Zona Zealots Talks To Go Joe Bruin About UCLA Football
Zona Zealots is gearing up for Arizona Football even though it’s 63 days away, we thought it would be a good time to start sizing up the competition, UCLA Football.
To get a more in-depth analysis on one of our nemises and Pac-12 rivals, we asked Go Joe Bruin’s Editor Mike W.R. his thoughts on UCLA’s football team and the upcoming game played in Tucson this year between the two teams.
To recap the last game Arizona played against UCLA, here’s a little video, it wasn’t fun watching it again and hopefully our team uses last years loss to the Bruins as fuel for this seasons game. Scooby had 19 tackles on the night.
The game was Arizona’s to lose, as they were up most of the game 7-3, but UCLA’s defense came through and Anu and his offense was shut down. That along with two missed Arizona field goals led to the final Score, No. 22 UCLA 17, No. 12 Arizona 7.
What will happen in Tucson this year? Let’s see what Mike WR says!
ZZ: Is Coach Mora doing anything differently this season on offense?
Mike W.R.: Probably just the usual adjustments to this year’s roster. The Bruins have a majority of their starters returning and even though the coaches have not named a starting quarterback, it seems as though it will be freshman Josh Rosen… who looks really good by the way. Other than that it is just tightening the screws.
Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Jim Mora (right) and quarterback Brett Hundley embrace in the final minute against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2015 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. UCLA defeated Kansas State 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
ZZ: A major factor for UCLA last year was QB Will Josh Rosen be the starting QB for UCLA with Brett Hundley leaving? We heard his has a case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), who is his competition?
MWR: Yeah, it seems Rosen is the obvious choice. Now that is not a knock on the #2, Jerry Neuheisel, who showed elements of improvement in his game during Spring Practice, it is just that Rosen is that good; strong arm and great football IQ.
ZZ: Other than at QB, what position battle are fans looking forward to?
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MWR: Right off top of my head I would say the linebackers. The Bruins will usually play four LBs and right now it looks as if it is Myles Jack, Deon Hollins and Kenny Young. Who that fourth backer will be is up in the air but it looks like it is between Aaron Wallace, Kenny Orjioke, Isaako Savaiinaea… or someone else entirely. UCLA seems to have an individual pop up out of nowhere and see the field sooner or later
ZZ: Why do you feel UCLA has the best defense in the Pac-12?
MWR: They return so many starters that have a lot of talent. They lost LB Eric Kendrick’s and S Anthony Jefferson but have very young and athletic replacements. Last year you could see the UCLA defense was good, but not great. This year I believe the defense will be a lot more disciplined and cohesive unit under the new defensive coordinator Tom Bradley.
ZZ: What the heck happened with Sean “Diddy” Combs and the UCLA coaches? Are the practices still open to parents? Or was this a “special” day for open practice? Will his son transfer now, or is it all good?
MWR: Oh my. There is a lot happening here. Combs “allegedly” got a little heated with UCLA’s strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi about his son. Kettle bells flew, hands got cuffed and it is now being investigated by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office. Word is, UCLA does not want to prosecute and it seems things will settle, but as far as Justin Combs‘ future on the team, nobody knows.
Nov 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Payton (9) runs for a touchdown after making a catch during the third quarter as Arizona Wildcats cornerback Cam Denson (3) gives chase at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
ZZ: Which Bruin returners will end up being the standouts on the team next year?
MWR: Paul Perkins will have something to prove. He was the Pac-12’s leading rusher yet only got an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. If he needs motivation to prove the doubters wrong, there it is. WR Jordan Payton should have a great year as well as TE/Y-receiver Thomas Duarte.
On the defense, watch out for Deon Hollins and Kenny Young, two young, athletic specimens that will turns heads in the fall.
ZZ: Who will win the UCLA vs. USC game this year? Why?
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MWR: UCLA. They don’t have Sark. Sorry to say, I think that will be the Trojan downfall, their head coach. They have good coordinators and great talent, but they have Steve Sarkisian. He is no Pete Carroll.
ZZ: What’s your prediction for the UCLA vs. Arizona Pac-12 opener? What does UCLA need to do to beat Arizona at home?
MWR: I believe UCLA will win in a close game, 21-20. UCLA has bad times going to Tucson and I think that might be the case, but I also think UCLA might have their best ‘Mora’ team so far, which will help them late in the game.
In any case, this game will be a great one, and I for one have plane tickets and a hotel reservation to catch this one in person, maybe Mike will join me?