Third down defense continues to be UCLA's kryptonite

UCLA’s defense has been up and down this year. They had a good stretch and then tailed off. But the story of the three-game losing streak has been the third down conversions. The Bruins defense has struggled mightily, trying to get off the field. Whereas on first and second down they have managed pretty well. Kevin Coyle must shore this up in the final two games of the season and capitalize on long distance situations.

UCLA is mainly playing for pride at this point. Unless there is a shortage of teams, even if UCLA wins out, they will only have five wins. They would need an at large bid to get to a bowl game. Tall task regardless and that doesn’t include their last two opponents being Washington and USC. Not easy opponents by any means.

Over the three-game losing streak the Bruins have allowed their opponents to go 23-35 on third down. Good for 65.7%, which is an abysmal rating getting off of the field. UCLA is giving up short yardage and long yardage and hurting themselves. If they could play the way they do on first and second down this could be a whole new football team. The pass rush does not seem to get anywhere near the quarterback and end the drive. Quarterbacks are able to sit back in the pocket and have a world of time to throw.

The positive is the team is still playing hard for each other. It doesn’t seem that anyone has quit even with the season in peril. They will be underdogs in both the Washington and USC games. But they have the opportunity to play spoiler. Especially if USC wins this weekend, they could be in playoff talks. Fix the third down woes and end their playoff chances similar to what they did in 2006 as big underdogs.