Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Football: 50 things to look for in 2018 with 50 days until kickoff

By Mike Regalado

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 10
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Keisean Lucier-South
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Keisean Lucier-South /

46. Will Kelly close his fall practices?

Kelly is known to be a little secretive when it comes to his practices, especially at Oregon. That is why it was a surprise that he let the media and fans watch practices (all except for a few before the Spring Game) this past spring. Will he be as “open” to the idea in fall or will he close things down to keep his secrets in tact?

47. Inside linebacking leaders

Though starting jobs are far from being decided, there are a few guys that seem to be locks heading into the 2018 season. Josh Woods and Krys Barnes are two of those guys that not only have experience, but the talent Azzinaro needs to make his aggressive defense effective.

48. Top 25 by season’s end

UCLA is not on anyone’s early Top 25, but if the Bruins can get things in order by season’s end, they should turn some heads with the poll voters. Yet if they are ranked by season’s end, that could have big division, conference and postseason implications. Fingers crossed.

49. A new era vs. USC

USC fans were very vocal about UCLA hiring Kelly and with a good percentage of Trojan fans not happy with Clay Helton, this will make for an interesting lead up to the Crosstown Showdown. This will also be a new era in the rivalry. In the next few seasons, Kelly vs. Helton (if he lasts that long) could be very fun to watch.

Next: The 30 Greatest UCLA Football Players of All-Time

50. Pac-12 South Winners?

The Pac-12 South Division is not exactly a powerhouse division, especially with all of the changes made this past offseason. The loss of coaches and key players has certainly thrown the South up for grabs. With that in mind, can the Bruins capitalize with Kelly and take over in the first season? It is not that hard to fathom.