His Team Brings

Improve The Run, NOW!

UCLA has been mediocre at best this season at running the ball, which is usually their forte. Without a true number one running back, it has been a constant rotation of: Soso Jamabo, Bolu Olorunfunmi, Brandon Stephens and Nate Starks.

Jamabo usually gets the most touches, but UCLA has had the most success when Olorunfunmi is in the backfield. He fits this offense to perfection with his size and quickness and gives him a different dimension under Kennedy Polomalu, so look for a heavy dose of him this weekend.

It is very important for UCLA to establish the run game. Without doing so, this offense becomes very one dimensional. If UCLA can be successful at this, it will open up the play-action pass downfield.

Next: UCLA Football: Negating the Negativity

If the Bruins can cover these 3 keys, they are capable of putting on a beautiful display of football.