UCLA Football Preview: Will The Bulldogs Be Offensive Saturday?

The Bruin defense will need to stop Jake Haener if UCLA wants to end another streak under Chip Kelly.

Fresno State’s offense begins and ends with quarterback Jake Haener. Can the Bruin defense step up to the challenge of limiting him? (Photo Credit: Cary Edmonson/Fresno State Athletics)

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The last time these two teams met at the Rose Bowl was 2018 during Head Coach Chip Kelly’s first season. The Bruins got within 16-14 early in the second half, before the Bulldogs scored the last 22 points to win.

The Bulldogs (2-1), who enter the Rose Bowl with a three-game winning streak over 2-0 UCLA, played Oregon tough in a 31-24 loss on September 4 and, now, they boast one of the nation's top quarterbacks in senior Jake Haener, who leads the country with 1,009 passing yards.

After going 3-3 in their first season under head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Bulldogs’ passing game is much improved.

Granted, beating UConn and Cal Poly isn’t notable, but the Bulldogs were much more competitive against Oregon than Ohio State was.

For just the second time since Derek Carr was drafted in 2014, the Bulldogs return an experienced quarterback. Jake Haener has emerged this season as Fresno State’s offensive leader with a nation-best 1,099 passing yards, 8 touchdown passes, a 74% completion percentage, and zero interceptions.

Another bonus is Haener’s improved pocket presence. Unless there’s pressure in his face, he is more likely to use his arm than his legs. Through three games, he’s recorded just 14 rushing attempts including two rushing touchdowns.

Haener’s mobility is a strength, even leading Chip Kelly to compare him to NFL quarterback Russell Wilson. However, his biggest plays have come when he’s held the ball longer and thrown it downfield for a large gain. Fumbles have been an issue (two at Oregon), but for the most part, he’s been the fuel behind Fresno State’s high-powered offense.

The Bulldogs have returned nearly all of their starters from the 2020 roster, while many of their nine transfers have made the two-deep. On offense, new names on the two-deep include wide receiver Ty Jones, and second-team right tackle transfer Jalen Guerrero.

Yet again, their backfield is led by Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims, both in their fifth year.

The Bulldogs have as many as eight wide receivers led by redshirt sophomore Josh Kelly and junior Jalen Cropper. They’ll also have speedster Keric Wheatfall or 6-foot-4 Washington transfer Ty Jones in the lineup, along with Erik Brooks, Zane Pope, and Emoryie Edwards.

Their depth chart features only two tight end spots, but the team has relied on as many as four. True freshman Tre Watson is also expected to see action in the passing game.

Coach Kalen DeBoer, who was Fresno State's offensive coordinator in the 2018 victory over the Bruins, said this team shares similarities to three years ago, before playing one of their best games of the year against the Bruins.

In his weekly press conference, DeBoer said:

It is going to be an awesome atmosphere to be a part of. They have high expectations and there's a lot of confidence in our team….I want to make sure we’re having the right response.

Go Bruins!!!

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