Both UCLA and Arizona are coming off of dramatic losses in games they could have stolen from their opponents. For the Wildcats, they came within an overtime from beating Washington to dethrone a top ten team. The Bruins meanwhile did almost accomplished the same feat but ended up just falling short in regulation to Stanford. Now both squads prepare for a match to try and bring themselves back into relevance in the Pac-12.
Dawkins Kills You With Speed
With Anu Solomon now missing his third straight week, it is possible to say now that Arizona has moved on at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Brandon Dawkins has proven to be a shining light in a season full of questions and concerns. The young man had a fantastic showing against Washington with two great touchdown scampers that were over 50 yards and a touchdown pass of 54 yards on top of that. He has gained a solid understanding of the position and style of play that Rich Rodriguez requires of his quarterbacks and now Dawkins has a chance to further solidify the grip he has on a defense that is susceptible to the run. Teams are averaging 152 yards on the ground against the Bruins, and with the dynamic duo of J.J. Taylor and Dawkins in the backfield, UCLA may over pursue on option plays, allowing at least one to take advantage of what UCLA gives them.
Still Lacking On Defense
Injuries still plague the Arizona defense going into this week’s game. The starters for the Wildcats at nose guard, linebacker and safety are all still potential scratches off the roster going into this week, leaving the team with little depth and a lot of talent lacking in the starting 11. Things aren’t as bad as they could be however, as Arizona has found ways to be dynamic enough on defense to keep the team in contests. Only giving up near 25 points a game and only 793 yards rushing, the group of players tasked with stopping the opponent have done well considering what they are working with. There is still not enough of a difference between yards gained and given up to consider it a success though. Between what the offense has earned and what the defense has surrendered, the Cats are sitting at just +12. The defense needs to force quick drives and allow the offense to really put the hurt to the opponent in both yards and in scores.
No Running On The Grass
A main problem for UCLA and Rosen’s inability to perform this year might be the running game. Thus far, UCLA’s ground attack has been pedestrian among the Pac-12 teams. To be sure, the Pac-12 might be the deepest conference in the FBS when it comes to the passing game, but when you have only managed a total of 471 yards through four games it comes off as if you haven’t been trying to run the football. The leading rusher for the Bruins has been Soso Jamabo with just 198 yards this season. J.J. Taylor has 270 yards this season in comparison and started the year off with a -4 yard game against BYU. If UCLA wants to get Rosen into a steady rhythm and allow the defense to rest up enough to make plays when they return to the field, it would be wise for them to try and push their pace on the opponent. With the small defensive line that Arizona brings into the game the match up lines up to a perfect storm for the Bruins.
The game will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA this Saturday at 7:30 PM. Tune in to ESPN to watch the contest.