UCLA Football: 15 Things to watch for in the season opener vs Cincinnati
13. Will There be a Need for Special Teams?
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If Kelly is planning to do what most fans expect him to do, then that means the Bruins will score quickly and often. UCLA will not exactly be up to the standards of the blur offenses that Oregon ran, but it will be in the same vein. With that in mind, UCLA will be looking to put points on the board by crossing into the end zone, and not through the uprights. That means there may not be a lot of field goals attempted and by extension, not a lot of punts being sent downfield. Though UCLA has a seasoned kicker in JJ Molson and punter Stefan Flintoft, the plan is to get six points every drive.
14. KLS-Phillips Pass Rush
The UCLA defense is going right at Cincinnati on Saturday. Two players that we should see do some damage are the outside linebackers, Keisean Lucier-South and Jaelan Phillips. Not only are both Bruins talented, but they bring a fire to the defense. We fully expect the KLS-KP connection to limit the Bearcats offensive activity on the outside. Phillips might be more of a pass rusher, but KLS will lock down Cincy on his side of the field. Either way, the Bruins are going to get after it.
15. Time of Possession
Time of possession has been an issue with the Bruins the last few seasons and it might continue into 2018, but not as bad as you think. During the Mora era, the Bruins would often score fast (or turn the ball over) keeping them on the field for a short time. With their conservative defense, the Bruin defenders were by definition on the field a lot more and it really gassed them by the end of the game. In this era, the defense is going to do everything they can to get the ball back and put it in the offense’s hands.
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Yes, the defense could be on the field a lot more than the offense, but it will not be as bad as the last few years. Kelly knows what kind of balance he needs and it will be one that is beneficial to both of his squads. Just another reason to get excited for UCLA football!