Offensive Line makes strides in front of Moline
UCLA knew facing the No. 15-ranked defense in the country would present a daunting physical task.
Offensive line coach Bob Palcic put the onus on his young unit, a group that has gained experience throughout the season but still was susceptible to freshman mistakes.
The Bruins responded.
Despite no offensive touchdowns and a conservative approach brought delivered by two defensive touchdowns, UCLA consistently gained yardage, caught behind the line just five times.
"Going into Arizona State, coach kind of put the challenge on us to see if we could out-physical them, out-compete them," Bruins sophomore center Kai Maiava said. "Our guys took the challenge. We knew they were a good defense, real strong, real sound, and we knew we'd have to try to overpower them."
Early on, UCLA sputtered, unable to pave much ground for senior running back Chane Moline, who got his first start of the season at tailback. Moline finished with 84 yards, but had 65 in the second half against the nation's No. 21 rush defense.
More importantly, he was tackled for loss just twice.
"Our defense allowed us to play more conservatively, and then our O-line did a great job protecting," Moline said. "At first there weren't too many holes, but the offensive line wore them down a little bit. As (senior fullback) Trevor Theriot said, it was old-style, power football."
If Tuesday's practice was any indication, it will continue to be.
Moline appears to be the Bruins man of the moment this week, as well, after his first start following a three-carry, three-touchdown performance against Washington State in Week 10.
"Chane's been the man these past couple weeks," Maiava said. "His ability to read the holes and read the blocks is probably the best on our team. He's a senior, and this means the most to him. Coach talks about keeping drives alive, and if we can keep just getting first downs all the way to a touchdown, I'm OK with that."
While Moline doesn't offer the breakaway ability of his backfield competition - sophomore Derrick Coleman and redshirt freshman Johnathan Franklin and Milton Knox - he is a consistent bruiser, able to pound for important extra yardage.
It really helps us just getting yards," Maiava said. "We don't need a 90-yard touchdown run right now. Chane's consistency has been really good for us. He's a real tough back. I love blocking for the guy."
Bumps and Bruises
Junior offensive guard Ryan Taylor was back in limited action at practice as he recovers from a foot sprain. ... UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel said that freshman wide receiver Morrell Presley was out for his third straight game with a shoulder sprain.
This REALLY concerns me.
We will NOT be able to beat the SCum Toejams by playing conservative football. I'm really thrilled for Moline, to be able to make such a big contribution as a Senior. But to have him as our starting RB is a mistake. He is a FB, and a solid one at that. I would trust him at the goal line, or on that 3rd and 1. But we MUST take the risk with Jet Ski or Knox if we're going to really try to win the game (and not just stay competitive). I know the other RBs have fumble issues, but Franklin gives us our best chance at gashing the SUC defense, the way Wash's and Oregon's RBs did. Moline is no Gerhart, though I wish he was. Unless we score 4 defensive TDs (and I'm not exaggerating), we can't start Moline and expect to have a shot at winning this game. It's sad, but true.
I would have to disagree. I think Moline has been running through tackles and picking up extra yards and not fumbling. When Franklin came in the last game, he was going down with one hit, where Moline was doing a better job at taking on the tackler and getting the extra yards. Its about keeping the drives alive and getting the extra yards after contact. Franklin may be a homerun hitter but I think he will be best used as a change of speed guy in this game. ASU's D line was wore out last game and often came off the fields limping. That is what Moline brings.
I think he has emerged as the reliable go to guy. Limiting mistakes and being conservatives are not the same thing. Moline helps keep us from shooting ourselves in the foot. A big turn over and short fields for $UC will kill us.
Keeping possession of the ball will also keep our defense off the field longer...I think this has contributed to their better play also!