UCLA running game stuck in reverse

via GIPHY

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.  Continue reading “UCLA running game stuck in reverse” »

Video: Josh Rosen, Theo Howard, Kenny Walker, Nate Starks on Arizona

Quarterback Josh Rosen talks about how the Bruins found their way in the second half, working with Marques Tuiasosopo and turning hope into action at this point in the second.

Receiver Theo Howard talks about his first career touchdown pass, getting the call and what took him so long to get his shot.

Receiver Kenny Walker talks about how the offense recovered in the second half and working on the scramble drill against Arizona.

Running back Nate Starks talks about taking the lead running back spot and improvements for the offense.

Video: Josh Rosen, Nate Starks, Rick Wade, Darren Andrews

Quarterback Josh Rosen talks about facing Stanford, why he struggled against BYU and finding rhythm with Darren Andrews.

Running back Nate Starks talks about coming back after missing two games, the potential of the entire running backs group and handling Stanford’s defense.

Defensive lineman Rick Wade talks about his first career sack, going against Stanford’s jumbo package and the progression of the defensive line.

Wide receiver Darren Andrews talks about who gets to be McCaffrey in practice and turning into a go-to guy.

By the numbers countdown to kickoff: 2 days

Running back Soso Jamabo bursts through the line during UCLA's Spring Showcase. Photo by Michael Owen Baker

Running back Soso Jamabo bursts through the line during UCLA’s Spring Showcase. Photo by Michael Owen Baker

Countdown the days to UCLA’s season-opener against Texas A&M with key stats facing the Bruins this year.

10 receiving touchdowns by Thomas Duarte last year, which led the team
9 returning starters on defense
8th in the Pac-12 in rushing defense last year
7 second-half turnovers for Josh Rosen last year
6 different starting combinations on the offensive line in 2015
5 straight losses to Stanford under head coach Jim Mora
4 different players attempted at least one punt last year
3 home losses to unranked teams in the past two years

2 STRAIGHT 1,000-YARD RUSHING SEASONS FOR PAUL PERKINS

A year after leading the conference in rushing, Paul Perkins followed it up with another 1,000-yard season for the Bruins in 2015. He claimed the Pac-12 rushing title with 1,575 yards and had 1,343 yards last year.

UCLA had not had consecutive 1,000-yard rushers since DeShaun Foster ran for 1,037 and 1,109 yards in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Continue reading “By the numbers countdown to kickoff: 2 days” »