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UCLA Football vs. ASU 2017: Post game wrap up and thoughts

By Michael Chavez

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Todd Graham of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts on the sidelines during the first half of the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Todd Graham of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts on the sidelines during the first half of the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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It wasn’t easy but the UCLA Football team defended their home turf against the Sun Devils to win their fifth game of the season and pull closer to bowl eligibility.

It was a surprisingly strong offensive performance from the UCLA Football team Saturday night when they faced an ASU defense that shut down a very efficient Washington team earlier this season.

Behind the arm of QB Josh Rosen who enjoyed a strong return after missing last week with a concussion and the powerful legs of Bolu Olorunfunmi the Bruins were able to put up over 40 points for the fourth time this season.

The offensive line that has been much maligned in recent memory had a strong outing. They opened holes for all of the Bruin backs and gave Rosen ample time to throw. Against the blitz the OL was solid and the Sun Devils were never able to get home against Rosen.

Bolu went for 79 yards and a score but he wasn’t the only back to get in on the action. Soso Jamabo curiously only had a handful of touches but he made the most of them with a 6.3 yard per carry average and a rushing touchdown that gave UCLA their first lead of the game.

Jordan Lasley returned from a multiple game suspension to give the Bruins a major lift with his 162 receiving yards and one score. That quickly made him Rosen’s favorite target on the night with big catch after big catch. Jordan Wilson and Austin Roberts provided underneath catches as well with a little Theo Howard as well. Tonight though was the Bolu and Rosen show.

One of the more interesting developments was the play of the UCLA Football defense which yes gave up plenty on the ground and blew a couple coverages but stiffened up in the right moments. Those moments were typically in the red zone.

Related Story: Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. ASU 2017

Additionally a defense that struggled to find much of a pass rich did so frequently against the Sun Devils. Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, Rick Wade chased Manny Wilkins all game.

Much of that pressure came from generally solid coverage in the back end  with Nate Meadors and Colin Samuel blanketing receivers. Samuel had a strong outing in place of Darnay Holmes who was suspended for the first half due to a targeting call against Utah.

Linebackers Kenny Young and Krys Barnes went sideline to sideline chasing running backs Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage. The middle of the defense is still a major concern but the Bruins came out scoring taking the run game out of ASUs plans.

The Sun Devils didn’t go down without a fight though. They kicked a field goal with 1:20 left in the fourth quarter to pull within seven points but on the ensuing kickoff attempted an onside kick that was recovered by the UCLA Football team to secure the win.

Speaking of the middle of the UCLA Football defense, the Bruins must address it  and will certainly pay for it against USC. Hard to move bulk is what the middle of this DL needs and while Boss Tagaloa and Chigozie Nnoruka are playing hard, they may not be enough going forward. Getting the younger guys in is paramount especially against a team that can run like the Trojans.

Next: UCLA Football vs. ASU 2017: 3 Keys to Victory

Next week the UCLA Football team travels to the Coliseum to take on the Trojans. This offensive performance will be necessary for the Bruins to keep pace with the high scoring team across town. What can’t happen is another 294 yard rushing performance allowed by the defense. Against USC it won’t matter how many points the Bruins score if they allow Ronald Jones to run wild.