The search for UCLA’s long-lost running game continues Saturday at the Rose Bowl as the Bruins face No. 19 Utah at 1 p.m.
It’s been well documented here and in many other places that UCLA’s running game is one of the worst in the nation. It took a nose dive against BYU (rushing for only 50 yards) and never resurfaced during Pac-12 play.
During the past four games, 39.8 percent of UCLA’s rushing attempts have gone for no gain or negative yardage. An additional 24.7 percent have gone for just 1 to 3 yards. The Bruins only have three running plays of longer than 16 yards against Pac-12 opponents this season.
Here’s a look at how rushing attempts have been split up during the conference schedule, showing some information about yardage gained by each rusher.
Nate Starks has emerged as the main ball carrier. Of his 51 carries, 15 have been stopped for 0 or negative yards (29.4 percent).
Soso Jamabo has lost yards the most often between running backs and receivers who have carried the ball. The sophomore got dropped in the backfield on 10 of his 18 carries (55.6 percent). You might recall that against Arizona, he didn’t gain a single positive yard on six carries.