UCLA Football: Statistical progress after the California game

Along with UCLA football’s first win of the season, the Bruins also made some excellent strides in several different statistical categories against Cal.

The UCLA football team’s first win of the season came in a big way. Not only did they rough up Cal in a 37-7 win, but they displayed themselves in a way we have not seen before, especially on defense.

RELATED: Kelley, Kelly and the Bruins Strike Gold in Win Over Cal

Yes, UCLA was fantastic on all sides ad even made improvements with their numbers. Let us take a look…

Total Offensive Yards:

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 337.2 (108th) | Vs. California: 348

With the offense running like a well-oiled machine, the Bruins were able to march up and down the field with a certain amount of ease. The passing game and the running game were in tune with each other and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson was able to orchestrate one of the best offensive performances of the season. Expect more in the coming weeks as the Bruins continue to grow into their skin.

Offensive Rushing Yards

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 150.8 (86th) | Vs. California: 207

Last week it was made apparent that Joshua Kelley was the premier Bruin running back. This week he solidified that stance as he had his third straight game running for over 100 yards. On top of that, he had a season-high 157 yards. Additionally, DTR added in 27 yards, despite the fact that Chip Kelly said there was no plan for him to run. Good cover, coach.

Offensive Passing Yards

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 186.3 (105th) | Vs. California: 141

When you have a running game going as smoothly as UCLA’s did against Cal, you do not need to pass so much, which is something that Kelly has been doing the last few weeks. Though it was not a tremendous drop-off, it was a bit less than their season average. Leading the receiving game for the Bruins was Caleb Wilson who continues to be a weapon through the air as he logged 92 yards on five receptions for an average of 18.4 yards per catch.

Scoring Offense (Points)

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 21.5 (106th) | Vs. California: 37

Last week, UCLA scored 26 points, the most in a game for the season up until that point. They blew that out of that water against Cal. And though this category was for scoring offense, the defense had a hand in the total points as Keisean Lucier-South had himself a superb fourth quarter with an interception, strip sack, and a scoop and score. Not bad.

Total Defensive Yards:

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 408.3 (75th) | Vs. California: 310

We have been saying that the Bruins have a very solid defense, though it has been hard to prove, especially when they have gone up against some of the best offenses in the nation. The numbers were adjusted against Cal in favor of what we have been talking about.

Defensive Rushing Yards

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 175.3 (77th) | Vs. California: 131

The defensive line has been consistently aggressive, but it seems like they unleashed their fury against Cal, even though it seems the Golden Bears do not have much of an offense. In addition to only allowing 131 yards on the ground, they logged two sacks and seven tackles for a loss.

Defensive Passing Yards

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 233.0 (71st) | Vs. California: 179

The Bruins have been burned through the air in the first half of the season, but they played Cal a lot tougher, despite the fact that Cal QB Brandon McIlwain has horrible accuracy. UCLA also picked off Cal twice in the game, so it seems things are improving.

Scoring Defense (Points)

Season Avg (Nat’l Ranking): 31.5 (86th) | Vs. California: 7

This stat just speaks for itself. UCLA not only limited Cal’s total yardage but to limit them to only one score is another step in the right direction. Well played, Bruins. Well played.