Establish a road map for success, and others are bound to follow.
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UCLA storyline: Stanford and UCLA were both teams picked to contend for the Pac-12 title in the preseason, considered peers in contention, but on the field this age-old California rivalry has been all Cardinal. UCLA has not beaten Stanford since October 18, 2008, Rick Neuheisel’s first season.
Part of UCLA’s philosophical shift included the use of a lead-blocking fullback and tight ends, created to give the Bruins both a power-run game and more protection for quarterback Josh Rosen to operate from the pocket. The Cardinal had seven sacks in the opener against Kansas State and four tackles for loss a week ago against USC.
There are a lot of little intricacies that go into Stanford’s offensive scheme, so it’s going to take a little time for new signal caller Ryan Burns to work out the kinks. This is a different year, though, and UCLA’s defensive line is anchored once more by Eddie Vanderdoes, whose presence alone has significantly improved the Bruins’ run defense.
Let’s be honest. You have to be a sick puppy to touch this game if you aren’t associated with BC or Wagner. UCLA still racked up 506 yards of offense against Stanford last season in its loss.
McCaffrey’s versatility is a nightmare for opposing defenses, but is well respected among fellow running backs.
Vanilla’s the most popular ice cream flavor for a reason: it’s good. Cardinal cornerback Alijah Holder, who ranks among the Pac-12’s top pass defenders, leads a group of DBs that has drawn praise from coach David Shaw for its role in limiting opponents to 11.5 points per game. That allowed our rush to get there. Change-of-pace back Bryce Love was used sparingly and the passing attack was limited. Christian McCaffrey carried the bulk of the offense as a threat on the ground and as a receiver.
If their is one concern for the UCLA Bruins defense it would be their run defense.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Washington has scored at least 40 points in eight straight games heading into Saturday’s game at Arizona. He’s averaging 235 all-purpose yards per game heading into the Bruins’ showdown against No. 7 Stanford on Saturday evening at the Rose Bowl.
Stanford, in 2012, literally was the roadblock to UCLA winning the Pac-12 Championship. They’ve built multiple-score leads, but gone dormant offensively for stretches midway through and allowed their opponents to chip away. While BYU boasts no Heisman candidates in the backfield, it is no small feat to hold a fairly good team to almost one yard per carry.
What: No. 7 Stanford Cardinal (2-0, 1-0) vs.
Right now, the game this Saturday against Stanford clearly is.
Stanford’s domination of this series looms large. Mora’s UCLA program has gotten a reputation for under-achieving, and just being not ready to take that next step into the national limelight. It also suits Rosen and powerful running back Soso Jamabo. Under head coach Jim Mora, the Bruins were considered a dark horse candidate to make the College Football Playoff.
In beating USC last week, the Cardinal ran the ball 47 times for 295 yards, with just 15 pass attempts.
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However, UCLA may find scoring opportunities scarce. Stanford hasn’t thrown the ball much, and why should it if it has Christian McCaffrey to rely on in the run game?
