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Sep 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake reacts to a fumble recovery in the first quartet against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
The UCLA Football team notched their first victory on Saturday against the UNLV Rebels, however that win was more contested than many thought it should be and now the Bruins take on a much tougher opponent in BYU.
In 2015 the UCLA Football team welcomed a BYU team that was riding two game winning catches into the Rose Bowl. This third game of the season almost had an identical ending last year.
The Bruins came out and were in trouble almost from the start as then freshman QB Josh Rosen threw three first half interceptions but came out in the second half with a renewed energy and helped take on more of a manager role that helped this offense move.
The Bruins were able to snatch a win with Myles Jack stealing a game sealing interception for the 24-23 victory. This season’s match up will look a little different with no Jack for UCLA and a returning Taysom Hill for BYU at quarterback.
This game will kick off the meat of UCLA’s schedule and no game at this point is more important than any other. Playing the Cougars gives many Bruin fans pause when you consider their average age and physical development but this is a winnable game despite the tough match up
Both teams enter this game 1-1 and can hardly afford to lose another game this early in the season. For UCLA this is a chance to answer some questions about their team, specifically about the defense. For BYU, the Cougars are still settling into their new staff and roles.
Did you know: Starting BYU QB Taysom Hill just turned 26 years old.
Sep 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (7) looks to pass in the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
BYU Offense
The Cougars rolled with Tanner Mangum last season as their signal caller and he led them to nine wins including a five game winning streak in the middle of the season. They were handled easily by the Michigan Wolverines in a game where they just couldn’t get the offense going and lost by four to the Missouri Tigers late in the year.
Their last loss of the season came against the Utah Utes in a “Holy War” Bowl game where the Utah defense proved to be much too stout. That loss helped prompt some changes on the offensive staff.
The Cougars have welcomed in new offensive coordinator Ty Detmer who formerly won a Heisman for BYU as a player. He brings in more of a prostyle, multiple formation offense that has a heavy emphasis on the run game.
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That emphasis comes as the Cougars look to improve on their run game which ranked 106th in the country last year with 128 yards per game. When they did run the ball it was for 4.0 yards a clip.
It has been clear through the first two games that BYU wants to lean on the running game and their large offensive line and moved last year’s leading rusher Algernon Brown to fullback in order to pave the way for electric runner Jamaal Williams.
Veteran quarterback, in every sense of the word, Hill returns to the team after suffering a season ending injury last year. In years past he has proven to be one of if not the best player on the roster with his athleticism but doesn’t quite fit the scheme. Detmer would rather have a passer that he can rely on and that’s Hill’s biggest weakness.
At receiver the Cougars are largely unproven and will need to develop some players very quickly if they are hoping to have a balanced attack. What they do have is a transfer receiver that can fly down the field in Jonah Trinnaman who has eight catches on the season and dependable Mitchell Juergens.
How does this stack up against UCLA?
The Bruins should be able to contain this type of offense if they can shore up their run defense and that’s a big if. UCLA should be daring BYU to throw the ball and stack the box against them to ensure they have the numbers should the Cougars decide to run.
Did you know: BYU receiver Mitchell Juergens has been with the program since 2010.
Sep 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) is tackled by Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Matt Hadley (2) in the fourth quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
BYU Defense
The Cougars fielded the 60th ranked defense last year and despite losing their top defensive lineman to the NFL draft this off season, field a strong unit again in 2016. Harvey Langi who last year was the middle linebacker has moved to a hybrid OLB/DE role in the multiple BYU front. He has been replaced by do-it-all Butch Pau’u.
BYU doesn’t lack for big play linebackers and that unit is the strength of their defense with athletic monster Fred Warner not only making plays in the run game but also being split out to cover wide receivers.
In the backend the Cougars field a hard hitting group but one that also will gamble in coverage which can result in some big plays getting through. Thus far this BYU team hasn’t played a quarterback that’s even close to the caliber of Josh Rosen and that should be cause for concern.
This unit is led by last year’s interception leader Kai Nacua who is also a fearsome hitter. His running mate Micah Hannemann doesn’t shy away from contact either and often both will drop into the box much like another linebacker.
This defense will test the UCLA offensive line given their size but doesn’t have the athletes to match up with the Bruins if they can get the running game going. The weakness of this defense I feel is directly up the the middle so despite nose tackle Merrill Taliauli occupying two gaps, the Bruins can have success with their interior run game.
Did you know: Sohpomore Quarterback Koy Detmer Jr. is the nephew of OC Ty Detmer.
September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Brandon Stephens (20) runs the ball against the UNLV Rebels during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction
The Bruins are heading into the meat of their schedule and while this is still a non-conference game, a win here will do wonders for this team. A loss could potentially start the sinking of the ship.
UCLA needs to find a way to shore up the defense especially upfront and they have the bodies to do it. Bringing seven in the box and daring this offense to beat you over the top is UCLA’s best bet to win. Offensively they need to play keep away and sustain long drives to take BYU out of their comfort zone and force them to throw the ball more than they want to in order to keep the score close.
This isn’t the game you should ask Rosen to throw it 50 times or try and be cute with defensive personnel. The Cougars are going to line up and try and punch you in the mouth like a bully. How do you deal with a bully? You punch him right back and that’s what the Bruins need to do.
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Look for UCLA to lean on the run game and to continue getting the talented freshmen RB’s touches while simplifying the defense to allow guys to flow more effectively to the ball. If they can force Hill to try and beat them through the air they’ll make it through this game victorious.
UCLA 28 – BYU 21
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