Cactus Bowl 2017: UCLA Football defense vs. Kansas State offense

You typically don’t get forced into using your third string QB and actually have a better passing offense. Head Coach Bill Snyder’s typically doesn’t like to play young players but that’s a conversation for another piece. What he has found though is his young freshman QB has played more than well enough to be an exception to that rule.

Thompson flashes a strong arm on the comeback and the out route that take advantage of the bail technique that is increasingly common among college corners. He also isn’t afraid to chuck it up on deep shots. What he still needs to improve is consistent accuracy. While the outs and comebacks are easier throws for him to make with his arm strength, he isn’t nearly as accurate downfield and often looks as though he’s pressing his throws.

The offensive line as a whole is an okay pass blocking group but have really benefited from mobility at the QB position. They can break down against three man pressures and the very next play handle a five man pressure with ease. They’ll be facing a DL that hasn’t exactly put fear into the hearts of QBs. The tackles will be tested though against young players like Marcus Moore and Jaelan Phillips. Can these guys find a way to get home and pressure Thompson?

Isaiah Zuber is the go to receiver for this offense. Zuber is a very solid route runner, displays good hands and isn’t afraid to get out there to throw a block. The comebacks and outs are a great usage of his quick feet and ability to cut on a dime.

Dominique Heath may be a smaller player but he can have a huge impact from his slot position. He’s dangerous in space and difficult for larger defensive backs to stick with because of his ability to change direction. He’s also an incredibly dangerous punt returner. Thanks in part to him and the next guy we are going to talk about, the Wildcats are one of the best scoring special teams units in college football.

When you have a dynamic player you do everything you can do try and get the ball in his hands. That’s why you’ll see Byron Pringle lined up as a kick returner and a WR for Kansas State. He’s a bigger body at six-foot-two, 209 pounds, and has absolute jets for wheels. This is why he’s so dangerous in this offense.

Because Thompson and Barnes are such able runners defenses are caught between playing man and zone. If you play man and devote an extra man to the run defense there’s a chance you’ll get burned by Thompson keeping it and gaining big yards. If you want extra eyes on potential run downs and you fool one of the corners or safeties look for Pringle to get open deep. Like I said, you have to pick your poison.

Pringle has also seen his production pick up following the injury to third receiver Dalton Schoen who broke his collarbone late in the season. Pringle was able to able to quell any fears about the passing offense taking a hit with his 166 yard, three score game against Oklahoma State in the second to last game of the regular season.

With the Wildcats finding much of their success with outbreaking routes the Bruins might actually be best served playing a Tampa-2 style defense in coverage. Squat on the shorter routes and force Thompson to either hold the ball and create a sack or he tucks it and runs and the spying player makes the tackle. Making the throw between the safety over the top and corner is a difficult throw for even the most experienced of QBs. While Thompson has the arm strength to make it, I’m not sold that he’s sharpened that skill enough yet. Force the Kansas State offense to beat you on the ground, frustrate a young QB and force him into turnovers.

Next: UCLA Basketball: The seat is now warm for Steve Alford after loss to Cincinnati

The UCLA Football defense is going to be in for a fight with an offense that does a good job taking care of the football and will almost lull you to sleep before taking a big shot against you. If the Bruins are disciplined with both their eyes and their technique then this game will quickly devolve into a shootout that the Bruins don’t want. They’re more talented, more athletic and have the better QB. But there’s nothing he can do defensively.