Is UCLA's run defense that bad?

[socrstud]

I haven't seen UCLA play a single game this year....But all the research that I have done points towards possibly taking UCLA...at least in the first half...

If this Drew kid starts throwing for chunks of yards it seems like its going to be a fun game to watch....

Can anyone let me know how UCLA has looked both good and bad this year? Thanx

By the way it seems like this will be another 80 point game....Anyone else agree?

 

[blgstocks]

I totally agree with you socrstud on the 80 point game

UCLA has one of the most explosive offenses in football. SC offense is ridiculous. Both teams have lackluster D but UCLA has some of the worst run D I have seen this year at times.

Its weird, I have seen poor teams like WSU, Stan, zona open up UCLA with not accomplished runners right up the center.

I cant say they are worse at covering run up the gut because they really dont have the speed to cover the outside run. But i do know that almost every big run I have seen is either a counter to the outside or smash up the gut.

But I have seen them play very good D to. And Cal and ND showed that you can slow USC running game up.

 

[JCDunkDogs]

In short: yes. Here's my two cents...

The Bruins Defense employs a bend-don't-break philosophy ON PAPER. In practice, it has broken over and over again. They are content to let offenses try to move the ball inside the 40, then bring the blitz and close you out on downs or TOs. They are fast, but lightly muscled, which is to say, weak. And they are poor tacklers (they can't wrap-up). Did I mention the poor tackling?

BUT, the Bruins do swarm to the ball, if someone can get a firm grip on the ballcarrier. They move sideline to sideline well, and do not quit on plays, but some of the more talented linebackers and DBs get caught cheating in coverage. Very burnable.

They have survived this long with a one-loss record because of their quite decent offense (QB Drew Olson 30 td, 3 int; and his numerous weapons), and they did not play Oregon this year. Excellent special teams, too.

Overall:
No one gives UCLA a chance in this game, which means that the Bruins have nothing to lose or be ashamed about. My guess is that they will come out fighting, and give USC a game of it.

The Bruins can trade points with USC, and will not be discouraged if the Trojans are up by a couple-three TDs, which the oddsmaker believes will happen at some point. What more could you want in a "live" dog? (Don't answer that).

 

[socrstud]

Pretty much they are hosed when it comes time for Reggie to get the ball. That somewhat worries me for taking UCLA and at the same time begs me to take the over. Thanx!

 

[DerekNJND]

I didnt even read your post or anyone's response, but the answer to your thread question :


YES

 

[gjn23]

"I haven't seen UCLA play a single game this year"

another expert on how much the pac-10 sucks...bet au2001 hasn't seen a pac-10 game since sc drilled auburn 3 years ago.

the answer to your questions is...yes their run defense sucks.....however their offense is very explosive despite a poor wr corp. drew, olson and marcedes lewis are an amazing treo.....

look for all 3 to have huge games (esp drew in the return game)

 

[Scott4USC]

Just keep in mind these 3 things.

Texas A&M has one of the worst Pass Defense in the country and Texas only threw for only 162 yards. Texas had only 336 total yards vs Aggies 398 total yards.

UCLA has one of the worst run defense in the country. But they could pull a surprise just like Aggies. The difference is UCLA has had 3 weeks to prepare for USC. Not to mention get healthy. USC will be facing new schemes both offensively and defensively. I am sure Dorrell been planning for this game since the off-season. So there is good reason to think UCLA D and O will play better than their averages this season. Last year UCLA had 3 weeks to prepare for USC and Bruins played tough. This year USC has had 2 weeks and not played rival week prior. UCLA still had 3 weeks just like last year.

USC has one of the worst special teams in the country. UCLA is one of the best.

 

[gjn23]

the 3 weeks off should help the ucla defense but hurt their offense.....they were rolling (except for the arizona game )

i'd never bet an under in this game but dont think the over is the lock some are making it as the first half could be low scoring due to rustiness (much like last years entire game 29-24...three td's below this total)