Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Utah 2017

Utah Defense

Just as this offensive line seems to be a little bit of a shadow of it’s former self, this defense has taken steps backwards. They were gouged by graduation and the NFL draft and as a result they’ve been gouged by teams running the football.

It’s shocking to see but the Utah offense has allowed almost 160 yards a game to opposing rushers on average which normally would look bad except when it’s next to the UCLA Football’s 307 yards allowed per game.

The defensive line has some big names but has been unable to get into the backfield consistently or get off blocks. Sounds eerily familiar right?

Lowell Lotulelei and Kylie Fitts are names that should be familiar to the Bruins but for different reasons. Fitts is a powerful base end that can provide some pass rush but is stout. He’s had some trouble staying healthy consistently since leaving the UCLA Football program as a freshman. Lotulelei is an absolute monster for this Utah DL. Strong and stout he could be an immovable object one on one although he has struggled some with double teams.

The linebacker group has been steady but has seen offensive linemen get to the second level regularly this season resulting in longer runs. This UCLA and Utah teams have plenty of similarities.

The linebacker group although taxed heavily by offenses in 2017 has a name you need to know. Kavika Luafatasaga leads the team in tackles and is the second leading tackler for loss. He’s active and physical at the point and been able to have a strong year despite the defensive line struggling to find their stride.

When I mentioned that this defense was depleted after the 2016 season I should have mentioned that the secondary was one of the hardest hit units. Chad Hansen returned as the leader of this group and the former QB isn’t just a heady veteran but a playmaker in the backend as well. That hasn’t stopped them from having a solid year as the 39th best pass defense in the county. However at one point this team was the top ranked pass defense in the PAC-12. But their struggles to stop the run have forced them to commit another man to the box limiting their flexibility in coverage.

Prediction

Both teams are reeling at this point in their respective seasons and this is a crossroads for them both. Bowl eligibility will be much harder to come by for both teams with a loss on Friday. If Utah lost they’d have to find a way to win two games between # 25 WSU, #12 UW and Colorado. If the Bruins go down they’ll have ASU, #17 USC and a very tough Cal team remaining. Not a lot of room for error on either side.

If Rosen is able to play, and there has been nothing said definitively that he won’t, look for the Bruins to try and get something going with him early to take a defender out of the box and free up some running room. This Utah team did have trouble stopping the read-option so if Rosen is unable to go look for the Bruins to mix in more QB keepers with Modster. Andrews should have a strong day creating separation with comeback routes on the outside or outbreaking routes given the way the Utah corner have played this season. Deep shots beware. This OL has put plenty on tape to show they can’t hold up forever.

On the other side the Utes have to commit to running the football over and over. This UCLA Football front seven has been gashed all season long and hasn’t put much pressure on opposing QBs allowing them to pick apart the back end. If the Bruins attack downhill like they did against Oregon they give themselves a good chance to get into the backfield and at the very least disrupt timing which would help lead to negative plays. If they play “catch the ball carrier” like they did against Arizona, it could be a very long day.

Next: UCLA Basketball: The Men's team 2017-18 season preview

I just see the Bruins as far too talented and despite Rosen’s injury, the Utah downward trend despite having a healthy QB seems too ominous to ignore. UCLA 35-Utah 28.