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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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PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Theo Howard /

36. Special Teams touchdown?

I’m not asking for a lot, but can Roy Manning improve the special teams return game enough for the Bruins to final get a touchdown?

37. Will there be enough depth?

The offensive line and linebackers have had depth issues, but since Chip Kelly has taken over, a lot of players have left the program. Luckily, there are enough guys for several positions, but also enough to move players around if needed. So far it looks as if most positions are in decent shape, but one never knows what will happen during the season, especially with injuries.

38. Will Chip Kelly’s offense present a more balanced attack?

Last year the Bruins threw 41.2 passes a game. This was largely due to the fact that UCLA couldn’t run the ball…at all. In Chip Kelly’s reign at Oregon, his quarterbacks throw just around 27 passes per game. But during his four years at Eugene, Kelly was working with a rushing attack that featured a 1,500 yard (at least) rusher each year. Hopefully Kelly’s offense will find a way to feature a running back (either by committee or finally someone having a breakout season) and give the Bruins something they haven’t had in years, a balanced offensive attack.

39. Theo Howard, time to take off

Hands down, the most exciting receiver on the team is Theo Howard and this fall, many will know his name. Howard has been a fun receiver to watch, but in Kelly’s offense, he should thrive. The tarmac is clear for Howard Airlines to take off and all systems are GO!

40. Can the Bruins finally play with some consistency?

Just when it looked like the Bruins were getting things together, they would go and lose a game or two. Then on the flip side, when it looked like the Bruins had tossed in the towel, they’d come back victorious the following week. This lack of consistency was frustration to watch last season as the Bruins never won (or lost) more than two games in a row.

I know it’s just one position but I always felt that starting a different running back almost every game was a problem last year. With each running back having different tendencies, Josh Rosen and the offensive line must have had a difficult time getting into a rhythm with any of the backs Mora threw out there. Perhaps if Kelly is able to install a more balanced offensive attack, this will equate to more consistent play and ultimately result in more wins.