UCLA Football vs. Texas A&M: 3 questions heading into the season opener

2. The Bruins must show some sign of a running attack, can they do it against the Aggie defense?

We’ve all harped on the fact that the Bruins couldn’t run the ball last year. One thing that will make that memory go away is to start the season with a strong rushing performance against A&M.

For whoever ends up being the Bruins’ running back on Sunday (my guess is we’ll see at least three), this is an opportunity for one to step up and position themselves as the number one running back.

For whoever ends up being the Bruins’ running back on Sunday (my guess is we’ll see at least three), this is an opportunity for one to step up and position themselves as the number one running back.

Last year the Aggies allowed 205.1 yards a game on the ground. Couple that with the fact that they lose a lot of their top defenders from last year and A&M may have trouble stopping the run. Myles Garrett (15.0 tackles for loss), leading tackler Shaan Washington (104 tackles), Nick Harvey (knee injury), and Daeshon Hall (13.0 tackles for loss) are all gone and must be replaced by Coach Kevin Sumlin. 

Returning to the Aggies on defense is a core that includes Donovan Wilson, Armani Watts, and Otaro Alaka. Last year the three combined for 180 tackles including 18.5 for losses and three sacks.

They may not have the hype that Garrett did last year but all three have big play making ability.

If Rosen is able to pass the ball (see #1 above), it will open up the chance to run on the Aggies. As of Wednesday, Coach Mora hasn’t announced a starting running back. But even a combination of Soso Jamabo, Bolu Olorunfunmi, and Nate Starks should be able to run against the Aggies. My guess is if A&M gave up over 200 rushing yards a game last year with Garrett and Co., the Bruins may have some success on the ground and even (hold your breath) rush for over 100 yards!