100 days to UCLA Football: 100 things to look for in 2017

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October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Brandon Dawkins (13) is brought down by against the UCLA Bruins linebacker Kenny Young (42) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Will closed fall practices have an early affect in the season?

With UCLA closing fall practice to break in the new Wasserman Football Center and Spaulding Field in lieu of going to San Bernardino, will Mora rush into his game plan? How will having practice closed to fans and the media affect the players? Hopefully it starts them out of the gate 3–0.

12. LB Kenny Young stepping up

It is time to see what this guy can do. Young was a highly touted recruit out of high school and it’s taken him a little while to become an effective weapon for the UCLA defense but 2017 should be his year as he steps into the role as “The Man”… the middle linebacker for “Linebacker U”.

13. Preseason poll perception

Clearly, critics will not have the Bruins ranked. But what does it say about this team if they are? Though they finished 4–8 last year there is still a lot of talent on this team, including QB Josh Rosen. More importantly, can they put it all together and get ranked by the end of the season?

14. Adarius Pickett needs to break out

The Bruins have been really good at recruiting and developing their defensive backs and one player that we have been waiting to see breakout is a Adarius Pickett. He stood out during spring practice, so will he stand out in the Pac-12 In the fall?

15. Will Fisch’s schemes work?

Kennedy Polamalu did not do very well as the offensive coordinator last season. Will Jedd Fisch get his game plan work for UCLA or are the Bruins going to have another unwatchable offense like last year?