UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly set the record straight, he wants to win and he wants to win now!
After a 0-3 start to the 2018 season, it was assumed that UCLA football‘s Chip Kelly would write this season off as he prepares for the future.
RELATED: Statistical Progress After the Fresno State Game
At practice on Wednesday, Kelly made it known that winning is all that matters and he wants to win now.
More from Go Joe Bruin
- UCLA Football: It’s time for the nation to meet Dante Moore
- UCLA Football: Where are they ranked heading into week 4
- UCLA Football: Position battle breakdown for Utah showdown
- UCLA vs. Utah: Location, time, prediction, and more
- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
There has been a lot of speculation that this season would be a stepping stone in Kelly’s master plan after the 0-3 start. It would simply be a throwaway year that would be used to prepare younger players for the future. That does not seem to be the case with Kelly.
Ben Bolch of the L.A. Times quoted the head coach who said, “It’s got nothing to do with putting anybody in position for the future. Everything’s about winning now.”
Kelly also talked about the tempo and stated that he was concerned with something slightly more important, “I care about, are we having production?”
UCLA is having production, but not enough to take over games. Not at this point.
For the most part, the Bruins are going through a lot of growing pains. Not only are they utilizing several true freshmen and first-year players, but the implementation of a new system has not yet been mastered by anyone on the team.
It is taking more time than we thought, but it is coming along. For now, the offense needs to figure out how to get into a groove and the defense has to limit mistakes. The Bruins might have taken a step back this past weekend against Fresno State, but at least they can go back and see what is not working and make the necessary adjustments.
Is Speight Returning?
Wilton Speight has been participating in more and more drills since he injured his back in the first game of the season against Cincinnati. Speight left that game in the second quarter and has not suited up for the last two. He has been limited in his throws after his injury but has recently been showing a lot more progress.
Boss Tagaloa Back In Action
Both OL Boss Tagaloa and TE Devin Asiasi have completed their three-game suspensions and are back practicing with the team. Bolch noted that Tagaloa was working with the first-team at right guard. Justin Murphy, who has been at that position, moves to right tackle, pushing former starter Jake Burton into a backup role.