The UCLA Football team will visit Arizona State this coming Saturday. The Bruins cannot afford to lose this game if they still want a shot at the Pac-12 title.
While the UCLA Football team is hot from a (second-half) dominating win against Arizona, this Saturday’s opponent, the Arizona Sun Devils are recovering from a beating handed to them by the USC Trojans.
Related Story: Know Your Opponent: UCLA vs. ASU
As I always say, never trust a defeated team, as those players will come out hungrier than ever. Against ASU, the Bruins will need to be consistent from the get-go if they want to make it out of Tempe with a W.
1. Touchdowns Are Non-Negotiable
ASU has allowed more yards and points per game than UCLA by a considerable amount. This is, of course, great news for the Bruins. However, UCLA Football has been struggling to consistently strike in the red zone, often times settling for field goals; some of which missed the uprights.
UCLA cannot afford to do this with ASU because the Devils are a high-scoring team. If Josh Rosen & Co. can find a way to connect, UCLA will be able to get a handle on this game pretty easily. But that is a big “if.”
Sure, the Bruins scored several touchdowns against Arizona. But UCLA’s dominance against Arizona during the Jim Mora era is well-known. ASU is a total different monster. The Sun Devils have upset the Bruins twice since 2012. Bottom line, the Bruins can’t sleep on ASU.
2. The O-Line Must Be O-some
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UCLA Football is still struggling with what to do with the running backs. ASU’s defense has allowed almost four times as many passing yards compared to rushing yards. Therefore, UCLA’s best weapon in this game will be, without a doubt, Josh Rosen.
Unfortunately for the Bruins though, the offensive line has been a huge problem so far this season. This problem has now been compounded by the injury Kolton Miller suffered in the last game, which will keep him out of this upcoming game.
Rosen will need time to get the ball downfield, and the Bruins will have to find a way to make this happen. If the linemen can’t give Rosen time in the pocket, the Bruins will have a long night ahead.
Overwhelm the Backup QB
It feels wrong to even think of this in the comfort of my home, sitting behind a computer screen, but if Brady White plays next Saturday, the Bruins must get in the guy’s face until there’s nothing left of him.
Okay, let’s back up a bit. In their game against USC, Arizona State lost their starting QB Manny Wilkins to injury. At that point, redshirted freshman White saw meaningful action in a college game for the very first time. That makes sense because Wilkins is actually rather good and White, well, he’s a baby. No, really, here’s his team pic. See for yourself.
Against USC, White completed 6 passes in 13 attempts, had a total of 80 yards, and threw a touchdown. I’ll give him some credit, for a backup, it was quite impressive that USC didn’t pick any of his passes. Nevertheless, if the Bruins can pressure this QB all game long, they will be able to contain the high-scoring ASU offense.
Next: UCLA Football: Preparing for the ASU Blitz
The UCLA Bruins need to come out of Tempe with a win. Beating the Sun Devils will keep the Bruins in contention for the Pac-12 title, something Mora desperately needs. And these three keys are the way to get the outcome the Bruins want and need.