UCLA needs to avoid slow start on offense against Indiana

UCLA’s offense started very slow in their win versus Maryland in week 8. The passing game was off a bit, but the running game was picking up some hard-earned yards. Then Anthony Frias II popped off a 55-yard touchdown to get the scoring going and give UCLA a 7-3 lead.

After that run, UCLA continued to stall a bit, and it was the defense that was able to save the night on multiple occasions. With the Bruins heading to Indiana, they cannot afford the same start. Because if they do, they may never be able to rebound, considering how dynamic Indiana is offensively. As they have a Heisman favorite in Fernando Mendoza.

The defense will be tested, and we will see how they perform on the big stage. But the fact is points are going to be scored. Indiana can do it with the best of them in the country. The offense needs to respond and open the playbook as much as they can. This is where the growth of Jerry Neuheisel will come into play and how he adjusts in just his fourth week as a play caller.

The positive is the UCLA offense really started clicking late in the Maryland game. Nico Iamaleava despite a slight knee issue suffered in the 4th quarter led two great drives leading to a win. He will need to be on his A game if the Bruins want to have any chance of playing spoiler on Big Noon Kickoff.

UCLA has an array of running backs that they can use. Anthony Woods looks healthy and ready to return from injury, and Frias II and Jalen Berger ran really well versus Maryland. Titus Mokiao-Atimalala and Kwazi Gilmer who both had good games as well and will need to beat the corners in 1 on 1 matchups as much as possible.