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UCLA Football: 3 keys to victory over the California Golden Bears (2018)

By Mike Regalado

BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Theo Howard #14 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball after making a reception in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 28, 2018 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Theo Howard #14 of the UCLA Bruins carries the ball after making a reception in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 28, 2018 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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After a promising performance against Washington, the UCLA football team is looking to roll over their progress into the game with Cal. Here are three ways they can achieve that.

The UCLA football team is 0-5, but the way most Bruins fans reacted after their 31-24 loss to #10 Washington, you think they were 4-1. Going winless is not good, but in a season of transition, watching the progress this team makes is a victory in and of itself.

RELATED: 5 Things We Learned About UCLA vs. Washington

If UCLA can continue to make things work, they might be able to come out with their first victory of the season against California.

1. Keep On Running

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I have to admit, I was questioning the calls that had the running backs going up the middle in the first half of the game against Washington, but it eventually paid off as the Bruins collected 150 yards on the ground, the second most they have collected in a game this season.

With Chip Kelly apparently settling on Joshua Kelley as the premier running back, the Bruins should have a more definitive plan when running the ball. Not only will it keep the tempo up, but it will also create consistency needed for the offense to move forward.

2. Improve On The Pass Defense

The defense has been doing a decent job this season, but that opinion is a little skewed as UCLA has been getting burned through the air. The Bruins have faced very talented offenses with solid quarterbacks leading them in every single game this season. The Bruins are getting tested, but they can’t continue to fail these tests.

If the Bruins want to get a win (in this game or another), the defense has to step up and make a statement. They have to complete their tackles, make good reads and continue to play aggressively.

In regards to the pass defense, the Bruins has to limit penalties, play their receivers close and make it tough for Cal QB Brandon McIlwain to get the ball into open space on each and every passing attempt.

3. DTR Has To Stay Consistent

Dorian Thompson-Robinson had his best game of the season last week. Everything came together with the offensive line, the run game and the receivers getting quality yards. That is not guaranteed to happen this weekend against Cal (I would expect the Bruins hit a few snags in their performance) which is why DTR has to go and be the key to the offense.

Not only does the freshman need to be consistent in directing the offense, but he has to try and take another step forward. Last week he threw for 272 yards (against one of the best defenses in the country), which was a season high. After taking heat from his performance against Colorado, he came out against Washington and did not let anything phase him.

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If DTR can be the leader the team requires, he can make this a very dangerous offense. They are still growing, but what they are growing into is very promising.