UCLA Report: Defense will try to keep up with offense
UCLA linebacker Myles Jack powers the ball down to the Virginia one-yard line in the second half of the season opener, moments before scoring a touchdown.
Myles Jack, UCLA linebacker and enthusiastic orator, was sure of many things regarding the Bruins’ 34-16 victory over Virginia on Saturday.
Near the top of the list was, “I think we made a defensive statement.”
Maybe more of one than Jack realizes.
The Bruins’ offense, with its button stuck on fast forward, can wear down a defense … even its own. The UCLA defense might get little down time during games, and offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone admitted Saturday, “I only feel guilty about it when we don’t score.”
Indications from the victory are that the Bruins might have a defense to keep pace.
The Cavaliers had the ball nearly 10 minutes longer — 34 minutes 14 seconds to 25:15 — and the time of possession ratio was more than 2 to 1 in the first half. Yet, the Bruins gave up only one touchdown.
“We have to understand that we are going to be on the field a lot because our offense plays at a high tempo,” defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said. “We understand how to play that way. We are conditioned to play this way. That’s a tribute to [strength and conditioning coach] Sal Alosi.”
This may be a Virginia team that checks in at the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference. However, after allowing seven teams to score 30 or more points last season, Bruins’ defensive players are confident they are up to speed.
“I think we showed what kind of defense we are,” linebacker Deon Hollins said. “We run to the football and hit people. We confuse people.”
The reason the Bruins are better equipped on defense is twofold: better depth and better conditioning. Having built depth with four recruiting classes has helped.
The Bruins rotated players freely on defense against Virginia and, with the game in hand, had an opportunity to give extended playing time to some inexperienced players.
“We’ve got a lot guys who can play and we’re not afraid to play them,” Coach Jim Mora said.
Jack, though, said things could be better.
“We have to get off the field as fast as our offense does,” Jack said. “After our offense scores, we have to manufacture some three-and-outs.”
The Bruins did that three times against Virginia. Bradley wants to see more.
“We’ve got to get the ball back,” Bradley said. “That’s our job.”
Vanderdoes loss
The Bruins will have their defensive depth tested by the loss of defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes, who will have knee surgery and is lost for the season.
Jack didn’t sugarcoat what losing Vanderdoes means, saying, “He holds the double team. He holds the point. He holds his gap. A big guy like that, he keeps people off of me, allows me room to do my job.”
Jack’s back
Jack’s cameo appearance on offense Saturday produced the 11th rushing touchdown of his career. He said he has to be alert on the sideline when the defense comes off the field in case the call comes.
“They talk to me, let me know when I’m needed,” Jack said. “When we get in a short-yardage situation or get near the goal line, I get up and get ready.”
The Bruins got to the Virginia seven-yard line in the third quarter. Jack gained six yards on first down and said, “I should have got in. I looked at the sideline and kept egging them on to let me carry it again.”
He scored on the next play.
Missing men
The Bruins were down two running backs Saturday.
Sophomore Nate Starks did not suit up. He was held out of the game as part of a disciplinary punishment.
This week, Starks, “is good to go,” Mora said.
Sophomore Craig Lee is still awaiting a final grade in a class before he can be eligible. He has been practicing with the scout team the last three weeks.
Mora said: “Hopefully within the next seven days we’ll know something and hopefully it’s good news.”
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