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UCLA Football: 15 Things to watch for in the season opener vs Cincinnati

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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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 28: Running back Bolu Olorunfunmi
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 28: Running back Bolu Olorunfunmi /

4. Who and How Will They Run?

Chip Kelly said that Bolu Olorunfunmi and Joshua Kelley will both be starting, so right there we have a possible two-man backfield. But the Bruins’ coach said that several running backs will be in the rotation. That means we will most likely see true freshmen Kazmeir Allen and Martell Irby, as well as junior Brandon Stephens in the mix. Senior Soso Jamabo will be joining the group later as he has been suspended for the first few games.

So how are they going to run? We might see a running back by committee. It would not surprise us if the backs saw nearly equal time as different packages and plays are cycled in to throw off the defense. Kelly wants to keep Cincinnati guessing and with a spotty O-line, the Bruins have a chance to try out several different things.

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5.  Pulled Punches or Haymakers?

Do not expect Kelly to give away his entire playbook, but don’t think he will take it easy on the Bearcats. Kelly does not seem like a guy that uses the first game to play conservatively just to see what works. He is a guy that wants everything to start at his desired pace. If a play doesn’t work, get back to the line of scrimmage and try something new. Kelly needs his offense (and defense) to play the way they practiced. Now they take it into the Rose Bowl and have to execute.

6. Not “Who is the QB?”, but “Who ARE the QBs?”

There might be a reason that Kelly said three quarterbacks are still in the running for the starting spot… with less than a week from kickoff. There might be a starting quarterback, but there might also be appearances from the other two in the running.

Currently, Devon Modster, Wilton Speight, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson are in the running to be the #1 guy. But if Kelly really wants to through the Bearcats off, it would not shock us (there is going to be a lot of that this season) if two or three quarterbacks make an appearance. On top of that, why not have two QBs in on the same play. Obviously, they both can’t throw (or can they?), but keep in mind a player like DTR used to be a receiver. See where I am going with this?