UCLA Football: 5 things we learned from the non-conference schedule

3. Injuries are slowing the Bruins’ development

The injury bug just hasn’t bit the Bruins, it has given them a severe limp. UCLA was without several starters against Memphis and incurred a few more during that game.

Before the game, Boss Tagaloa, Jaleel Wadood and Adarius Pickett had all suffered injuries (and this is nothing compared to what the Bruins incurred during fall camp). After the game, Jaelan Phillips and Nate Starks were added to the list of the injured.

The Bruins have depth at several positions but it doesn’t change the fact that several of their best players have not been on the field and as we saw late in the game against Hawaii and the entire length of the Memphis game, there are weaknesses with the second string.

At this point, two things have to happen: (1) the injured have to make quick recoveries and (2) the youth has to get better. Unfortuatenly, pending a miracle, neither might not happen.

With that being said, UCLA is going to try to hold on for dear life the next few games.