Pregame graph: Who are UCLA’s go-to third-down options?

UCLA wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) runs on a touchdown reception past Stanford cornerback Malik Antoine (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Soso Jamabo called his 7-yard run on third-and-6 with 2:37 left against Colorado “the biggest play of the season.” It allowed UCLA to extend a critical drive in a tight game and whittle down the clock en route to an important conference win.

One of the biggest improvements in UCLA’s offense this year is its third-down conversion rate. Last year, the Bruins ranked last in the conference at 35.2 percent. After five games under offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, UCLA is tied with Arizona for third in the Pac-12 at 47.1 percent (33 of 70). Only Washington and Washington State are better.

Here’s a look at UCLA’s third-down performance this season, broken down by player and play type (rushing or passing): 

Of UCLA’s 70 third-down plays, 51 have been passes. Fifteen of those were intended for Jordan Lasley, who leads the team in third-down touches. The Bruins have converted on 20 of 31 pass attempts on third down. Lasley, despite receiving most of the looks on third down, has converted only one-third of his attempts. Darren Andrews has the second-most third-down attempts (all passing plays) and has converted 60 percent of them.

The Bruins have only rushed 19 times on third down, but have done so with efficiency. They converted on 13 of those rushes, including four successful tries from Josh Rosen. Two of the failed rushing attempts ended in sacks, which are officially counted as rushes, but likely indicate that the team was intending to pass. Eleven attempts came on third-and-3 or less and the Bruins got the first down on 10 of those. The one that came up short went for a 2-yard loss from Bolu Olorunfunmi in the third quarter against Colorado. Poasi Moala, who was playing his fourth snap of the game after Najee Toran injured his knee, missed the block.

Despite whiffing on that play, Moala played a major role in Jamabo’s critical third down later in the game, chopping down two Colorado defenders to clear the way for the running back. Jamabo has converted all three of his third-down touches and is the only player without a failed attempt.