The quietest, most somber corner of the UCLA football locker room following home games last season was often the one occupied by the team’s offensive linemen.
Saturday, I noticed a different vibe. The big Bruins joked and smiled after their 33-14 victory over San Diego State. There was energy and enthusiasm and a jovial mood. New center Kai Maiava worked on a mountainous plate of ribs. Everyone teased freshman tackle Xavier Su’a-Filo when he answered questions from reporters about playing his first collegiate game. As I spoke to tackle Mike Harris, his teammate Brandon Bennett shouted, “Mike Harris is a beast!”
They had reason to be happy. The starters, Maiava, Harris, Su’a-Filo and guards Jeff Baca and Eddie Williams, made a few mistakes and surrendered three sacks, but they also had moments to relish ““ big runs by tailbacks Derrick Coleman and Johnathan Franklin and an 80-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter.
“That’s what gets us jacked up,” Baca said.
That jacked up feeling is what UCLA needs more of this year, and it cannot happen without solid play from the offensive line. Any big pass or long run requires either protection for quarterback Kevin Prince or holes for tailbacks Coleman and Franklin. Neither happened last season, and we all know what resulted ““ a stumbling, sluggish Bruin offense without any real big play capability, a 4-8 final record, and no bowl game.
When I asked Harris about the game, he offered a simple but telling evaluation.
“Way better than last year,” he said.
Indeed, the linemen seemed confident that this year will hold the type of success and offensive rhythm that Bruin fans saw Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
The question becomes, can the line maintain their level of play against tougher competition?
I say yes, but certain mistakes must be eliminated, and the unit must still improve in certain areas.
““ Maiava needs a dry towel.
I know it sounds silly, but Maiava blamed his poor snaps against San Diego State on his lack of a fresh towel. He said his hand became too slippery. He shrugged it off after he explained it, saying it wouldn’t happen again.
And the more substantial concerns…
““ Pass protection.
The Aztecs only sacked Prince three times, but he was pressured often. I expect UCLA to continue to use roll-outs to give Prince more time. They also may need to work out of maximum protection passing formations, like they did against San Diego State.
One good thing to note here is that, in general, Prince handles the rush well. Former quarterback Kevin Craft’s tendency to rush his reads and force throws under pressure only exacerbated the Bruins’ problems last year.
““ Communication, chemistry on run-blocking.
This was a huge issue last season because the Bruins rotated so many different offensive linemen into the starting lineup. Now it seems that the Bruins have settled on a solid five. More repetitions and more experience will help. It’s important to remember that Maiava, Williams and Su’a-Filo had not played a game for UCLA until Saturday, and that Baca and Harris are both sophomores.
“It’s just about getting the feel for the game again,” said Maiava, who sat out last season after transferring here from Colorado.
Next week the line will face a much stiffer test in Knoxville, Tenn., and it could be a big reality check. The Volunteers have a stronger, faster defensive front than San Diego State, and they’ll surely try to pressure Prince.
But I wouldn’t underestimate UCLA. After the San Diego State game, the Bruin linemen know they can push people around and spark big plays. And they want to keep making noise.