Defense for the UCLA Bruins has been abysmal to start the year, but that could change in Week 3, as they face a mediocre New Mexico offense.
How bad is the Bruins defense? It gives up an average of 36.5 points per game two games into the season, according to ESPN. That would be the No. 16 worst defense by points per game in college football. Luckily for UCLA, the Lobos are nowhere near a juggernaut of an offense.
Playmakers
The clear star on the New Mexico offense is junior running back Scottre Humphrey, who had 28 carries for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns with an average of 6.2 yards per carry, due in large part to a 61-yard run, according to ESPN.
Other options
Other than Humphrey, the Lobos have sophomore tight end Dorian Thomas as their number one receiving option. He’s had 127 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 receptions. With tight ends becoming dominant receiving options, it’s not surprising, but only three wide receivers have even caught passes for the Lobos. The rest are running backs and tight ends.
First-half turnaround is vital for UCLA
This is by far the weakest opponent the Bruins have faced. The Bruins seemed to get more comfortable in the second half of their UNLV game. If it wasn’t just a flash in a pan performance, they can build upon it here by stopping the run and locking down Thomas.
Turnovers
The Bruins have been awful at getting turnovers this season and haven’t been able to snag the ball away from their opponents. New Mexico has been generous to their opponents with turnovers in each of their games.
Thomas had a fumble against Idaho State and junior quarterback Jack Layne had three interceptions against Michigan. There will be opportunities for UCLA to get the ball and to be fair to the Bruins they caused a fumble against Utah and had a near interception against UNLV.
It’s not enough for the Bruins to just create a possible turnover though. They have to finish the play and get the turnover. This could be their chance and they need to rise to the occasion.
Bottom tier offense
The Lobos offense is mediocre at best with an average of 24.5 points per game, according to ESPN. As previously mentioned, they don’t have a lot of weapons and their offense can be pretty one-dimensional if UCLA keys onto their star players.
Layne has completed 44-of-68 passes for 363 yards and a touchdowns as well as the 3 interceptions against the Wolverines. The offense is no where near that of UNLV’s or Utah’s.
The Bruins should look like the most dominant team on the field because they have more potential playmakers and more talent. If they show up and perform, then this could be the game everyone was hoping to see out of the Bruins from the start.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Will UCLA’s defense finally have a good game on Friday night?
Reporting by Ryan Lorenz, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
