Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Football: Checklist for A title run in 2017 – Game Management

By Pete Kang

October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a touchdown pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a touchdown pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora watches game action against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora watches game action against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

In this series, I will examine what it will take for the UCLA Football team to make a title run in 2017. I start by looking at overall game management.

Hey Bruin Fans!  I am Pete Kang and this is my first article as a contributor for FanSided and Go Joe Bruin. We’re going to try to have some fun and talk some UCLA Football – a million years before A&M rolls into Rose Bowl. Buckle Up!

RELATED: Looking at the 2018 quarterback candidates

This is the first in a series I call ‘Checklist for a title run in 2017’ where I examine what the Bruins need to do next season to be successful. I hope you enjoy.

Down, Distance and Game Clock Management

It takes offense, defense and special teams to dominate this sport. How? On offense, Down and Distance must remain unencumbered. No team can afford to be consistently in 3rd and long, meaning 10+ yards to go situations.

More from Go Joe Bruin

Obviously, this points to the opposing defense and their goal of imposing their will on Down and Distance. When the offense loses 2 or more plays in a row, then that usually means we start singing -a punting we will go. Terrible song!!

It all starts with the coaches calling the right plays. This means plays that are keeping the defense off balance, an unpredictable style if you will, which is aided greatly if there are a few players with versatile skill sets, that allow for player packages to remain static, meaning fewer substitutions while numerous formations and most pre-snap motion options remain available to help keep the opposing defense in head scratching, guess mode.

Personally, my favorite set consists of two flankers and a slot, with a TE to block or receive and a 205+ lb running back to block, run or receive. Also, I’d like a heady gunslinger with five boars up front. -Whistle blows- Penalty. Pete! For Digression.