Texas backup quarterback poses threat to UCLA defensive line

Due to suspensions and injuries, Texas is missing its starting quarterback, starting center, both starting offensive tackles and its best wide receiver.

But because of backup quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, the Longhorns still pose a threat to a UCLA defensive line that has struggled mightily with getting to the quarterback. The Bruins have only one sack on the season, and that came in the fourth quarter of a close game against Memphis last week. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbirch has maintained that it’s not necessarily the sacks that matter, but the quarterback pressure.

Whatever form that mantra comes in, UCLA’s defensive line should have its hands full against Swoopes. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound dual-threat sophomore was one of the highly touted quarterback recruits in the country two years ago, mostly because he ran for 5,341 yards in high school while also showing off impressive arm strength.

He didn’t play great in the first start of his career last week against BYU, completing 20 passes for 176 yards while pairing a touchdown with an interception. It’s his ability to scramble, though, that will be the challenge for the Bruins. Despite being on the road, UCLA is heavily favored.

If they can’t slow down Swoopes and allow him to make plays by scrambling, the score is going to be much closer than it should be.

For a team that has underperformed in both of its nonconference games this season, a good showing against Texas is going to be very important heading into a bye week before Pac-12 Conference play. No matter how electric Swoopes potentially can be, if this Bruins team can’t contain an offense missing almost half it starters, good luck in conference play.

For more Bruins observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook