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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Fresno State 2018

By Mike Regalado

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 08: Marcus McMaryion #6 of the Fresno State Bulldogs hands the ball to teammate Josh Hokit #33 against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter of the game on September 8, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 08: Marcus McMaryion #6 of the Fresno State Bulldogs hands the ball to teammate Josh Hokit #33 against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter of the game on September 8, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 03: Linebacker Jeffery Allison #24 of the Fresno State Bulldogs collars running back Tre Bryant #18 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Fresno State 43-10. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 03: Linebacker Jeffery Allison #24 of the Fresno State Bulldogs collars running back Tre Bryant #18 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Fresno State 43-10. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Fresno State Defense

Despite putting a 79-13 beat down on Idaho, the Vandals were still able to put up 307 total yards on the Bulldogs. They allowed the exact same number against Minnesota, which should be lauded seeing as the Gophers have a better offense than Idaho.

Fresno State has quite an efficient defense, but one that does not take too many risks. They want the ball in front of them and have done a good job limiting big plays. The Bulldogs have been able to get in the backfield, but they have not been aggressive in doing so. in two games, they have only logged 8 tackles for a loss and two sacks. That is a very welcoming stat for UCLA and Dorian Thompson-Robinson who were sacked six times in the Oklahoma game.

"DID YOU KNOW? Oklahoma leads the season series 3-1? UCLA’s only victory against the Sooners came in 2005 when Karl Dorrell’s Bruins took down Oklahoma, 41-24 at the Rose Bowl."

Those issues have to do to with the fact that the offensive line allowed too many players into the backfield, but it doesn’t rest squarely on their shoulders. Across the board, the Bruins have been missing assignments and missing on key blocks which have resulted in the loss of yards instead of positive progress downfield. If Fresno State wants to be effective, they need to put pressure on the line and disguise their matchups.

If not, DTR will take that extra time allotted to him and do some damage, either with his arm or with his legs.

2018 Fresno State Defensive Stats

Total – 307.0 | Rushing – 117.0 | Passing – 190.0 | Scoring – 17.0

That does not necessarily mean UCLA will be able to collect yards at will. Fresno was able to slow both of their recent opponents when they crossed the line of scrimmage. They will not allow a lot of running yards and they will not allow a lot of yards through the air.

Whoever is throwing the ball for the Bruins needs to keep the ball away from the defense because they will pounce on anything coming their way. Already in this young season, the Bulldogs have 5 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. They are solid in coverage and will not be intimidated by UCLA, especially since the Bruins need to prove a few things of their own.