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UCLA Football vs. Utah: Three Keys to Victory

By Ashley Tellier

Oct 15, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) takes the hand off from UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) during a game 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 running back Nate Starks (23) takes the hand off from UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Football will host #19 Utah at the Rose Bowl this weekend. After a tough loss to Washington State, things aren’t going to get any easier for the Bruins.

I believe the first step to recovery is acceptance, so let’s accept the fact that the Bruins are in a rough spot. UCLA Football is in trouble. Say it with me. Okay, now we can move on to a plan for success.

This Saturday, UCLA will host red hot #19 Utah. The Utes boast a 3-1 conference record, putting them on top along with the Colorado Buffaloes. UCLA, on the other hand, are hanging in the bottom of Pac with a meager 1-3 conference record.

Related Story: UCLA Football: Almost Is Not Good Enough

A win against Utah would give the Bruins the momentum needed to turn this season around. Here are the three keys to that victory:

Rosen, Where Are You?

UCLA Head Coach Jim Mora‘s team has been exposed. Once a preseason ranked team picked to win its conference, the Bruins have since fallen from grace.

Sep 24, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

One could say the problems started when QB Josh Rosen got injured in the Arizona State game. But the reality is the Bruins were showing plenty signs of trouble prior to Rosen’s injury.

Redshirt Senior Mike Fafaul was tapped since to step into Rosen’s shoes, making his first college start last week against Wazzu. Admittedly, Fafaul showed some improvements compared to his disastrous performance in Tempe. But Fafaul is simply not enough.

I can’t see the Bruins winning against Utah without Rosen. We need him. Mora continues to be coy about the quarterback’s status. But at this point, I would take a Rosen at 50% than a Fafaul at 100%.

Run, Anybody, Run!

The big enigma this season for UCLA has been the lack of a run game. The Bruins are the third-worst rushing team in the nation. Yikes!

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The problem is not due to talent. Rather, it is likely an adjustment period for the new offensive scheme.

Regardless, the Bruins are running out of time to get the run sorted out. With a battered Rosen or an inexperienced backup, the Bruins will need the offense to do something else besides throwing the ball.

Mora promised something would be done about the run game. Hopefully Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach Kennedy Polamalu will execute accordingly.

I yearn for a Saturday when I don’t miss Paul Perkins.

D-Fence!

The only shining spot for UCLA Football this season has been the defense. Despite losing some key players to the NFL draft and having a questionable start, Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley‘s players are excelling.

Although Utah has only lost one game all season, most of the games the Utes have won were close games. Utah quarterback Troy Williams has just a 56.6% completion rate and many of the team’s running backs have been sidelined with injury.

If the defense can shine once more, the Bruins could have a chance to upset the Utes. Otherwise, this will be yet another difficult game to watch.

Next: Mora Says There Will Be Changes to the Run Game

Utah won’t be an easy game for the Bruins, but if UCLA can finally get all the pieces in the right place, the Bruins should have a chance to improve their conference record.