You likely recall the struggle that was UCLA trying to run the ball in 2016. It was painful.
UCLA ranked second-to-last in the country in rushing (84.2 yards per game) and yards per attempt (2.93). The only team worse in both categories was Texas State, which finished 2-10.
Below is a chart examining UCLA’s game-by-game rushing performance last year. The graph does not include yards lost on sacks, which are traditionally included in rushing totals. The red lines represent the opposing team’s rushing yards allowed (without sacks) at the end of the season.
*Numbers don’t include yards lost on sacks
The Bruins eclipsed an opposing team’s average rushing yards allowed only once, racking up 227 yards on the ground against UNLV, excluding the minus-8 surrendered on sacks. On average, UCLA gained 83.5 fewer yards on the ground than the opposing team’s season average. All of the team’s wins came when the difference between average and net rushing yards was less than that 83.5, and the Bruins went 4-2 overall in such games:
- Wins:
- UNLV: 29.75 yards more than average
- BYU: 60.1 yards less than average
- Arizona: 81.3 yards less than average
- Oregon State: 56.5 yards less than average
- Losses:
- Texas A&M: 46.2 yards less than average
- Stanford: 63.7 yards less than average
Both of those losses came in excruciating fashion. The Texas A&M game ended in overtime. The Bruins then lost to Stanford by giving up the go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute left.
UCLA’s worst rushing performance relative to opponent strength was the season finale against Cal, when the Bruins went up against the second-worst run defense in the country and mustered only 108 rushing yards (84 net including sacks). Cal allowed 281.8 rushing yards per game at season’s end (difference: 173.8 yards).
Despite running the ball so poorly, the Bruins stayed competitive in many games thanks to its stingy defense. Much of that defense is gone now, heading off to greener NFL pastures. Even a small semblance of a running game would be a much-needed improvement for UCLA this season as it tries to replace so much defensive talent.