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UCLA Football: Building You Up To Break You Down

By Andrew Goodman

Oct 15, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA suffered another disappointing loss this weekend in Pullman to the Washington State Cougars 27-21. The loss brings their record to 3-4,1-3.

The lone bright spot (again) for the UCLA Football team was the defense. They currently rank 28th nationally in defense, giving up a stingy 334 yards per game.

Defensive Cordinator Tom Bradley has done wonders for UCLA’s defense in his first two seasons, and they are hanging their hat on that.

On the other side of the ball, the lack of execution is inexcusable and someone has got to be held accountable for it. Kennedy Polomalu? Jim Mora?

Related Story: Dropped Passes and O-Line Issues Give UCLA a Loss at Wazzu

UCLA ranks 126th nationally out of 128 teams in rushing. This is unacceptable. They average a very poor 91 yards per game on 2.8 yards per carry.

Again, the offensive line was over powered by their opponent. UCLA lacks talent on the offensive line, and it is very obvious.

The line has been pretty undisciplined as well. They are responsible for most of the penalties called against the Bruins.

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They also fail to open up lanes for the running backs, which really caps the potential of Soso Jamabo, Bolu Olurunfunmi and Nate Starks.

Without a solid offensive line, UCLA’s run game has been invisible this season.

Does UCLA have any consistent wide receivers? Albeit junior Darren Andrews has been solid, but he also had a game losing fumble in the last three minutes.

UCLA backup quarterback Mike Fafaul did a pretty solid job, he made some very good passes, but again he was let down by the wide receivers.

Why doesn’t Theo Howard play? Your guess is as good as mine.

Special teams has also been a question mark this season. Punter Austin Kent struggled yesterday to say the least. So much to the fact that one of his punts went for a negative one yard. Ouch.

UCLA also lacks a consistent punt returner, we miss you Devin Fuller. Defensive backs Randall Goforth and Adarius Pickett usually hold down the punt return duties.

Both have done a mediocre job catching the football. UCLA has muffed at least one punt in each of their last three games. Secure the football. As for Ishmael Adams, though once good, has not lived up to his potential.

Next: What Is Going On With Roster Management?

This season has been a disaster for the Bruins, and there are really no signs of improvement.