UCLA Football: A game of numbers – comparing UCLA and Fresno State
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.