Next Season starts NOW! Thanks, Chip. Goodbye Now. Thanks DTR, go to class. Your services are no longer needed. BriThanks Defense Coordinator, your services are no longer needed, Goodbye now. All Seniors are benched. Bring Garbers in and get him game action starting now. Get his backup ready also. Next season starts now. Let these new players make us bowl eligible. We have a program to get back on track. Thanks. Heads Roll Now!!!
It’s basketball season! Football culture is the same as it ever was…. A little better then .500 ball but same old same old. Let’s get Bona and Mark Mitchell. Deepest squad in a long long time.
Isn't it sad. Every year about this time (except in Pandemic years) we all start to look at Basketball as the UCLA Athletics savior. Football continues to fail year in and year out.
Football is super consistent. Problem is that it is going to be a money loser for us which will affect the real teams that consistently win National Championships for us. UCLA football is average at best and will probably stay that way.
Sorry, Joe, but I totally disagree with your assertion that DTR's "pass accuracy was terrible all game." I thought he was pretty accurate most of the game (22/41 is far from terrible); I can recall only one pass that made me shake my head. If anything, it was play calling that hampered this offense, as exemplified by DTR's 4th quarter play when he made some (longer) amazing dead-on passes while getting rushed (and hit) by one of the best DEs in the country. You neglected to mention how many times he put the team on his back and bull-rushed his way to a first down, but I guess that doesn't support the narrative you're going for.
As long as we continue to play defense like we have, We will continue to not have a chance against decent teams ( Utah), thank goodness we only have one decent team left on the schedule. The other 3 games should be pretty competitive and anything could happen. We could go 0-4 or 4-0 , my money is on 2-2 and an New Years who gives a hoot bowl game.
I don't think Joe has a particular narrative against DTR, but I also disagree with his comment about his accuracy. All in all, DTR has never been a super accurate passer and today seemed like a pretty typical day for him. Now I'm sure Joe was at the Rose Bowl and he may not have gotten to see all the replays that showed the hits and pressures and collapsing pockets that DTR was dealing with all day long. The thing I've come to love about DTR is that he is at his best when our back is against the wall and he's shown his ability to pull this team back into a game after the defense (along with play calling, and un-special teams, and the SPTRs, etc) put us into another gigantic hole. The kid has enormous heart and toughness that make up for a lot of his shortcomings. If we had an even middle of the road pass defense, we win both this game and FSU and are we 7 and 1 with DTR and rolling.
I agree he wasn't accurate on every pass but with that pass protection, I'd say the best of the best would have issues with accuracy. Not 100% defending his accuracy as there were occasions when he had no pressure and threw off target, but the guy was beaten to a pulp because he had very little protection. I'm surprised he could even throw in the 4th QTR. The hits do build up over time.
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!! This Chip Kelly experiment has offered nothing but stagnant, lethargic, pathetic results. I am exhausted, and he offers nothing but arrogance in his demeanor which expands my frustrations further. Sir you and your defensive coordinator are not innovative, your food program isn’t elite, nor is your recruiting. The transfer portal has helped Chip, it couldve actually been worse. Smh.
This game was heartbreaker but it didn't have to be.
Kelly could have replaced Azzinaro anytime in the last two years and brought in even a minimally competent DC who could design a defense that doesn't leave national broadcasters aghast at the soft cushions we give up play after play, week after week, game after game, year after year. Another death by a thousand 5 yard passes and YAC.
And sometimes we get lucky and the opposing OCs are really the dumbest mf'ers who get so impatient and think they are so damn important that they call deeper pass plays with crappy passers and let us back in a game.
You gotta love when Oregon had a first and goal on the 6 yard line and the UCLA DB's were playing 8-9 yards off. Classic. Not sure what kind of defensive "scheme" that was, aside to say.. it was pathetic.
Utah lost to Oregon St, this is big. If UCLA can somehow find a way to beat Utah, they still may have a chance to get to an Oregon re-match or face Oregon St. Its still possible. Oregon St may also beat Ariz St ! I think Oregon St has a good chance to beat Oregon.
LMAO. Good luck with that. If the Bruins couldn't beat an undisciplined Oregon team at home, what makes you think that they could beat a disciplined and tough Utah team on the road? They will probably lose big in SLC!
Probably, but they could always pull an upset. Utah is beatable. But Rising is a pretty good passing QB which means bad news for the Bruins. 7-5 is probably the best we can hope and that's if we can get by Colorado and Cal. It's reasonable to think that Utah and SUC will be losses. I just thought the race in the North division was interesting. Oregon St seems pretty strong this year.
Dude, everyone is beatable. If the Bruins had discipline, a competent defense, and a consistent offense, they could have easily won by 3 TDs yesterday. But they don't. I don't expect a W next weekend. This team falters in big conference games.
UCLA could have won that game but will rue missed opportunities and there’s plenty of what if’s to mull. The loss is down to the Defense though, I think if you score 30+ you should win. DTR was DTR. He played a gutsy game (and he certainly has plenty of heart), but I thought very up and down. Missed some throws long (and a couple of wide open receivers), th generally was pretty serviceable. Held the ball too long in the pocket too often, which seems to be one of his long-standing issues. You do wonder if he could have pulled it off if he didn’t get hurt. Garbers was fine, but it just seemed like he didn’t have the whole playbook as it looked like the same play 3 times in a row, which is asking to be picked off. I wonder if he’s had enough reps to take over the offense as I felt like the wind went out of the sails at that point and the O didn’t have the same confidence. I thought Chip emphasized the run too much in Q2 and Q3 - it was like we were trying to pound it like it was late in the 4th and we just were trying to run the clock out. It made for too many 3rd and long situations.
I never like to blame the refs for a loss and I won’t do that here, but they were abysmal. Missed holding calls, missed PI calls, and some just embarrassing mistakes. It’s pretty bad when the commentators are making fun of how bad (and random) the officiating is. The whole situation with the Oregon Defense trying to induce false starts was crazy too. If you need the police to escort the officials into the locker room because of abuse from a coach, somebody should be ejected, but instead it seemed to have the effect that Oregon wanted and I’d say Oregon got a lot of favorable calls (or non calls really).
But, as we’ve come to get used to, it was the lack of Defense that killed us again. To someone who didn’t see the game, it might not seem so bad, but I think our terrible play was masked a bit by turnovers. While the secondary is really bad, and not helped by a scheme that doesn’t seem to know what it’s trying to do, this game made me think that a large part of the problem is the lack of a pass rush. Even so-so QBs can make plays when they have the time. In the first quarter I thought Oregon was trying to establish their run game, which played into our strength, but once they switched to short passing plays and screens they exposed the team badly. The announcers were carrying on about Dye having multiple TD touches in a row, which really just hammered home that it was all passing until they were a few yards out and the handoff for the TD. Lake’s interception that was nullified for OS was unfortunate (he stepped forward on the hard count), but it’s inexcusable to repeat that on the next play. Again, the lack of pressure is the real problem, leading the Bruins to try and get an edge by guessing the snap, but this kept backfiring. I feel like Oregon had picked up on this from previous games and had a plan to try and draw offsides, and on the flip side it’s something our coaches haven’t addressed.
So, 5-3, without really beating any good teams (It’s clear LSU is only OK and ranked preseason due to their name). I think this continues next week with a loss to Utah, and then 3 winnable games. 8-4 or 7-5 to finish, 3rd in the South, and a spot in the whatever bowl sponsored by meh.
I’d like to think Azz will go after the season is over, but I’m not holding my breath. I doubt Kelly goes anywhere until his contract is up. I have this feeling like he’s more interested in playing with Offensive concepts and play design more than winning, and certainly doesn’t seem interested in building a program. Still, unless the tooth fairy shows up with $9M, I foresee 12 more months of this.
I’m not totally across the details of the contract, but I think by the time the $9M buyout ceases, we’re on the hook for his $6M 2022 salary (Joe mentions this in his article today). It’s interesting how LSU and Orgeron mutually decided to part ways, who knows, maybe an ‘arrangement’ can be reached. Otherwise it’s 1 more season of frustration I think.
I'm not actually totally anti-Chip. I think the offense has been decent, and DTR has improved his decision making, and I like the way he's embraced the transfer market. But if I were AD, the only thing that would save him at this point is canning Azzinaro. I realize they're limited in the secondary, but when it's third and four, and you start the DB five yards off the line and have him immediately back up five more yards, and this happens again, and again, and again, and again... He's not going to change. I've watched so much of this season at 2x speed on DVR, because I just can't spend anymore emotional capital hoping that they'll get stops on third down.
"I hate 3rd downs" -- Comment made by my Bruin engineer. And more to the point on UCLA defense - "yards don't matter, only the down." I describe the UCLA defense this way - "it's like they are running down the field with a can of gasoline in one hand and a lit match in the other. What could go wrong?"
In the silver linings department, the game thread had 699 comments. That's great for a home game and it shows there are a lot passionate fans who still care, and it shows how much this site matters. Thanks to Joe and all the writers and everyone chiming in on here. Let's at least keep that part growing strong.
I agree! We were at the Cal game so I missed most of it. Was able to catch most of the 4th quarter. I turned on the game thread and thought wow there are a lot of people here today. Really great to see and it is awesome for those of us not in the Los Angeles area. Thank you, Joe and everyone on the Mighty Bruin staff!
Next Season starts NOW! Thanks, Chip. Goodbye Now. Thanks DTR, go to class. Your services are no longer needed. BriThanks Defense Coordinator, your services are no longer needed, Goodbye now. All Seniors are benched. Bring Garbers in and get him game action starting now. Get his backup ready also. Next season starts now. Let these new players make us bowl eligible. We have a program to get back on track. Thanks. Heads Roll Now!!!
If only…
The only heads that need to roll are Chip's and Azz's.
It’s basketball season! Football culture is the same as it ever was…. A little better then .500 ball but same old same old. Let’s get Bona and Mark Mitchell. Deepest squad in a long long time.
Isn't it sad. Every year about this time (except in Pandemic years) we all start to look at Basketball as the UCLA Athletics savior. Football continues to fail year in and year out.
Football is super consistent. Problem is that it is going to be a money loser for us which will affect the real teams that consistently win National Championships for us. UCLA football is average at best and will probably stay that way.
All in all a HUGE disappointment. We had every opportunity to win but once again came up short.
Sorry, Joe, but I totally disagree with your assertion that DTR's "pass accuracy was terrible all game." I thought he was pretty accurate most of the game (22/41 is far from terrible); I can recall only one pass that made me shake my head. If anything, it was play calling that hampered this offense, as exemplified by DTR's 4th quarter play when he made some (longer) amazing dead-on passes while getting rushed (and hit) by one of the best DEs in the country. You neglected to mention how many times he put the team on his back and bull-rushed his way to a first down, but I guess that doesn't support the narrative you're going for.
As long as we continue to play defense like we have, We will continue to not have a chance against decent teams ( Utah), thank goodness we only have one decent team left on the schedule. The other 3 games should be pretty competitive and anything could happen. We could go 0-4 or 4-0 , my money is on 2-2 and an New Years who gives a hoot bowl game.
It’s better than no bowl game I guess. You’re right about defense, that and o line is what wins games.
I don't think Joe has a particular narrative against DTR, but I also disagree with his comment about his accuracy. All in all, DTR has never been a super accurate passer and today seemed like a pretty typical day for him. Now I'm sure Joe was at the Rose Bowl and he may not have gotten to see all the replays that showed the hits and pressures and collapsing pockets that DTR was dealing with all day long. The thing I've come to love about DTR is that he is at his best when our back is against the wall and he's shown his ability to pull this team back into a game after the defense (along with play calling, and un-special teams, and the SPTRs, etc) put us into another gigantic hole. The kid has enormous heart and toughness that make up for a lot of his shortcomings. If we had an even middle of the road pass defense, we win both this game and FSU and are we 7 and 1 with DTR and rolling.
At least twice, he threw behind Dulcich.
And he was overthrowing receivers constantly.
I'm not questioning his toughness. He's a tough kid, but the dude can't hit the ocean with a beach ball.
I agree he wasn't accurate on every pass but with that pass protection, I'd say the best of the best would have issues with accuracy. Not 100% defending his accuracy as there were occasions when he had no pressure and threw off target, but the guy was beaten to a pulp because he had very little protection. I'm surprised he could even throw in the 4th QTR. The hits do build up over time.
Yeah the o line did him no favors.
agreed. I thought DTR had a good game.
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!! This Chip Kelly experiment has offered nothing but stagnant, lethargic, pathetic results. I am exhausted, and he offers nothing but arrogance in his demeanor which expands my frustrations further. Sir you and your defensive coordinator are not innovative, your food program isn’t elite, nor is your recruiting. The transfer portal has helped Chip, it couldve actually been worse. Smh.
This game was heartbreaker but it didn't have to be.
Kelly could have replaced Azzinaro anytime in the last two years and brought in even a minimally competent DC who could design a defense that doesn't leave national broadcasters aghast at the soft cushions we give up play after play, week after week, game after game, year after year. Another death by a thousand 5 yard passes and YAC.
And sometimes we get lucky and the opposing OCs are really the dumbest mf'ers who get so impatient and think they are so damn important that they call deeper pass plays with crappy passers and let us back in a game.
You gotta love when Oregon had a first and goal on the 6 yard line and the UCLA DB's were playing 8-9 yards off. Classic. Not sure what kind of defensive "scheme" that was, aside to say.. it was pathetic.
Utah lost to Oregon St, this is big. If UCLA can somehow find a way to beat Utah, they still may have a chance to get to an Oregon re-match or face Oregon St. Its still possible. Oregon St may also beat Ariz St ! I think Oregon St has a good chance to beat Oregon.
LMAO. Good luck with that. If the Bruins couldn't beat an undisciplined Oregon team at home, what makes you think that they could beat a disciplined and tough Utah team on the road? They will probably lose big in SLC!
Probably, but they could always pull an upset. Utah is beatable. But Rising is a pretty good passing QB which means bad news for the Bruins. 7-5 is probably the best we can hope and that's if we can get by Colorado and Cal. It's reasonable to think that Utah and SUC will be losses. I just thought the race in the North division was interesting. Oregon St seems pretty strong this year.
Dude, everyone is beatable. If the Bruins had discipline, a competent defense, and a consistent offense, they could have easily won by 3 TDs yesterday. But they don't. I don't expect a W next weekend. This team falters in big conference games.
UCLA could have won that game but will rue missed opportunities and there’s plenty of what if’s to mull. The loss is down to the Defense though, I think if you score 30+ you should win. DTR was DTR. He played a gutsy game (and he certainly has plenty of heart), but I thought very up and down. Missed some throws long (and a couple of wide open receivers), th generally was pretty serviceable. Held the ball too long in the pocket too often, which seems to be one of his long-standing issues. You do wonder if he could have pulled it off if he didn’t get hurt. Garbers was fine, but it just seemed like he didn’t have the whole playbook as it looked like the same play 3 times in a row, which is asking to be picked off. I wonder if he’s had enough reps to take over the offense as I felt like the wind went out of the sails at that point and the O didn’t have the same confidence. I thought Chip emphasized the run too much in Q2 and Q3 - it was like we were trying to pound it like it was late in the 4th and we just were trying to run the clock out. It made for too many 3rd and long situations.
I never like to blame the refs for a loss and I won’t do that here, but they were abysmal. Missed holding calls, missed PI calls, and some just embarrassing mistakes. It’s pretty bad when the commentators are making fun of how bad (and random) the officiating is. The whole situation with the Oregon Defense trying to induce false starts was crazy too. If you need the police to escort the officials into the locker room because of abuse from a coach, somebody should be ejected, but instead it seemed to have the effect that Oregon wanted and I’d say Oregon got a lot of favorable calls (or non calls really).
But, as we’ve come to get used to, it was the lack of Defense that killed us again. To someone who didn’t see the game, it might not seem so bad, but I think our terrible play was masked a bit by turnovers. While the secondary is really bad, and not helped by a scheme that doesn’t seem to know what it’s trying to do, this game made me think that a large part of the problem is the lack of a pass rush. Even so-so QBs can make plays when they have the time. In the first quarter I thought Oregon was trying to establish their run game, which played into our strength, but once they switched to short passing plays and screens they exposed the team badly. The announcers were carrying on about Dye having multiple TD touches in a row, which really just hammered home that it was all passing until they were a few yards out and the handoff for the TD. Lake’s interception that was nullified for OS was unfortunate (he stepped forward on the hard count), but it’s inexcusable to repeat that on the next play. Again, the lack of pressure is the real problem, leading the Bruins to try and get an edge by guessing the snap, but this kept backfiring. I feel like Oregon had picked up on this from previous games and had a plan to try and draw offsides, and on the flip side it’s something our coaches haven’t addressed.
So, 5-3, without really beating any good teams (It’s clear LSU is only OK and ranked preseason due to their name). I think this continues next week with a loss to Utah, and then 3 winnable games. 8-4 or 7-5 to finish, 3rd in the South, and a spot in the whatever bowl sponsored by meh.
I’d like to think Azz will go after the season is over, but I’m not holding my breath. I doubt Kelly goes anywhere until his contract is up. I have this feeling like he’s more interested in playing with Offensive concepts and play design more than winning, and certainly doesn’t seem interested in building a program. Still, unless the tooth fairy shows up with $9M, I foresee 12 more months of this.
Azz isn't going anywhere until Kelly is gone. Only 16 games to go hopefully!
I also forgot to mention that the Oregon Uniforms were puke-worthy.
Speckled duck vomit
I appreciate your write-up, Jeffro! Look forward to your future comments :-)
Chip's buyout is gone in January.
Then get rid of him in January. Not too tough to figure that one out.
I’m not totally across the details of the contract, but I think by the time the $9M buyout ceases, we’re on the hook for his $6M 2022 salary (Joe mentions this in his article today). It’s interesting how LSU and Orgeron mutually decided to part ways, who knows, maybe an ‘arrangement’ can be reached. Otherwise it’s 1 more season of frustration I think.
Perfect recap, Jeffro
I'm not actually totally anti-Chip. I think the offense has been decent, and DTR has improved his decision making, and I like the way he's embraced the transfer market. But if I were AD, the only thing that would save him at this point is canning Azzinaro. I realize they're limited in the secondary, but when it's third and four, and you start the DB five yards off the line and have him immediately back up five more yards, and this happens again, and again, and again, and again... He's not going to change. I've watched so much of this season at 2x speed on DVR, because I just can't spend anymore emotional capital hoping that they'll get stops on third down.
"I hate 3rd downs" -- Comment made by my Bruin engineer. And more to the point on UCLA defense - "yards don't matter, only the down." I describe the UCLA defense this way - "it's like they are running down the field with a can of gasoline in one hand and a lit match in the other. What could go wrong?"
This team sucks. They really do.
Umm. Yea, not foreign to a Kelly team.
In the silver linings department, the game thread had 699 comments. That's great for a home game and it shows there are a lot passionate fans who still care, and it shows how much this site matters. Thanks to Joe and all the writers and everyone chiming in on here. Let's at least keep that part growing strong.
I agree! We were at the Cal game so I missed most of it. Was able to catch most of the 4th quarter. I turned on the game thread and thought wow there are a lot of people here today. Really great to see and it is awesome for those of us not in the Los Angeles area. Thank you, Joe and everyone on the Mighty Bruin staff!