With the UCLA Football opening the season today against Texas A&M, here are five things to look for which could impact the rest of the season.
We made it UCLA Football fans! It is game day! Your Bruins will be returning to the gridiron to wash away the memories of last year’s 4-8 record with new ones.
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With that in mind, Go Joe Bruin will be focusing on five very specific items with the Bruins as they try to right the ship in 2017.
1. Running Back Rotation
Last year we saw a rotation that included five running backs. Though they are talented, they were not able to get more than 84.2 yards per game, collectively. The Bruins are looking to improve the ground game, but they also needs to decide who will be the main guy holding the rock. Will it be Bolu Olorunfunmi, who had a fantastic fall camp? Or will we see Soso Jamabo and Nate Starks take the lead?
2. Run Defense Doing Work?
Let’s face it, the run defense has not been elite in the last two seasons and it doesn’t look to get an easier with the departure of Eddie Vanderdoes and Eli Ankou. Though they have plenty of players with experience, we want to see who will step up and press this line forward. Watch for tackles Matt Dickerson and Boss Tagaloa to plug up the middle while Jacob Tuioti-Mariner cover the weakside edge. All good, but can they be great?
3. The Consistent Pass Catchers
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UCLA does not need a plethora of consistent pass catchers (although that would help), they just need two or three, and it looks like they might have them.
Darren Andrews has been the most reliable receiver the last two seasons and could be joined in that category with TE Caleb Wilson and walk-on WR Christian Pabico. Hopefully a few others can step in and help the passing game.
There are two players we hope emerge and help the passing game. Theo Howard can be a serious down field threat and should have more of an impact this year. Jordan Lasley, if emotions don’t run high, could be a star receiver. He just needs to understand how important he could be to this team, which I believe could help him succeed.
4. The Importance of the Freshmen Defenders
The defense lost a lot of good men from last season. They have reloaded, but experience is a hot commodity for a seasoned defense. Luckily there are a few freshman that look like they have the skill to not only start, but make an immediate impact. Watch for DE Jean Phillips and DB Darnay Holmes as they start their UCLA careers off with a bang!
5. How Does the Offensive Line Look?
Here is the biggest question of the season… what will the offensive line look like? Despite being down a man (Kenny Lacy might be out for the season), the Bruins are looking to imrpove their less-than-stellar production from last year. The first string looked good in fall camp, but can they look good in a game?
Next: The Go Joe Bruin 2017 UCLA Football Season Preview
Let us hope the coaching staff can get these issues in order and the Bruins avoid another 2016. See you at the Rose Bowl and Go Bruins!