UCLA football is set to launch a pivotal season this Saturday. The Daily Bruin gathered questions from fans regarding the upcoming season, and sports editor Ira Gorawara provides insights in this edition of “Between Two Bruins.”
Should we be more excited about our offense or defense this season?
Here’s a look back at the 2023 season: Our defense kept games competitive, while the offense struggled significantly.
Quarterback challenges and turnovers were major issues for UCLA, resulting in 14 interceptions and eight lost fumbles. The red zone was particularly troublesome, with only 51.7% of opportunities ending in touchdowns.
On the defensive side, UCLA stood out with a strong pass rush and effective run stopping, ranking among the best nationally in points allowed and sacks, and boasting the second-best rushing defense in the country.
However, 2024 could mark a shift.
This season, coach DeShaun Foster can count on redshirt senior Ethan Garbers as the full-time starting quarterback. Although he only started six games last year, Garbers led the Bruins with an impressive quarterback rating of 153.24 and completed 67.1% of his passes.
With the departure of Carson Steele, running backs junior T.J. Harden and redshirt freshman Troy Leigber are set to step up. Harden averaged 63.6 rushing yards per game — second on the team — while Leigber, although he only played one game last season, brings impressive high school credentials.
The receiving corps is where the spotlight will be, and I’m particularly focused on it.
Experienced wide receivers redshirt junior J. Michael Sturdivant and redshirt senior Logan Loya provide solid leadership, while sophomore Rico Flores Jr. stands out as the team’s most significant transfer after being Notre Dame’s second-leading receiver last season.
While the talent may tip in favor of the receiving unit, the presence of running back coaches Foster and associate head coach Eric Bieniemy makes it clear both groups have a lot to offer.
The absence of Laiatu Latu will be noticeable as UCLA transitions to the Big Ten. The NFL first-round pick contributed significantly at the Rose Bowl, leaving redshirt junior defensive back Jaylin Davies to fill his role.
Senior Jay Toia and redshirt freshman Collins Acheampong will form a promising duo on the defensive line, while redshirt senior Ale Kaho heads up a linebacking group full of potential.
Comparing both units, I have to say the defense faces greater challenges this season, leading to less excitement compared to last year.
With four key players departing for the NFL and the loss of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the defense.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bruins struggle following Lynn’s move to USC; he transformed a mediocre defense into a national contender.
Even though key returning players help mitigate the impact and Lynn’s successor, Ikaika Malloe, aims to maintain similar strategies, the significant loss of defensive contributors, particularly in the secondary, will take time to address.
As the team undergoes changes, the offense may not instantly capture attention, but there’s a lot to be excited about with the roster and Bieniemy’s NFL-style play calling.
How much flexibility will Foster have this season, especially with a challenging schedule ahead?
Foster has already changed the image of UCLA football and reignited interest in Westwood.
Off the field, he has engaged fans, revitalized recruiting efforts, and gained strong support from his team through name, image, and likeness initiatives.
However, it’s important to remember that he lacks both coordinator and head coaching experience.
While he may receive some leniency in this regard, Bruin fans likely won’t tolerate a repeat of the 2023 season.
The reality is that anyone replacing former coach Chip Kelly faced a significant challenge, taking over a depleted roster and the demanding tasks in Westwood.
Foster’s situation is further complicated by his previous affiliation with past disappointments.
Before being promoted by UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond, Foster spent seven of the last ten seasons on the Bruins’ coaching staff.
This familiarity could limit the leeway Jarmond grants him. Given Foster’s understanding of the systems and the players, fans are likely to expect immediate results.
On the other hand, Foster is navigating the transition to the Big Ten, where he needs to implement a strong coaching philosophy focused on “discipline, respect, and enthusiasm,” all while adjusting to tougher competition and travel demands.
With UCLA now part of the Big Ten, there are expectations for increased national visibility. While some struggles during the transition may be tolerated, ongoing poor performance could quickly diminish goodwill.
Foster has emphasized recruiting, talent development, and NIL initiatives more than his predecessor, which is a positive sign moving forward. If he can leverage local talent effectively, it may give him some breathing room, even if the on-field results take time to improve.
The Los Angeles fanbase and media are quite demanding. So while there might be some initial leniency, Foster’s grace period could be short if the team starts off poorly.
Do students receive a discount when purchasing tickets?
UCLA offers a Den Pass, a ticket package for students that provides access to all home football and men’s basketball games at a reduced price. This package is non-refundable and non-transferable.
The Den Pass costs $ 185 per year and can be purchased at the beginning of the school year, granting entry to both the Rose Bowl and Pauley Pavilion. Additional perks include a free Den T-shirt, priority access to postseason games, and more.
The 4s Up Den Pass is available for first-year students who want to secure tickets for football and men’s basketball games throughout their four years. Priced at $ 495, it offers a 25% discount off the regular Den Pass and eliminates the need to repurchase the pass annually while providing the same benefits.
Students with a Den Pass are seated in the designated student section known as “The Den” and often enjoy exclusive events, giveaways, and special offers.
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