Myles Jack’s meniscus was still intact when ESPN decided to send its College GameDay crew to this weekend’s game between UCLA and Arizona.
But that meniscus tore this week, sidelining the junior linebacker for the season and robbing the No. 9 Bruins (3-0) of yet another defensive star as they prepare to face the No. 16 Wildcats (3-0).
Even before losing its leader this week, the UCLA defense was already suffering as a result of season-ending injuries to two top-notch defenders: junior defensive end Eddie Vanderdoes and senior cornerback Fabian Moreau.
Jack sealed last Saturday’s 24-23 comeback win over Brigham Young University with a late-game interception, but the Cougars controlled much of the game by exposing Moreau’s replacement, redshirt freshman cornerback Denzel Fisher, in man coverage.
The losses of Vanderdoes and Moreau have hurt, but losing Jack casts the Bruins’ entire season into doubt. With injuries piling up, this Saturday will be a test of resilience.
“I think that our team has responded very well to some of the things that have happened this week that would normally be distractions,” said coach Jim Mora. “We’ve been really working hard on developing a mindset of mental toughness and discipline and poise and maturity, and I’ve seen that this week.”
Last week, the Bruins were clear favorites over the Cougars and barely managed to earn the win. This week, UCLA is just a three-point favorite as of Thursday afternoon, as it begins life without Jack against an aggressive Arizona offense.
Wildcat quarterback Anu Solomon and his team have posted three straight double-digit wins, showcasing their fast-paced offense and high-scoring potential en route to lopsided scorelines like last week’s 77-13 drubbing of Northern Arizona.
“Offensively, they go fast as heck, and they put a lot of pressure on you because of that,” Mora said. “They don’t give you a lot of formations and personnel groups, but boy they go fast. I think Solomon is a tremendous player; I have a great deal of respect for him.”
Jack, who runs more like a defensive back than a linebacker, would have been a helpful piece against an Arizona attack built on speed. But he’ll be on the sideline Saturday, watching as the Bruins try to patch up yet another hole.
Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports senior staff. Contributing reports from Matthew Joye, Bruin Sports senior staff.