UCLA Football 2019: 100 things to look for with 100 days until kickoff

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Running back Joshua Kelley #27 of the UCLA Bruins looks over his shoulder as he heads for the end zone during the first second of a football game at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Running back Joshua Kelley #27 of the UCLA Bruins looks over his shoulder as he heads for the end zone during the first second of a football game at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

51. The concussion watch

UCLA had a tremendous amount of consuccions and head injuries last season. Whether it was a freak accurancy or being overly cautious, the coaching staff will not take any chances. The health of the head is more important than getting playing time.

52. Revenge against Arizona State

That Arizona State game still stings. Last season, the Bruins had way too many errors which led to the loss in a very winnable game. With this season’s game at the Rose Bowl, the Bruins should be able to enact their revenge on the Sun Devils in front of the home crowd

53. LB Tyree Thompson and the search for TFLs and sacks

2018 was Thompson’s first year with UCLA and he did a commendable job. This past spring he looked as though he was taking in the next step in his development, which includes getting into the backfield. Though he will not be coming off the edge, he has the vision and physicality to get passed the line and bring down some ball carriers.

54. The road is going to suck

Seeing as the Bruins will have a favorable home schedule, conversely, they have a treacherous road slate. With games at Cincinnati, Washington State, Arizona, Stanford, Utah and USC, I don’t expect a lot of wins away from Pasadena.

55. Keep your eye on DL Otito Ogbonnia

Ogbonnia was another true freshman that got thrown into the fray last season. With the defensive coaches looking for production across all of their defensive players, Ogbonnia gave them an extra weapon to use on the line. And with a year in the system, he already knows what to do in this defense and should turn plenty of heads.