Go Joe Bruin looks at some significant statistics between the Fresno State and UCLA football teams as we prepare for tonight’s battle at the Rose Bowl.
After a disappointing 0-2 start, including a 49-21 loss at Oklahoma last week, the Bruins happily return to The Rose Bowl this week. There they will face a difficult Fresno State team who have held their first two opponents to just 34 total points. But if the UCLA football team wants to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1971, they must figure out a way to stop their opponent for scoring.
RELATED: UCLA vs. Fresno State – Gameday Info (TV, radio, live stream, stats, history and more)
In two games, the Bruins are giving up 37.5 a contest. That stat is even worse when combined with the fact UCLA has only scored 38 total points in those games. GoJoeBruin compares a few stats of Fresno State and UCLA to see if any numbers or trends may tip the game in the Bruins’ favor.
QUARTERBACK
UCLA: Dorian Thompson-Robinson | 31/51 371 yards 1 TD 0 INT
Fresno State: Marcus McMaryion | 42/58 412 yards 2 TD 1 INT
In one and a half games, Thompson-Robinson has looked good at times but has also made some freshman mistakes. DTR’s ability to escape the oncoming rush has actually led to some of his problems. On a few occasions, Thompson-Robinson has held the ball too long trying to make a play but ended up either getting sacked or fumbling the ball. I guess the fact that he wasn’t even supposed to be playing yet means a little and he’s still learning the college game as he goes.
Even with a blowout win and a low scoring loss under his belt this season, Marcus McMaryion has fairly close stats in each game. He’s thrown for 207 and 205 yards, respectively, and compiled two touchdowns and a pick in those two games. He’s been consistent in his four years as a quarterback and you know what you’re getting when he steps on the field.
ADVANTAGE: McMaryion gets the nod here because you know what he’s going to bring to the table. As a senior, he also has an advantage over true freshman Thompson-Robinson when it comes to game experience such as when to cut his losses and throw the ball away on a broken play.