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UCLA Football: Two keys to victory against Fresno State

By Jeremy

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Chip Kelly of the UCLA Bruins during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Bruins 49-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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With Week 3 officially upon us in college football, the UCLA Football Bruins return to the Rose Bowl to take on Fresno State.

The UCLA Football Bruins are coming off a tough 49-21 loss to Oklahoma in Norman. Oklahoma quarterback and Oakland Athletics draftee Kyler Murray had a field day against the Bruins’ defense.

He accounted for five total touchdowns and ran for 69 yards. UCLA held their own in some respects but the Bruins were ultimately not able to keep up with Oklahoma’s high power offense.

Fresno State is fresh off an outstanding game in which they lost a close one to Minnesota 21-14. The Bulldogs were in it until the end on the road. UCLA cannot overlook the Bulldogs with Colorado on deck next week.

In order to for UCLA to earn a victory this week, I break down a couple of keys that the Bruins should focus on.

Run the Ball

UCLA is starting true freshman, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who actually played decent last Saturday against the Sooners. He was 16-26 with 254 yards passing and a touchdown. It looked as though Thompson-Robinson is getting more comfortable.

He was recruited as a dual-threat quarterback out of high school. Unfortunately, he did not have a great day on the ground versus that punishing Oklahoma defense (8 rushes for -14 yards). However, UCLA’s plan should be to run first.

Junior Bolu Olorunfunmi had 56 yards on 15 carries with two scores last Saturday. Freshmen Kazmeir Allen and Martell Irby each had 10 carries and a combined 78 yards. UCLA has the talent at running back to get the job done.

With a freshman quarterback, it is important to get the run game going early. Both Olorunfunmi and Thompson-Robinson are capable of big days on the ground. Look for UCLA and Chip Kelly to run the ball early and often on Fresno State’s defense (who gave up 132 yards on the ground to Minnesota).

Fresno State has yet to see playmakers like UCLA will bring. If the Bruins want to be successful at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night, they must prioritize the run.

Defensive Pressure

Oklahoma’s Murray had all day to throw and run as he wished. UCLA must put pressure on Fresno State quarterback Marcus McMaryion to make quick decisions. McMaryion had 2 touchdowns and 205 passing yards against the Golden Gophers.

He is looking to throw first so UCLA cannot let him have time in the pocket. Fortunately, for the Bruins, they have a ton of talent in the secondary to contain the Bulldog receivers. I would expect UCLA to blitz often and force a number of three and outs.

Next. Realistic expectations for UCLA Football. dark

Prediction

UCLA showed signs of hope in last week’s loss. I believe Thompson-Robinson should be the starter for the rest of the season. He will get better with reps and opportunity. UCLA is the more talented team in this matchup. Though Fresno State will not make it easy, the UCLA Football Bruins will win their first game of the year.

UCLA 27-14.

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