How Do The UCLA Bruins Rank Compared To The Rest Of The Big Ten?

As the UCLA Bruins enter its bye week, it’s a good time to assess how the Bruins compare to the rest of the Big Ten. Despite some early struggles, there have been small bright spots on both sides of the ball, even though the team ranks near the bottom in several key categories.

UCLA Bruins Offense Ranked Near The Bottom

The offense has been a challenge for UCLA this season, with the Bruins ranking second to last in offensive yards per game, averaging 302.1 yards just ahead of Northwestern.

The Bruins have struggled to get the ground game going, as they sit last in the Big Ten in rushing yards with a meager 64.6 rushing yards per game. Their lack of a rushing attack has made the offense one-dimensional, though they sit 9th in passing yards per game with 237.6 yards.

Points have been hard to come by for the Bruins, who rank last in points per game at 17.4, a major drop-off compared to other Big Ten programs.

Top-Tier Run Defense, But Issues In The Red Zone

NCAA Football: UCLA Bruins at Rutgers
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While the offense has struggled, the defense has shown some solid play, particularly against the run.

However, the UCLA Bruins rank 4th-worst in total yards allowed per game, giving up 367.3 yards. Their pass defense is allowing 268.7 passing yards per game, which is the second-worst in the Big Ten.

The run defense, however, has been a strong point, giving up 98.6 rushing yards per game, placing them 5th in the conference.

UCLA also allows 29 points per game, the second-most in the Big Ten, right ahead of Purdue, showing that they’ve struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone despite their strong rush defense.

Key Defensive Players Making A Difference

UCLA’s defense has been bolstered by standout individual performances. Carson Schwesinger has been a tackling machine, currently sitting second in the Big Ten in total tackles. His aggressive play has helped UCLA stay competitive in several games, and he’s been a key leader for the defense.

In the secondary, KJ Wallace is making an impact, currently tied for 7th in the Big Ten in passes defended. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks has contributed to the team’s strong pass defense. Additionally, Bryan Addison is tied for 9th in interceptions.

Individual Standouts: Garbers, Harden, And The Receiving Corps

NCAA Football: UCLA Bruins at Rutgers
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Ethan Garbers: Inconsistent But Talented

Quarterback Ethan Garbers has had a mixed season so far. He ranks 10th in passing yards and 8th in passing attempts, showing that he can move the ball when protected.

However, his 9 interceptions, tied for the most in the Big Ten, and being second in times sacked with 18, highlight the difficulties he’s faced with pressure and decision-making.

TJ Harden: Limited Ground Impact But Versatile

Running back TJ Harden has had a relatively quiet season, ranking 37th in the Big Ten in rushing yards. With 151 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, Harden hasn’t had the volume or success expected.

However, his versatility in the passing game has been crucial, and he ranks 39th in receiving yards, adding an extra dimension to the Bruins’ offense.

Moliki Matavao, Keegan Jones, And Logan Loya: Reliable Targets

In the receiving game, Moliki Matavao has been a consistent contributor, ranking 37th in receiving yards in the Big Ten, while Keegan Jones provided a highlight with the 9th-longest catch in the conference this season, a 68-yard reception.

Logan Loya, meanwhile, has emerged as a red-zone threat, tied for 12th in receiving touchdowns in the Big Ten.

What’s Next For The UCLA Bruins?

As the UCLA Bruins regroup during their bye week, they’ll need to address their offensive shortcomings, particularly in the rushing game and pass protection, to become more competitive in the second half of the season.

Improving red-zone defense and continuing to capitalize on their run-defense strength will be key as they head into tougher Big Ten matchups. Showing some improvement will be crucial for the future of the program.