I think that the bad weather will favor UCLA’s ground attack vs. Maryland’s passing game. Equipment guy needs to make sure the Bruins have the correct cleats for a wet field.
I think the rain will be a blessing if it happens… My Concern in seeing Maryland’s last game is, they got killed with a short passing game….. With UCLA watching the previous films, they may have been developing a short passing game of their own to implement here. The problem is….. that I also read where Maryland’s defensive tackles have significant vertical height (6’ 4”, 6’ 5”, 6’ 6”); and as we have seen these first 3 games, Nico’s release point does not come from the classic “over the top” throwing motion….. He is a 6’ 6” quarterback, but his delivery for passes within 15 yards is closer to his “ear hole” than “over the top”. Thus, he gets a lot of passes blocked or at least tipped. My fear is that Maryland will not try to provide a heavy rush… but instead Stall their rush, plant their feet and throw their arms in the air…
With heavy rain starting around noon and continuing through the game, a slick football makes a high-volume passing attack incredibly risky for both sides. UCLA’s "Ground and Pound" should be made for a Muddy Track. UCLA doesn't just run the ball; they dictate games with it. If the rain and wind forces this into a battle of backs and O-lines, from what I have seen, Maryland lacks the depth to keep up, while UCLA boasts one of the deepest, most physical rushing attacks in the country…….so, let it rain today!!! Hammer the Terps with our running attack and sprinkle in some play action and/or roll outs to create passing lanes and avoid the “basketball-esque” length of their D-line…..
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I think that the bad weather will favor UCLA’s ground attack vs. Maryland’s passing game. Equipment guy needs to make sure the Bruins have the correct cleats for a wet field.
I think the rain will be a blessing if it happens… My Concern in seeing Maryland’s last game is, they got killed with a short passing game….. With UCLA watching the previous films, they may have been developing a short passing game of their own to implement here. The problem is….. that I also read where Maryland’s defensive tackles have significant vertical height (6’ 4”, 6’ 5”, 6’ 6”); and as we have seen these first 3 games, Nico’s release point does not come from the classic “over the top” throwing motion….. He is a 6’ 6” quarterback, but his delivery for passes within 15 yards is closer to his “ear hole” than “over the top”. Thus, he gets a lot of passes blocked or at least tipped. My fear is that Maryland will not try to provide a heavy rush… but instead Stall their rush, plant their feet and throw their arms in the air…
With heavy rain starting around noon and continuing through the game, a slick football makes a high-volume passing attack incredibly risky for both sides. UCLA’s "Ground and Pound" should be made for a Muddy Track. UCLA doesn't just run the ball; they dictate games with it. If the rain and wind forces this into a battle of backs and O-lines, from what I have seen, Maryland lacks the depth to keep up, while UCLA boasts one of the deepest, most physical rushing attacks in the country…….so, let it rain today!!! Hammer the Terps with our running attack and sprinkle in some play action and/or roll outs to create passing lanes and avoid the “basketball-esque” length of their D-line…..