UCLA Football vs. USC 2017: The running game must shine

No matter what I say here the UCLA Football team won’t run for 300 yards against the Trojans. But what must happen for the Bruins to win this game is the running game needs to come up big. And it can.

The UCLA Football offense has only had two 100 yard rushers this season. Soso Jamabo had one against Stanford and Bolu Olorunfunmi had one against the Arizona Wildcats. However beyond those two exceptions neither RB has rushed for more than 80 yards in any other game this season. That can change against the USC Trojans.

Now I can sense that I may have lost some of you but let me explain.

The Trojans are giving up an average of four and half yards per carry and 161 yards per game on the ground. The Bruins and their 105 ranked rushing attack are averaging 4.3 yards per run and 129 yards a game. But beyond those stats we need to look at the way the Trojans defend against the run.

That USC front seven is supremely talented but thin. The middle is vulnerable against teams strong interior run games. That doesn’t really describe this UCLA Football offensive line however they have played much better than expected this season. Center Scott Quessenberry, Najee Toran and Michael Alves have given the Bruins a boost in the run game with their ability to pull and lead block for RBs.

On the edges the tackle situation has improved over the course of the season as well for the Bruins. Because the Trojans play so much man on the outside the Bruins can use clearing routes from their receivers and give themselves some room on the edges.

Next: UCLA Football vs. USC 2017: Game Day info-T.V., radio, live stream, stats and more

Bolu and Jamabo need to come out and try to take some of the pressure off the shoulders of QB Josh Rosen, speed the game up and most importantly keep the ball away from the Trojan offense. If they can’t the Trojans will be able to unleash the hounds on the Bruins and pound away at an under performing UCLA defense.