1) UCLA’s passing game v. Virginia’s secondary
There’s no positional group among either of these teams that’s as experienced as Virginia’s secondary. Six of Virginia’s current defensive backs combine for 112 career starts, second-most of any secondary nationally. Some standouts in the group are senior strong safety Anthony Harris, who led the nation in interceptions (8) last year, and consensus top-10 recruit Quin Blanding at free safety.
It will be interesting to see how redshirt junior quarterback Brett Hundley and his wide receiving corps will fare against such a talented secondary. The same goes for whether redshirt junior wide receiver Devin Lucien can assume the No. 1 wideout role left open by Shaquille Evans early in the season. Also, how will sophomore Y-receiver Thomas Duarte and redshirt freshman wide receiver Eldridge Massington, who’s garnered much hype after returning from a torn ACL, perform? Both have been listed among potential breakout stars for UCLA this year.
2) UCLA’s run defense v. Virginia RB Kevin Parks
With the Bruins replacing two starting linebackers from last season, how will their run defense – which hasn’t been a talking point for UCLA so far – hold up against a potential All-ACC running back? Virginia’s Kevin Parks returns off a breakout season last year, one in which he rushed for 1,031 yards (4.5 yards per rush) and 11 touchdowns.
Can UCLA limit Parks? Perhaps it might not have to. If the Bruins can jump out to an early lead, they might not see too much of the running back should Virginia turn to its passing game in an effort to catch up.
3) UCLA’s defense v. Virginia’s offense
Aside from Parks, Virginia’s offense last season was simply inept.
The team tumbled to nine straight losses to end last year behind a scoring offense that averaged just 17.7 points per game over that span. The Cavaliers were No. 121 out of 125 in the Football Bowl Subdivision in terms of number of plays of 20 yards or more (34). To add to its woeful offensive statistics, Virginia also lost its star right tackle Morgan Moses to the NFL Draft (third round) and redshirt sophomore Grayson Lambert is slated to make his first start on opening day, though he did play in seven games last year.
In all, UCLA’s defense, which outperformed the Bruins’ offense during fall camp and received much praise so far, should have a field day with Virginia’s offense. If anything, it might be a red flag should the defense struggle.
Compiled by Chris Kalra, Bruin Sports senior staff.