Fresno State Offense (cont.)
Fresno State got a reality check, but now they know what adjustments they have to make because UCLA could be a lot more difficult. According to ESPN, Minnesota is ranked 48th in defensive efficiency. UCLA is just below them at 57th. The thing is, UCLA’s numbers are where they are at because of the numbers Oklahoma put upon them.
Despite the big loss, the Bruins limited the #6 team in the nation to 173 rushing yards! That is quite the improvement over last season. So is UCLA worse at pass defense? Not really. Oklahoma put 306 yards on UCLA through the air, but that was because OU is such a well-oiled machine behind QB Kyler Murray. We should see improvements against the Bulldogs.
2018 Fresno State Offensive Stats
Total – 392.5 | Rushing – 163.0 | Passing – 229.5 | Scoring – 46.5
So how will Fresno State match up with UCLA? It will be difficult as the Bruins’ defense seems to be getting better every week.
Fresno State is going to have to figure out how to limit UCLA’s pass rush, which has become very effective with Jaelan Phillips (who was injured against Oklahoma but should be good to go against FSU) and Keisean Lucier-South attacking from the edges.
In the Bruins’ first two games they have logged 4 sacks, 4 hurries, and 11 tackles for a loss. Additionally, the Bruins have been quite active defending the skies with 11 pass breakups and 1 interception.
Fresno State has been very impressive offensively, but it is going to be a different story when they face UCLA’s defense, which has definitely taken a step up since last season.