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UCLA Football: Has The Spread Offense Salvaged The Bruins Season?

By Andrew Goodman

Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) passes against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) passes against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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With former senior walk-on, placeholder Mike Fafaul at quarterback, UCLA Football has moved from the pro-style offense back to the more familar spread, up-tempo offense.

It is no doubt that the spread offense benefits this UCLA Football team. They have the right personnel to run the up-tempo offense, and it is resulting in more big plays for the Bruins.

UCLA found some success against Oregon State last week running the ball, as they ran for 174 yards which was good for 5.6 yards per carry.

It seems like a lifetime since the Bruins have gained more than 100 yards on the ground, which begs the question, is the running game being held back because of the lack of personnel?

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At the beginning of the season, it seemed like a great idea for UCLA Head Coach Jim Mora to implement the pro-style offense to further develop quarterback Josh Rosen and his offense.

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However, it has since caused an array of problems. The lack of personnel has made the switch look like a complete failure.

Mora and his UCLA staff recruited players to run a specific sort of offense, the spread. The players had to move away from it and start becoming familiar with a completely different offense.

It is unfortunate that it took an injury to the Bruins star quarterback to realize they need to alter offenses again with a new quarterback coming in.

Before Rosen’s injury, the pro-style offense showed absolutely no signs of improvement. So the switch in offense has definitely benefited the Bruins.

But what about next season? It will be interesting to see exactly how Mora handles this offseason regarding assistant coaches and the offense.

With Rosen slated to make a full recovery by the time the season starts next year, will UCLA go back to the high powered spread offense?

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Whatever the case may be, it has been evident that the pro-style offense does not fit this UCLA team. They need to stick to what’s been their bread and butter for the last handful of seasons. That is the spread offense.