No beefs with the criticism of the OL, QB and play calling; there is battling to stay in a game against superior opponents on the road and being overwhelmed, and this was definitely the latter. I know many fans felt that the performance of the defense was a saving grace, but….while they are definitely improved, you have to take this one …
No beefs with the criticism of the OL, QB and play calling; there is battling to stay in a game against superior opponents on the road and being overwhelmed, and this was definitely the latter. I know many fans felt that the performance of the defense was a saving grace, but….while they are definitely improved, you have to take this one with a pretty big grain of salt. Not only was the Ute offense missing several key players, it was pretty clear that by the second half the Utah coaching staff felt their defense had total control of the game, and the only way the Bruins could get back in would be gaffes by the offense; and the play calling became ultra conservative. They had to be feeling a little unsure when UCLA closed to within 7 and got the ball back late, but ultimately their faith in their defense was justified.
I think people are overestimating the defense. The defense looked good but that Utah offense was absolutely abysmal. They were probably worse than the UCLA offense. People need to keep that in perspective. Washington State will actually test this defense.
No beefs with the criticism of the OL, QB and play calling; there is battling to stay in a game against superior opponents on the road and being overwhelmed, and this was definitely the latter. I know many fans felt that the performance of the defense was a saving grace, but….while they are definitely improved, you have to take this one with a pretty big grain of salt. Not only was the Ute offense missing several key players, it was pretty clear that by the second half the Utah coaching staff felt their defense had total control of the game, and the only way the Bruins could get back in would be gaffes by the offense; and the play calling became ultra conservative. They had to be feeling a little unsure when UCLA closed to within 7 and got the ball back late, but ultimately their faith in their defense was justified.
I think people are overestimating the defense. The defense looked good but that Utah offense was absolutely abysmal. They were probably worse than the UCLA offense. People need to keep that in perspective. Washington State will actually test this defense.