UCLA Football Spring Practice Day 7: Defense Continues to Dominate in Scrimmage

The UCLA Football team had extended periods of time with 11-on-11s in their seventh practice of the Spring, and once again, the defense had control of the scrimmage. Here are some notes from practice.

UCLA Football Offensive Coordinator Jedd Fisch and his coaches seem to be real sticklers for detail in their offense. That is a good thing.

At the start of practice, Fisch and his staff were pulling guys in and out of drills to correct behaviors, adjust positioning and get the players on the field that will be consistent with what the coaches ask of them. This is needed because once scrimmage got going, it was once again apparent that the Bruins have a long way to go on offense.

In their first few drives, the Bruins were only able to score twice, both on field goals. The defense was not only clogging up lanes, but creating piles near the line of scrimmage, giving the running backs little chance for advancement. For now, if UCLA is going to be successful with the run, it is going to be on the outside, which several Bruins took advantage of.

Things started to click for the offense as scrimmage progressed, but the defense still had an overwhelming advantage.

At the start of one drive, QB Josh Rosen made a beautiful pass to TE Caleb Wilson down the middle of the field. Unfortunately he lost it and a scrum ensued in trying to recover the ball which was eventually picked up by WR Darren Andrews.

On the next play, the offense broke through on a 10-yard run to the right which was matched with a penalty by the defense. Linebackers Coach Scott White was particularly livid, yelling at his guys to stay in their gaps. He was just as quick to praise his players as they got the stop on the drive and forced another field goal.

These 11-on-11s did not end well for the offense, though the defense had a blast. Freshman CB Darnay Holmes picked off back up QB Matt Lynch near the sideline which could have gone for six. A few plays later, on a last effort to score by the offense, S Will Lockett intercepted a potential touchdown in the end zone, sealing the “win” for the defense. The ball was thrown into double-coverage.

It was not a good outing for the Bruins’ offense, but there were some bright spots. Rosen looks very good and has a much more solid frame which is helping him whip the ball around the field. It is indeed a very crisp pass. The problem is, he has to get better at connecting with his receivers and avoid Tom Bradley’s defense. All of the QBs do.

Freshman QB Austin Burton also made an appearance as he ran with the back up squad. We were not able to see his arm, but we did his legs as he ran for 10+ yards to the left side during the end of one of his series with the 11-on-11s.

The offensive line is still a work in progress and will be until fall camp. Pass protection is for the most part decent and they are doing a great job with blocking the outside run, but runs up the middle need to be improved.

The receiver that stood out the most was Darren Andrews who was consistent in catching balls and being in the correct spot. Jalen Starks and Brandon Stephens also looked very good when they were on the field.

Next: A Closer Look at The UCLA Offense

This offense can be good, but they still need time to mesh. Individual units are doing good things sporadically, so once the offense can move together as one whole piece, things should improve. But for now, there is still work to be done.