Here are 100 things to look for in the 2017 season as the UCLA Football team tries to right the wrongs from last year’s 4-8 record.
It is 100 days until the UCLA Football team kicks off their season against Texas A&M.
Here are 100 things to look for in the upcoming season.
No, this is not 100 pages long.
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1. Can the run game improve?
it is no secret that UCLA had a horrendous running attack in 2016. The Bruins were 127th out of 128 teams in the FBS, only running for 84.3 yards per game. Clearly that needs to improve if UCLA wants to have any type of success in 2017.
2. Start the game/season strong against Texas A&M
If UCLA wants to start the season off right, they have to start their first game of the season off right and do to Texas A&M what they should’ve done last season. And then taking into consideration how the season ended, the Bruins should come out swinging against the Aggies.
3. Under Armour uniforms (and alternates?)
Under Armor takes over with UCLA around the start of July 2017, which will include the unveiling of the new uniforms for UCLA. Will this unveiling also come with alternate uniforms? And if so, when will the Bruins wear these alternate uniforms? We require answers!
4. Depth issues at certain positions
UCLA has some depth issues at certain position groups. Will this affect the overall product on the field? If players get injured, does that hamstring the position group? With this in mind, we should hopefully expect the Bruin coaches to be prepared for anything.
5. Will UCLA pass or run on the first play of the season?
Yes it’s something very small to look for, but in recent years there’s been a little bit of excitement surrounding UCLA’s first play of the season. I say pass for a 70-yard touchdown strike. Rosen is back, y’all!
6. Free Theo Howard!
UCLA didn’t have the best passing/receiving game in 2016. Part of the trouble was the fact that certain receivers couldn’t catch and those that could, stood on the sideline. With that being said FREE THEO HOWARD! He has great hands and he’s fast. Just get him on the field.
7. The use of TEs
Part of new Offensive Coordinator Jedd Fisch’s style will include the use of a lot of tight end play, and we certainly saw that in spring practice. Whether in tight formation or used as an extra receiver, the Bruins are going to rely quite a bit on this group.
8. The depth of the O-line
Depth is always an issue with Bruins’ offensive line and next season the coaches want to make sure they are well prepared in the case that anything happens. And if they injury bug hits, UCLA will be in a spot of trouble, especially if anything happens to their tackles or their center.
9. Easy “W” vs. Hawaii?
With no disrespect to Hawaii, but the Rainbow Warriors should technically be a cupcake. Unfortunately Jim Mora sometimes plays games tighter and more conservative than they need to be. Though the Bruins should dominate Hawaii it could end up being closer than it should be, like the game against UNLV at the Rose Bowl last season. Ouch.
10. 4-3, Nickel, 4-2 defense?
So what is going to work next season? Line up five guys in the front? Have two linebackers on the field for the majority of drives? Keep the nickelback as a premier spot? Either way, we just want to see some hits!
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?
16. Bolu Olorunfunmi bound for greatness
Bolu has always been in a powerful weapon for the Bruins, unfortunately last season all the running backs were hindered by the production of the offensive line. Still, what we’ve seen from Bolu has us excited and will go as far as to say that he will be the #1 running back for UCLA in 2017.
17. Can defense make offense?
I’ll say it right now, I want a pick six. I want a forced fumble to get picked up and run back for a touchdown. The UCLA defense is good enough to make this happen and I want to see a lot of it.
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18. Memphis, the first big away game
When UCLA plays Memphis in Week 3 they will not just be playing their first road game, but their first against an up-and-coming program. UCLA can beat them, but they could also greatly underperform
19. A real home field advantage?
Yes, it is great to go to the Rose Bowl and watch the Bruins play, but will Bruin fans be turned off by the current state of the program? Will that lead to the Rose Bowl to be half full every game? If so, how will that help the team?
20. Will the offensive line be effective in Fisch’s/Fraley’s scheme?
The big question going into the fall, how will the offensive line do? In spring we saw new OL coach Hank Fraley break down every single component of his scheme and like Fisch, they did it to make sure it sunk in with their players, but will it sink in fast enough?
21. Darren Andrews as the top WR
Andrews has been the most consistent receiver the last few years and should be Rosen’s top target. After the Great Dropped Ball Plague of 2016, Andrews should help lead a more focused air attack this coming fall.
22. Early season midday kickoffs will hurt
Let us hope that ESPN, FOX Sports and the Pac-12 Network do not screw Bruin fans with noon kickoffs at the Rose Bowl in September and October. If they do, bring a hat because it is going to hurt.
23. The Rose Bowl experience/entrance music
So how is UCLA going to get Bruin fans pumped for every game in the Arroyo Seco? What will the experience be like? And what viking-esque music will the Bruins enter the field to this season?
24. Mora’s composure and focus
It’s no secret that Mora was going through a divorce last year which might have affected his focus. So a year later, will Mora have a his focus more in tune to his team?
25. Kolton Miller: the man on the outside
Miller made improvements last season but unfortunately went down with a leg injury midway through 2016. He is back and arguably the best offensive lineman on the team, so how will he do taking over for Conor McDermott?
26. Can they finally beat Stanford?
WELL CAN THEY?
27. Will penalties rear their ugly head again?
Last season was not the worst when it came to penalties, but penalties did rear their ugly head at several inopportune times last season. Let’s hope they continue to improve… and not have drive killing offsides. 2nd and 1 on the 2 yard line… FLAG!
28. How the team reacts if the Ls start piling up
Let us hope it does not happen, but if the losses start rolling in, can the Bruins adjust or will they, and the coaches check out?
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29. Receiving game: wide or tight?
Several players are still familiar with the spread offense, but they are now also familiar with playing tighter in power schemes as they did last season. With Fisch I think we will probably see a lot of both.
30. Will UCLA have an identity this season?
With a new offense, Rosen returning from injury and a sense of determination, will UCLA find an identity for themselves or will they struggle to find their niche?
31. DE Jaelan Phillips, star freshman
If you don’t know by now, UCLA has great defense and it will look to get better with the addition of a freshman. Though the Bruins lose Takkarist McKinley, Phillips should be a solid replacement.
32. New offensive coaches cohesiveness
With almost an entirely new offensive coaching staff, will they get their game plan and chemistry together before the start of the season?
33. Will special teams improve?
Special teams has not exactly been up to the standards of former coach Jeff Ulbrich. From kicking, to punting to returns, special teams needs to be a lot more special.
34. Trudge through wins or dominate
UCLA can dominate games when they want, but it seems that Jim Mora often likes to play it safe. It sometimes seems as if he does not want to hurt the other team’s feelings and sometimes let up on the gas. You know what I say, go all out coach! Let us see what happens.
35. Consistently catching balls
Dropped balls were an issue last season, we know this, so the coaches have to put the best pass catchers on the field and put them in position to succeed. They do not have to go for 10 or more yards every play, they just needs to go.
36. Can WR Mossi Johnson be a factor?
Mossi is a receiver that many Bruin fans have been waiting to breakout. Can he step up this season or will he disappear from the depth chart?
37. JJ Molson’s sophomore tour
Molson was a highly touted kicker out of Canada who did not have the most successful first year. But now he has a season under his belt and should continue slamming balls for 40+ field goals.
38. Will Oregon be Oregon?
UCLA has not played Oregon in three seasons, which that was back when they were good. Will the Bruins run into a Ducks resurgence or UCLA quack all over Oregon?
39. No Thursday game, but 2 Fridays and a Sunday
Thank goodness UCLA does not have to play those annoying Thursday games. instead, they trade it in for two Fridays and a Sunday. Sure there will have short practice weeks, but what does it matter in a hot seat season?
40. Can the linebacker youth step up?
The Bruins have a lot of young guys at the linebacker position. The good news, they are all quite talented. Remember the names Breland Brandt, Krys Barnes and Mique Juarez.
41. Will home be a sweet home?
For what ever reason, the Rose Bowl has not been a very advantageous place to play. Still, UCLA has to win every home game and needs to make it a place that opponents fear entering. Yes, I did actuingally write that.
42. Will playing in Tucson be tough?
Playing in Tucson is always a pain for UCLA, but this Arizona team has fallen in the last few seasons. The Bruins need to avoid getting trapped in Arizona and just beat the snot out of the Wildcats, as they should every year.
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43. Tough September
UCLA has five games in September which include vs Texas A&M, at Memphis, at Stanford and home against Colorado. GJB has predicted they will start 3-0, but could they be 3-2 by October?
44. Nate Meadors, the corner of your nightmares
Meadors has been very exciting to watch in recent seasons and 2017 could be the one where he gets everyone’s attention. I would not be surprised to see this Bruins name on a few post-season award lists, especially by the conference.
45. Preseason Pac-12 perception
When Pac-12 Media Day roles around, will UCLA be favored to win the South Divsion? No, that will be USC. So how about 2nd place? No, that’s probably Utah. So where will UCLA stand?
46. Any chance of a PAC-12 title?
As stated above, it seems as though USC will win the South, so getting to the Pac-12 Championship Game will take a miracle for the Bruins. Or an epic meltdown for the Trojans. A guy can dream, you know!
47. Will we see a punt or kickoff returned for a touchdown?
As much as I want to see special teams improve, I also want to see them have a major effect on the game. With that, I am going to require at least three returns go for touchdowns.
48. How far can UCLA realistically go?
UCLA needs to do way better than 4-8. Signs point to them doing so, but what will that number be? Unless they drastically improve their offense in 2017, they will (realistically) not go far.
49. Who has the coolest name on the team?
Long snapper Johnny Den Bleyker had it, but has he been dethroned by WR Xan Cuevas, OL Paco Perez or TE Devin Asiasi? Does anyone else on the team have a cool name that should be mentioned?
50. Will the offensive line improve?
This is the key to the season. If the O-line is the same, consider 2017 to be just as bad. But Fraley does not want that, so can he improve their production?
51. Back to school blues
The UCLA Football team has nearly a month to focus on just football before school starts. And when that happens, that is usually when we see the Bruins hit a bump in the road. Can they ride the bump or will school cause them them to cave in to Stanford and Colorado?
52. Rosen’s revenge on ASU
Rosen went down against ASU last season, so I hope he comes out on fire against the Sun Devils and torches them in this revenge game. 400 yards and 5 touchdowns? I’ll take it.
53. Jacob Tuioti-Mariner is going to be massive
JTM will continue to develop and show why he could be the secret weapon to this group. With four players leaving, he brings knowledge and experience and should step up to hold down his portion of the line.
54. Balancing the time of possession
The defense ran out of gas one too many times last season and that was because the offense was often done after three plays. Not drives, plays. So it is imperative that Fisch keep his guys on the field as long as possible and give Tom Bradley’s guys a chance to rest.
55. Preseason accolades
An strong indication of who will make an impact this season will come before any game is played, and the Bruins have more than a few players that should get recognized for their talent and achievements.
56. Will anyone catch for a 1,000 yards in a season? 100 in a game?
The Bruins have not had a standout receiver in, well, forever. But they do have several young players that are showing their worth. Will any of them have the talent for 1,00 yards or at least get close to it?
57. Which freshmen will step up?
UCLA always does a good job recruiting and if the situation calls for it, Mora is not afraid to play freshmen. So which one of the 19 players coming to Westwood is going to see a lot of time on the field? Phillips? DB Darnay Holmes? DT Greg Rogers? TE Kimmy Jaggers?
58. The Washington test?
So UW actually made it to the College Football Playoff as one of the four best teams in the nation. Unfortunately they got smoked by Alabama. Still, they made it there. So what will we learn about UCLA when they face, and probably lose to Washington?
59. Losing games they should win
Yes, this happens every year. The Bruins lose a game they should have won. The coaches have to stop this trend. Winning these games will help find an identity. One that says, “we do not lose to lesser opponents”. Some one needs to put that up in the locker room.
60. How will the RBs rotate?
Last season five running backs rotated in and it was a mess. Though all five have their own individual talents, they will not all be able to see time on the field. Watch for, not only the patterns of substituting, but also the transfers from UCLA if one or two players do not feel that they will get a shot at playing time after the season.
61. Scott Quessenberry, the big center
Scotty Q already has an All-Pac-12 First Team honor under his belt as well as some early recognition heading into next season as he has been named to the Rimington Trophy watch list.
62. Possible relegation of several games to the Pac-12 Network
Just you wait and see, if UCLA cannot draw a crowd or load up on wins, they are going to make several appearances on the Pac-12 Network. An “honor” usually saved for Cal, Arizona or Oregon State.
Related Story: Why UCLA Football Should Have Fall Camp in San Bernardino
63. Will Pasadena be Sack Town?
The Bruins should have a very good pass rush due to their depth and talent on the D-line. Because of this, I expect the big guys up front to break through many offensive lines and disrupt the opposing quarterbacks.
64. Eldridge missing a ton of time?
Eldridge Massington was a huge target for Brett Hundley. With Josh Rosen, not so much. He is still very talented and should factor into the passing game quite often. Personally, I hope Massington will not be missing a ton of time on the field?
65. Will the Pac-12 refs still suck?
I think we all know the answer to this one… yes. Of course they will job the Bruins once or twice a game, but what else is new?
66. Is Rosen still chosen?
After missing half the season due to a shoulder injury, Rosen is back and looked as good as he did his freshmen year during this last spring practice. Yes, he has talent, but is he still “The Chosen One” who will take UCLA to the promised land?
67. Who will step up at TE?
The Bruins have a lot of options at tight end and seeing how they will be used during spring practice, it is safe to say they will be in high demand. So who will be the most in effective? Austin Roberts, Caleb Wilson, Jordan Wilson or Jimmy Jaggers?
68. Nate Starks will not be forgotten
Nate Starks is a bowling ball of a running back that has given the Bruins several good runs in the past. Though he seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle of so many running backs, watch for him to make plenty of appearances and big plays in 2017.
69. Breakout players
UCLA has talent, but which players will be the ones to take the next step in their development and improve the production of their position group? My early bet is CB Nate Meadows, OL Andre James or WR Theo Howard, just to name a few.
70. Backup QBs up to speed?
Last session was a nightmare after Rosen went down as the Bruins had to rely on former walk-on Mike Fafaul. He gave a valiant effort, but it was not quite enough. This season, the Bruins up the talent level with two solid backups, Matt Lynch and Devon Modster.
71. Will anyone rush for a 1,000 yards in a season? 100 in a game?
With all this talent, will any of the running backs run for 1,000 yards in a season? How about 100 in a game? Let us hope so as the Bruins need some one to take over because 84 yards per game, as a team, is just not going to cut it.
72. Keep the SLC win streak going
UCLA has actually done very well in Salt Lake City in recent years but Utah could have the edge this season. Either way, this mini-rivalry is getting salty.
73. Highlights or lowlights
There were way too many lowlights last season. Though I do not expect the Bruins to be void of them next season, let us hope they are out weighed by highlights. I need a Bruin to get on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays every week. Even the bye week.
Related Story: UCLA Football: 2017 Post-Spring Practice 2-Deep Depth Chart Projections
74. RB Coach DeShaun Foster’s influence
Kennedy Polamalu was a good running backs coach and DeSahun Foster learned from him a few seasons ago at UCLA. Well now the RBs are all his and he appears determined to get them moving forward again.
75. Hey Mique, you still fine?
Former 5-star linebacker Mique Juarez is back with the team after missing last season. With a year away from football, will he be as effective as he was in high school or has his game dulled?
76. Who will replace Eddie Vanderdoes?
How can you replace Vanderdoes? You can’t, but the Bruins are going to try hard with Rick Wade, Matt Dickerson and Boss Tagaloa.
77. Will UCLA get any transfers before the season and will they contribute in the fall?
There has been talk about a few players trying to transfer in as graduates and would immediately be available to play in September. Though targets have not been confirmed, signs point to the Bruins receiving interest from a few players.
78. Will Mora continue to have awkward pressers?
Let us face it, Mora is a little awkward in his pressers. What you need to watch for is if he gets even more awkward, especially if his team cannot produce wins. #Hotseat.
79. Underachieving seasons for certain players?
There will be several players that have great seasons and there will be players that have not so great seasons. If some players regress, that will not only hurt the Bruins, but the player’s standing among the depth chart. If you do not see a player on the field, there is probably a good explanation for that.
80. Boisterous Rosen comments
Rosen is, let us call it, “confident”. But after an underachieving 2016 season, will he humble himself or continue to amplify his hot takes?
81. Austin Kent, the punter UCLA needs?
As stated earlier, special teams needs work across the board. Kent had some good punts, but needs to stay consistent to help field position. After one year with the program, it should click for Kent.
82. Can Rosen have better stats than his freshman year?
Though Rosen and the Bruins did not do great in the passing game in 2016, Rosen was still able to get the ball down the field. With his only full season being his freshman year, watch for him to try and surpass 3,669 yards and 23 touchdowns.
83. Recruiting boost or bust?
The Bruin coaches already do well on the recruiting trail, but winning could get the bigger fish. But if they do not succeed, how badly will recruiting take a hit?
84. Does Soso Jamabo breakout?
Soso has skill and it is about time we see exactly what he can do. And if he can do a lot of good, he just might put himself in good position for the 2018 NFL Draft.
85. Road warriors once again?
Before last season, UCLA was fantastic on the road in the Jim Mora era. They need to get it back to that type of mindset and play tough football when they are away from Pasadena. This is a must.
86. Be on the lookout for injuries and their replacements
“Next man up!” You hate to hear it, but it is a part of football. Injuries will happen, but the important thing to look for is if the coaches have potential replacements ready to step in and take over. The obvious answer should be “yes”, but who knows what we will see with this unpredictable variable.
87. Secondary, defenders of the sky
Mora has prided himself on having a great secondary and that will continue this season. Look for the Bruins to disrupt everything that flies their way.
88. The KLS is going to rock you!
DE Keisean Lucier-South was a big time recruit in high school and it is about time he starts becoming a big time defensive end in college. KLS is coming for the quarterback, I can guarantee you that!
89. To power the ball or not to power the ball
After the failed experiment of running a power offense last season, will Fisch try and do the same? And if he does, will he be successful?
90. Tom Bradley’s dominating defense
Tom Bradley needed just one season to get the best out of his defense. The run D improved, the defensive backs were some of the best on the Pac-12 and his LB crew was quite active. Now if only the offense could stay on the field longer so the defense can rest. That would help Bradley’s boys stand out among the Pac-12.
91. Freshmen RBs Brandon Stephens and Jalen Starks
We have talked about UCLA’s three upperclassmen RBs, Jamabo, Olorunfunmi and Starks, but they also have two sophomores that made an impression in their first season. But also as stated above, rotating five players into one or two spots is going to create a logjam, so what are the freshmen running back’s roles in 2017?
92. All-Pac-12 performances
There are several players that should get recognized for their contributions to the UCLA Football team. Will only one or two make it or can the Bruins produce several players that impress the other coaches in the conference.
93. Any chance of winning the South Division?
If USC, Utah and Colorado all get swallowed up by the Earth, sure.
94. Cal put in its place?
UCLA ended an embarrassing season with an embarrassing loss in Berkeley. This year the game is played at the Rose Bowl. Expect UCLA to not only put big brother in their place, but also teach them lesson that you don’t mess with the Bruins.
95. Will the gas tank be empty by season’s end?
The team got tired by the end of the season and it caused even more losses. That mostly had to do with time of possession, but regardless, the team got tired. Let us hope they can pace themselves better for this crucial season.
96. What can WR Jordan Lasley do?
Lasley is another player hat Bruin fans have been waiting to breakout. With the receiving game in disarray, he needs to stand up and let Rosen know that he is a valuable target.
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97. Will there be any Heisman buzz?
Josh Rosen has the goods and now all he needs is the team to help lead UCLA to victory. And with that, any bit of success the Bruins will have will get the attention of media types and get Rosen back in the spotlight. So yes, there should be a little bit of Heisman buzz.
98. Getting to a (big) bowl game
Getting to a bowl game should happen every year for the Bruins, but making it to a substantial bowl should be the goal for this squad as they need to prove to themselves and the nation, that they are contenders.
99. Hot seat horror
If Mora does not turn this program around, it is possible he will be fired. He needs to have UCLA winning 9 or 10 games this season. Anything less, even if it is a winning season, could be a case for moving on from Mora.
100. Take down of the Trojans
This game will mean more than any other Crosstown Showdown as the division cold be on the line (don’t laugh, I’m serious) as well as the yearly bragging rights. Having the victory bell painted that horrible cardinal color another year will just not do.
Next: An early projected 2-deep depth chart
Well that was fun. See you in 100 days!