The start of the 2017 season is just a fall camp away so Go Joe Bruin is going to take an early look at the UCLA Football season opener against Texas A&M.
Last season UCLA Football’s trip to Kyle Field to face the Aggies was a foreboding glimpse of what the 2016 season would be like. Between the sputtering offense, the over-extended defense and the pummeling of UCLA QB Josh Rosen, fans should have been quick to temper expectations for the season.
What are the odds that the Bruins can turn the tables on last year? Getting a W in the column, winning your home opener and taking down an SEC opponent who beat you last year will go a long way in helping to erase the memories of 2016.
With that in mind let’s take a look at what the Aggies will bring to the Rose Bowl Sept. 3.
Related Story: The 30 Greatest UCLA Football Players of All-Time
What: UCLA Bruins vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
When: Sunday, Aug. 3
Texas A&M Offense:
The offense under former UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone exploded for 442 yards against a Bruins defense that was forced to do much of the heavy lifting. Then Aggie QB Trevor Knight, although not a perfect QB, was the perfect vehicle to run this offense through. His ability to pass and run strained the Bruins and although the defense won some battles, they didn’t win enough of them.
This year the Aggies are looking for a new signal caller and all signs point to redshirt Freshman Nick Starkel. The young gunslinger is a traditional pocket passer with a cannon for an arm. It is interesting to think about that Mazzone went from Brett Hundley to Josh Rosen while at UCLA and now goes from Trevor Knight to potentially Starkel in his current location.
More from Go Joe Bruin
- UCLA Football: It’s time for the nation to meet Dante Moore
- UCLA Football: Where are they ranked heading into week 4
- UCLA Football: Position battle breakdown for Utah showdown
- UCLA vs. Utah: Location, time, prediction, and more
- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
From the way Starkel stands in the pocket, the way he moves to the way he throws the ball, I cannot help but think I’m watching a very Rosen-esque QB.
The running back situation hasn’t changed since last year which is a double edged sword for the UCLA defense. Traveyon Williams went off for 94 yards last time around while his running mate Keith Ford racked up 64 yards.
While they’ll lose the running threat at QB if Starkel wins the job, which he more than likely will, his ability to sling it will force the Bruins to respect the pass that much more.
The receiver group lost a couple big targets with the end of last year but only one of them played against the Bruins last season. Speedy Noil was suspended for the game in 2016 and then subsequently left the team.
Christian Kirk had eight catches and is a dynamic receiver but has yet to fully dominate games however there’s plenty of indication 2017 will be that year from practice reports.
Kirk won’t be alone though as he’s joined by Damion Rately outside who has the size to go up over the top of defensive backs and is a major weapon in the redzone.
Speaking of size, keep an eye on sophomore WR Aaron Hansford who measures in at six foot three and 230 pounds. He’s going to be a mismatch for defenses to line up against and is quickly becoming a favorite of the offensive staff.
The offensive line will be in transition as it moves center Erik McCoy to guard and looks to replace OT Jermaine Eluemunor.
Texas A&M 2016 Offensive Stats
Total Offense: 468.1 yards per game
Passing Yards: 250.6 ypg
Rushing Yards: 217.5 ypg
Scoring Offense: 35.4 points per game
Related Story: The Optimist/Pessimist Bruin Fan's View of the 2017 Schedule
Texas A&M Defense:
Expect this defensive line to look completely different as both ends, Myles Garret and Daeshon Hall left for the NFL this past offseason. Those bookend losses will make it difficult for the Aggies to replicate the type of pressure and defense from 2016.
Replacing them will be Qualen Cunningham and Jarrett Johnson respectively. Both have seen their share of playing time but have never had to be “the” guy.
Luckily for the Aggies Daylon Mack still mans the middle of this line. Built like a fire hydrant he can stone multiple offensive linemen and still shed to make the tackle. He is the anchor of this defense up front. He isn’t just a run stuffer either as he displays impressive short area quickness and pass rush ability.
His running mate Kinglsey Keke isn’t anything to sneeze at with his 300 pound plus frame making life hell for interior offensive linemen. The two of them give the Aggies a pair of run stuffers that would make Alabama drool.
The linebacking corps is in great hands with Mac Labhart acting like a tackling vacuum. He’s a rangy player and when he arrives it is with a thump. He had a fantastic spring game making the case to begin the season as a starter.
Of course that could all change when summer camp kicks off and the rest of the freshmen arrive. Coming with them will be stud linebacker Anthony Hines III who was hotly recruiting out of Texas. Coaches are hoping that his impact upon arrival is immediate. He’s going to have to get up to speed quickly but has boatloads of talent.
The back end of this defense is where the stars are this year. Armani Watts is a legit NFL quality safety. He’s a hammer as a tackler with the range to cover in the passing game. Justin Evans was the leader of this group last year but now that title passes to Watts who in my mind is the better player.
Look for Larry Pryor to earn Evans’ old spot in the secondary. He will however be pushed by big hitter Donovan Wilson. A familiar name to the Bruin faithful will be starting at corner for the Aggies. Priest Willis has seemingly turned his career around and had his moments in 2016. Nick Harvey will likely man the other spot and is a feisty, quick corner.
Next: UCLA Football: Josh Rosen named to NFL.com's top 50 players in 2017
This is a loaded team the Bruins will face Sunday Sept. 3 however despite how loaded this team may seem, there are a number of major questions at almost every unit. It will be a tough test but should the Bruins come out on top it will be against an SEC opponent and they’ll be 1-0 to start 2017.