Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Offensive Line

By Mike Regalado

October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of UCLA Bruins offensive line against the Utah Utes defense before the snap during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of UCLA Bruins offensive line against the Utah Utes defense before the snap during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of UCLA Bruins offensive line against the Utah Utes defense before the snap during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of UCLA Bruins offensive line against the Utah Utes defense before the snap during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential 2017 Depth Chart

LT: Kolton Miller, Zach Bateman

LG: Kenny Lacy, Josh Wairboko-Alali

C: Scott Quessenberry, Kanan Ray

RG: Najee Toran, Poasi Moala

RT: Andre James, Kolton Miller

What’s Working

Surprisingly, the O-line has been able to do well when the Bruins are passing the ball. Both Rosen and Mike Fafaul were able to average 295.6 yards per game, third best in the Pac-12. Against ASU, Rosen threw for 400 yards and against Utah, Fafaul threw for 464 yards and broke single-game records for passes completed (40) and pass attempted (70).

So they have that, but for some reason UCLA could not get their running game going, which is why former Offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu reverted back to more spread-based plays late in the season. The offensive line was able to hold back defenses with this faster style of offense, which they have been accustomed to the previous four years under Noel Mazzone. But since they do not currently have an OC, it is unclear what the Bruins will do next season.

What Needs To Improve

Going to more power-based formations was a good idea, in theory, but UCLA needed to ease into it, which did not happen. Polamalu went full speed ahead with his offense and the Bruins paid the price.

UCLA was not able to hold defenses back, especially against the run. The Bruins were trying to push forward, while attempting to create gaps, but often got pushed back or penetrated. Youth, a thin depth chart and inexperience was a recipe for disaster.

Moving forward, Head Coach Jim Mora has to hire a new OC that can work with the players UCLA has. The Bruins have a lot of big guys on their roster, which will help for power football in the future (if they choose to do that), but they are young and need time to develop.

Until then, Mora has to figure out what he wants his offense to do. Will they still use power formations, go full-on with the spread or use elements of both?

Next: 5 Takeaways From UCLA's 2016 Season

More from Go Joe Bruin

Unfortunately, we will not know a thing until the new OC comes into town, which has the offensive line waiting in limbo.