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UCLA Football: An analysis and more of the defense

By Ryan Kay

Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Football
UCLA DefenseMandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

There is much talk about the UCLA offense this season but what about the Bruins’s defense through two games? Let’s look at the numbers of how well the UCLA defense is performing this season.

Defense Team Stats

*Five interceptions this season by the Bruin’s defense.

*One fumble recovery by the defense.

*Seven recorded sacks caused by UCLA’s defense.

*20 tackles for loss by the Bruin’s defense.

*Five pass deflections by the defense.

Individual Stats

*Darius Muasau leads the team in total tackles with 15.

*Laiatu Latu has the most sacks recorded on the team with four.

*Alex Johnson leads the Bruins with two interceptions.

*Carl Jones Jr. has the most fumble recoveries with one.

Comparing this season’s defense to last season

Last season, UCLA in non-conference play gave up 31 points to South Alabama compared to this season, the Bruins on the road only gave up 10 points to San Diego State. Though the UCLA defense last season only gave up 17 and 7 points in their first two games, it was against teams that did not have efficient offenses throughout the season.

This season, the UCLA defense played well against a Coastal Carolina high-powered offense led by quarterback Grayson McCall. They on the road played well against San Diego State who went to a bowl game last season and was 2-0 entering their game against the Bruins.

There are no wild claims that this is the best defense in the Pac-12 or a top 10 defense nationally but they are tied at No. 42 in total defense nationally and if their defense is able to continue to play at this level, UCLA is a serious contender to win the Pac-12 conference this season.

The defense as a whole and as individuals have been receiving recognition for their play on the field as seen below.

https://x.com/UCLAFootball/status/1702370509244211512?s=20

https://x.com/UCLAFootball/status/1701644558151623140?s=20

https://x.com/seniorbowl/status/1701243119054852440?s=20

https://x.com/UCLAFootball/status/1699082903106535689?s=20

After their game in week three against FCS opponent North Carolina Central, the UCLA defense will be tested in week four in their match-up with No. 12 Utah.

Next. Game Preview: UCLA vs. North Carolina Central. dark