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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) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 03: Jermaine Eluemunor
COLLEGE STATION, TX – SEPTEMBER 03: Jermaine Eluemunor /

16. A violent defensive

Speaking of violent defense, the UCLA defense is going to be, um, violent. At least that it what DL coach Oghobaase wants. “More violence” was the mantra in spring, not only for the DLs, but the entire defense. We saw a little bit of that, but it will grow and it will be something to fear. These coaches are not messing around.

17. Linebacker depth

This is a bit of a concern and has been for a few seasons. UCLA’s former LB coach Scott White did not exactly set UCLA’s LBs up for success and that is something the new defensive coaches have to deal with, especially since they have moved from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense which necessitates an addition linebacker. UCLA scored three LBs on National Signing Day (and two have already enrolled), but will it be enough, or will we see a few more position changes?

UCLA’s Defensive 2017 Stats

  • Scoring Defense – 36.6 (11th in Pac-12)
  • Total Defense – 483.7 (12th)
  • Rushing Defense – 287.4 (12th)
  • Passing Defense – 196.3 (2nd)

18. Alternate unis

Kelly and Oregon were the alternate uniform kings at the begin of the decade, so will Kelly bring that flare to UCLA? At this point it is uncertain, but who knows what is in store for the Bruins in the coming years.

https://twitter.com/JimMWeber/status/1016822715410472971

19. Taking advantage of 7 home games

Last year UCLA was literally unbeatable at home going 6-0 at The Rose Bowl. Unfortunately once they left Pasadena, the Bruins had zero wins in seven attempts. This season UCLA will have seven games in the friendly confines of The Rose Bowl. It’s unlikely that the Bruins will again go undefeated at home but 5-2 would be pretty good. These seven home games include two hugely important matchups at the end of the regular season. The first one is against USC where UCLA could be (hopefully) playing for the PAC-12 South title. The second and final game on their schedule is against UCLA’s kryptonite, the Stanford Cardinal. After ten straight losses to the Trees, could Chip Kelly finally be the coach to break the spell? Playing the game home should help the Bruins a bit.

20. Impact freshmen

Chip Kelly (and Jom Mora, let us give credit where it is due) did a fine job of building the 2018 recruiting class and several of those newbies could not only get a chance to play, but could make an immediate impact this coming season. DTR at QB could be eye-opening. Kazmeir Allen should make the run game interesting. LB Bo Calvert and S Stephan Blaylock could impress on defense. Long story short, there will be a lot of young blood that will make an impact early.