With a new coach, quarterback, and an astounding 53 freshmen, no one expected miracles from the 2008 UCLA football team. As Rick Pitino might suggest, former Bruin Cade McNown wasn’t walking through that door. Maurice Jones-Drew wasn’t walking through that door. Rick Neuheisel wasn’t talking through that door.
At least as a player.
As a coach, Neuheisel has revitalized the program during a proverbial rebuilding season. Despite a gloomy 2-4 record at the halfway mark, they have shown steady and exciting progress.
Neuheisel said Monday, “I think we can make some noise in the second half.”
Through the first three games, the Bruins’ offense struggled more than George W. Bush pronouncing “nuclear.” Behind a new, makeshift offensive line, the running game was essentially futile, turnovers were a problem, and converting on third down was a rarity. No wonder the Bruins scored two offensive touchdowns in that span.
But the second quarter of the season offered renewed hope.
Direct snaps to running backs, trick option plays, and surprise onside kicks have invigorated the offense. Over the last three contests, UCLA is averaging 27.7 points and over 350 yards per game. Eliminating turnovers and achieving a higher conversion rate on third down have helped the Bruins remain on the field; in Oregon, they had a dominant edge in time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 38 minutes.
To reach the six victories required to play in a bowl game, UCLA must finish 4-2. With the three best teams in the Pac-10 ““ USC, Oregon State and Cal ““ remaining on the schedule, four wins would be downright impressive. Washington, Arizona State, and tomorrow’s homecoming game against Stanford are all winnable games.
But none is a gimme by any measure.
If the Bruins are to snatch four more victories and miraculously earn a bowl bid, they must address the following questions:
1. Can UCLA run the ball?
Despite their improvement, 3.5 yards per carry just won’t cut it. Senior leader Kahlil Bell is averaging only 2.7 yards per carry, playing with an injured knee and the dreaded high-ankle sprain.
It might be time to boost the workload of freshman Derrick Coleman, who is averaging over 6 yards per carry.
2. Can Kevin Craft be consistent?
Craft was an unknown third-string transfer before injuries propelled him into the spotlight. The redshirt junior has had moments where he moved the offense, particularly in the second half against Tennessee and last week against Oregon.
Yet within those same games he struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions in the first half versus Tennessee and numerous errant passes last week that should have been intercepted.
3. Can the defense stop the run?
Tackling was a big problem in Oregon, so much so that Bruins Coach Rick Neuheisel spent extra time focusing on tackling drills in practice this week.
Lowlights included nearly 70 yards allowed after contact in the first quarter, and safety Bret Lockett being steamrolled by Oregon’s quarterback, of all people.
4. Can UCLA win the turnover battle?
After nine giveaways in the first three games, the Bruins have curbed their propensity for turning the football over, but the defense hasn’t reciprocated by generating turnovers. Now would be a good time to start.
After six games, the Bruins have just six takeaways, which ranks 107th nationally.
The team is 24-2 in the last five seasons when they win the turnover battle, but it has only happened once this year ““ a 28-3 win over Washington State.