Classes just started yesterday and the UCLA football team already has a test. The Bruins will try to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they travel to Boulder, Colo. to take on the Buffaloes.
And despite a rough first season in the Pac-12 in which Colorado notched only two wins, the Buffs won their first conference game of the season against Washington State last weekend.
However, Colorado (1-3, 1-0 Pac-12) lost its first three games to the likes of Colorado State, Sacramento State and Fresno State.
Inversely, UCLA (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12) started the season with three wins before suffering its first loss of the season in a 27-20 decision against Oregon State.
But coach Jim Mora said he believes his team has responded well to the challenge of fighting back from a loss. UCLA’s recovery should be aided by the addition of redshirt senior offensive guard Jeff Baca back into the lineup. Baca missed the game against the Beavers because of a head injury and didn’t play against the Cougars either.
His absence caused the Bruin offense to stall considerably, especially against the Beavers.
“It looks like Jeff’s gonna be good to go,” Mora said. “Hopefully they got his headaches under control, and he can help us. It’s just good to have a veteran guy like that on our offensive line with the youth that we have. As soon as he gets in there, it’s like a (sigh of relief) for the other guys.”
But like an algebraic equation, what’s done to one side must be done to the other. The return of Baca was balanced by losing a major defensive component in junior outside linebacker Jordan Zumwalt.
Zumwalt sustained a gash on his forehead after a motorized scooter accident, which required stitching at the UCLA Medical Center.
“He had a pretty wicked gash over his left eye, and he can’t put his helmet on yet. So, we’re not going to take him on the trip,” Mora said.
After falling out of the rankings last week because of the loss, Mora stressed the necessity of performing well in the face of hardship.
“It’s critical … for us as a football team to show ourselves; first of all, that we can handle adversity; (and) for our fan base to restore any faith that we may have lost by losing on Saturday. Just to get our momentum back,” he said.
And while the Bruins look to stop their losing streak at one, the Buffs look to begin their first winning streak since their inauguration into the Pac-12.
Mora said he’s scouted Colorado quarterback Jordan Webb and has discovered trends in his play.
“He throws well on the run to his left, which isn’t easy to do. He’s a guy that ”“ when he gets out of the pocket ““ he remains a passer,” Mora said. “This guy keeps it in his hand, and he keeps his eyes down the field and remains a threat to throw the ball.”
Another weapon that Colorado boasts should be familiar to the UCLA coaching staff. The Buffs’ leading rusher is true freshman fullback Christian Powell ““ initially a UCLA commit ““ who has 265 rushing yards on the season with three touchdowns.
Compiled by Chris Nguyen, Bruin Sports senior staff.
As CJM said,” (and) for our fan base to restore any faith that we may have lost by losing on Saturday.” Coach, the Bruin did not lose any fan support, nada. The team may have lost some blog support to the likes of BN but not to the good scrapbook keepers And they say, Go Bruins…