Running game woes
As has been written about since Saturday's scrimmage, the running game needs massive improvement if UCLA's offense is going to be serviceable.
I spoke to Bruins running back Raymond Carter about this.
"I don't know what happened,'' Carter said. "There were times when I missed the hole, or went to the wrong place."
I asked him how many times during the scrimmage the offensive line opened holes for the running backs.
"All I can say is we will be ready in two weeks," said Carter, referring to the opener against Tennessee. "We have work to do, but all I can say is we will be ready for Tennessee."
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About Inside UCLA
This is Brian Dohn's sixth season covering UCLA after spending 4 1/2 years covering the Dodgers for the Daily News and other Los Angeles Newspaper Group papers. He graduated from Rutgers, where the first college football game was played in 1869. Sure, the Scarlet Knights suffered for a long time, but now RU is doing what Jerseyans always thought was possible. Winning at Rutgers also proves winning is possible everywhere else in the nation, so underachieving coaches better be careful. Now, if only men's hoops can turn it around.
Carter was smart enough not to take the baited question that gave him an opportunity to criticize his offensive line. A good running game is of course a combination of talented backs and skilled linemen all executing their assignments. Football players who play the blame game do not help what has to be a coordinated team effort.
Our running backs will find ways to gain yards regardless of how horrible our line is. Arizona State's offensive line was horrible last year, and they still managed to score points and go 10-2.
The thing I'm most worried about is the health of our QBs. As long as Craft can stay healthy the entire year and get a groove going, we should be fine. Last year's problem was the fact that we had 4 different quarterbacks playing at random. One week was Ben, the next week was Osaar, the next week it was Cowan, the next week was Bethel-Thompson. We need ONE quarterback to stay healthy the entire year.
Only 13 more days until kickoff!!!!!!!!!
BEAT THE VOLS!!!
i wish we could start the tailgating now! a 2 week camping trip on the golf course.
Aquacate,
There is no baiting in that question. It was a simple question. He can answer it any way he wants. He could have said, "yes, there were plenty of holes to run through and the line did a great job."
Brian, it's obvious journalists try to bait athletes at times. With the poor rushing yardage (except for Franklin's 7 for 32) anyone could tell they weren't opening holes against the 1st and 2nd team D. Why ask the question when it's an obvious answer.
The QB's can only stay healthy if they're not having to run for thier lives ever single play. The line is a mess and if they can't block, nothing is going to happen, they'll be lucky to get 4 wins this season...unless the D scores. The Oline is the key for the team this year. If they're as bad as they have been so far, it's going to be a bad season. They might even lose a few recruits if it they stink it up this season. And DW leaves for a headcoaching gig.
The difference between this year's team and last year's is depth at RB and QB, besides Craft and Forcier who are very mobile, Kevin Prince and Nick Crissman performed well enough at the scrimmage for me to feel confident that if any of the 1st 2 QBs go down, Prince and Crissman could step up and do the job. Compared to last year we have lots of depth at the RB position. The OL will be okay, Norm Chow is a genious and together with the OL coach will or have created special blocking assignment, they will use the backs who have proven in practice that they could help the line in pass blocking. Don't panic Bruin fans we're gonna be okay, just be at the Rose Bowl Sept. 1st and see for yourselves. GO BRUINS!!
Hey guys, looking forward to a great game on Monday night. I hope you guys avoid any more injuries, especially at your skill positions.
I agree with Anonymous that line play is key to this game. We're going to try to wear you down thru three quarters and then pile on in the fourth. What kind of shape are your guys in? That will tell the tale.
Good luck anyway, here's to an injury-free fun-filled barnburner.
GO VOLS
UT 31 UCLA 24