UCLA Football 2017: A numbers games versus the Sun Devils

Here are a few key stats fans of the UCLA Football team should be aware of when the Bruins take on Arizona State this weekend.

When UCLA Football (4-5) faces off against Arizona State (5-4) on Saturday, they could be playing for their bowl eligible lives. At 4-5, the Bruins need two more victories to get to that magic number of six.

With just three games remaining, including one at The Colosseum, the Bruins realistically need this game against the Sun Devils. Here are some stats and trends to look for on Saturday that could have a major impact on the game.

100% – Arizona State scores (TD or FG) EVERY time they get in the red zone

Every single time that the Sun Devils have moved the ball inside the 20-yard line this year, they have put points on the board. The only other team in the country to do that? You guessed it…Kansas. Wait, what?! Yes, the school whose only win this year came against SE Missouri scores every time they get in the red zone. True they only average 1.9 red zone appearances a game but at least they take advantage of their opportunities.

For a UCLA defense that already has trouble stopping teams from scoring, this could be the seventh game where the Bruins give up more than 40 points.

But if UCLA can display a “bend but not break” defense by allowing more field goals than touchdowns, I would count this as a victory for the Bruins defense and could give them a chance for a victory.

3.4 – Sacks allowed by Arizona State per game

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The Sun Devils’ offensive line has had trouble protecting Manny Wilkins this year. Ranking 123rd in the country in sacks allowed, this should play in the Bruins favor. Recently the Bruins have been able to get to opposing quarterbacks.

In the past three games, UCLA has gotten to the quarterback twice a game. Not a huge number but it means that UCLA is putting some pressure on the quarterback. It may not result in a sack every time but pressure on the QB could lead to an incomplete pass or interception.

Some strong defensive line play and a few sacks could go a long way towards a Bruins’ win.

303.2 – Rushing yards per game allowed by UCLA

There is no way around this number. The Bruins’ rushing defense has been basically non-existent the entire season. They have turned average teams into rushing powerhouses and eliminated the need for opponents to throw the ball. In fact, their past four opponents (Utah, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona) have thrown the ball 22, 12, 15, and 13 times, respectively.

The saying goes, “if it’s ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Well, when it comes to the Bruins’ run defense, it’s more like, “if it’s broken, exploit it”. And that’s exactly what Arizona State and the rest of the teams on the Bruins’ schedule will do. Until the Bruins find some solution to stopping the run, expect their opponents to keep the ball on the ground for most of the game.

3.7 – ASU penalties per game 8.2 – UCLA penalties per game

To compound all their other issues this year, the Bruins have done a great job shooting themselves in the foot. Not only do the Bruins average over eight penalties a game (8th worst in the county), they also average over nine yards per penalties! UCLA isn’t just getting the usual offsides and illegal procedure calls. No. They save their penalties for the biggies like holding and pass interference.

The Sun Devils, on the other hand, have been a more disciplined team on defense, committing just under four penalties a game.

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These extra penalties on defense could end up extending Sun Devils’ drives or taking points off the board when the Bruins have the ball.

UCLA Football vs. ASU 2017: A numbers games versus the Sun Devils

By David Rosenthal | Nov 9, 2017