UCLA’s current head coach DeShaun Foster restricted media availability during training camp this season. When asked about it, Foster said that if the Bruins win games, the team won’t need the media’s help to drum up interest in the Bruin program.
We’re now three games into the season and we’re still waiting for a win, after the Bruins were humiliated by the New Mexico Lobos 35-10 on Friday night. After watching 180 minutes of disheveled, undisciplined Bruin football this season, it begs the question: What was UCLA doing during training camp?
Does this team even practice?
Maybe they went all-in on their Brotherhood meetings and forgot about the on-field practices, that’s at least that’s what it looks like. It’s been an absolute mess for the Bruins this season. Each week they look less comfortable with each other on the field than the last.
Problems not getting solved
On Friday, UCLA had 13 penalties that resulted in 116 yards. 116 yards of penalties is terrible, but it becomes even more terrible when you consider that UCLA had 14 penalties for 129 yards last week against UNLV.
It’s now consecutive weeks with over 100 yards in penalties.
No attention to detail
Either the coaching staff didn’t harp on the team about penalties enough during practice this week or the team is tuning out the coaching staff.
Both sides of the ball, not just one
Yes, UCLA does have a new quarterback in place, which could lead to some miscommunication, but it’s the Bruins’ defense as well, extending opponents’ drives with bone-headed mistakes.
Two weeks to do something
UCLA now has an off week. Maybe with the extra week of practice, the Bruins’ coaching staff can instill the team with some discipline and get their penalty yardage down to just double-digits against Northwestern in their Big Ten Conference opener.
Don’t be too optimistic.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA over 100 penalty yards for second week in a row, showing DeShaun Foster has no clue
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
