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UCLA Football: Three takeaways (concerns) from non-conference play

By Mike Regalado

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #7 of the UCLA Bruins enters the game after an injury to Wilton Speight #3 during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Rose Bowl on September 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #7 of the UCLA Bruins enters the game after an injury to Wilton Speight #3 during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Rose Bowl on September 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #7 hands off to running back Kazmeir Allen #19 of the UCLA Bruins at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #7 hands off to running back Kazmeir Allen #19 of the UCLA Bruins at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

2. The Use of So Many Freshmen (and First-Year Players)

It is possible that the issues with tempo (and production) have to do with the fact that Kelly is using so many freshmen. The roster consists of mostly lowerclassmen and Kelly has not been afraid to use the true freshmen and first-year players that he has brought into the program.

For example, looking at the distribution of carries, first-year players have run with the ball 38 times this season while non-first-year players have run the ball 46 times. That is almost split down the middle (45.2% to 54.8%).

UCLA has some playmakers that have been in the system longer than one year but are not getting the majority of reps. The biggest example is the fact that Caleb Wison, one of the best tight ends in the nation, only has 8 receptions in three games. Against Fresno State, Wilson did not seem to be a part of the game plan until the third quarter. Wilson was virtually unstoppable last year, but in 2018, can’t seem to get a decent number of targets. By comparison, freshman Chase Cota (who has been doing well so early in the season, but still unproven), has 7 receptions.

True freshmen have also been used to patch together the offensive line and though it is needed because of depth, the results have not been great for the Bruins’ offense. The Bruins get some help this week as Boss Tagaloa returns and has been seen working with the first team at right guard, so hopefully, that helps to solidify the line going forward.

If the use of so many freshmen was beneficial, then we would possibly be seeing results, but right now UCLA is 0-3. But as Kelly said, it is not about setting things up for the future as he wants to win now.