UCLA Football: Get Out to the Rose Bowl for the Players

There are only three home games left for the UCLA football team, and I know it might be hard to watch at times, but fans have to get out to the Rose Bowl to support these Bruins!

Did you think the UCLA Football team would be 3-4 after seven games? It’s a rough time in Westwood in a season filled with highs and lows which has unfortunately averaged out to mediocrity.

Still, if the Bruins have a slight chance against any team, Bruin fan should get behind them for the remainder of the season (actually, that should happen regardless). And that goes double for when games are at the Rose Bowl.

What is the most important reason for this? To cheer on the players themselves.

Defensive Stalwarts

If anything, you need to go and check out how DE Takkarist McKinley has been doing. He is leading the team in tackles for a loss (9) and sacks (4) and is also getting some national attention. NFL.com recently did a piece on him and how he looks similar to DeMarcus Ware.

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How about LB Jayon Brown? He continues to play at a high-level and currently leads the Bruins in tackles with 63. Not only is he an explosive athlete, but is turning into quite a leader on the defense.

And don’t tell me you forgot about DT Eddie Vanderdoes? This could be his last season in Westwood and though it’s not going as planned, EV is getting things done on a defensive line that has helped improve the run defense. You have to show “Cheeseburger Eddie” some love!

And let’s not forget DB Randall Goforth who has been a Renaissance Man in the defensive backfield.

Though he plays safety, he has done a fantastic job covering the CB position after a few unfortunate injuries.

Offensive Powers

I know the offense isn’t where we hoped it would be in this new power offense, but it hasn’t been all bad. Let us take a second to recognize those Bruins that of been busting their butts this season.

Starting with WR Darren Andrews, he has been the most consistent receiver on the team. UCLA has their issues with dropped balls, but that is not a concern with Andrews as he leads the team in receiving yards (439) and yards per game (62.7).

And let’s not forget about QB Josh Rosen who has had to carry this team on his back most of the season. Personally, I think it’s pretty good that he’s averaging over 300 yards a game in an offense that isn’t producing much. Against Arizona State, he threw for 400 yards and was knocked out of the game twice. If the offense as a whole wakes up, they will be in very good hands with Rosen ahead of the game.

Honorable Mentions

QB Mike Fafaul – He had one hell of a game against Washington State. To come in and play for a quarterback like Rosen against a fierce Washington State defense and nearly pull out a win. I give him an “8 clap” for that!

P Austin Kent – Yes he might’ve gotten chewed out by Jim Mora for a -1 yard punt against Washington State, but that was one of the few mistakes he has had all season. As a true freshman he has been a solid addition to special teams. He has consistently shown he can pin the ball back against the end zone, but also creates enough space to help out the defense. Here is an “8 clap” to you too, sir!

Next: UCLA vs. Utah: game Day Info - TV, Live Stream, Odds and More

So if you needed a reason to get out to the Rose Bowl and watch UCLA take on Utah on Saturday, here’s a handful of them for you. Go Bruins!