The running back again could dart into the Heisman Trophy race by halftime of the to start with activity. The quarterback probable will established college documents. The twin edge rushers could possibly pack a wallop that leaves their targets seeing double.
One doesn’t have to squint to recognize all the approaches UCLA not only could contend for the Pac-12 Conference title for the to start with time beneath mentor Chip Kelly, but also gain the detail in a runaway.
The Bruins are expert at vital positions, they are most likely to pile up factors, they could be significantly far better on protection.
And nonetheless …
There continue to be additional issues than a week’s worthy of of “Jeopardy!” as the group nears its season opener from Bowling Environmentally friendly on Sept. 3 at the Rose Bowl.
The depth at linebacker is frighteningly thin. The offensive line is replacing a few starters. The defense, while promising, is unproven.
So will the Bruins be 11-1 and enjoying for the Pac-12 title in early December? Or 7-5 with renewed calls for Kelly’s head?
Here are the greatest- and even worse-circumstance eventualities for UCLA heading into the year:
Ideal-situation situation
UCLA working again Zach Charbonnet runs to the stop zone for a touchdown in opposition to the Hawaii on Aug. 28, 2021 at the Rose Bowl.
(Ashley Landis / Related Push)
There ought to be small drama moreover the harm report in the early months.
A nonconference plan that includes Bowling Inexperienced, Alabama Point out and South Alabama is going to test only fans’ tolerance.
Feel absolutely free to pencil in the Bruins as 3- heading into their first conference video game, on the highway against Colorado, adopted by a home recreation towards Washington. Thinking of the Buffaloes’ early good results less than coach Karl Dorrell seems to be an aberration and the Huskies continue being in rebuilding mode below very first-yr mentor Kalen DeBoer, make it 5-.
That sets up what ought to be the most important sport of the Kelly era — the undefeated Bruins from defending Pac-12 winner Utah on Oct. 8 at the Rose Bowl. A struggle of unbeatens would be so massive that UCLA may possibly even have to eliminate the tarp covering the best of one conclusion zone section to accommodate extra supporters.
By this issue, running back Zach Charbonnet has joined Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and the other usual suspects in the Heisman Trophy chatter. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will have ongoing his ascent up the college record charts, nearing marks set by Cade McNown, Brett Hundley and John Sciarra.
New names arise as stars. Twin edge rushers Gabriel and Grayson Murphy pile up so a lot of sacks they secure identify, impression and likeness bargains with Albertson’s. Wide receiver Jake Bobo just about one-handedly — well, he does usually use equally hands — offsets the misplaced output of departed pass-catchers Kyle Philips and Greg Dulcich. Linebacker Darius Muasau turns the middle of the industry into a danger zone for anyone venturing into his territory.
Bear in mind that awful-to-middling UCLA protection, the one sustained weak spot through Kelly’s first four seasons? It’s long gone.
The Bruins come to be not only stout against the run but also muck up opposing passing assaults many thanks to a secondary that includes playmaking cornerback Devin Kirkwood. New defensive coordinator Invoice McGovern, whose resume is eerily reminiscent of that of his predecessor, reveals himself as a Renaissance person managing an aggressive scheme.
The wins pile up. A lot more than metropolis bragging rights are on the line when the Bruins experience USC on Nov. 19 at the Rose Bowl.
Yet another victory about the Trojans — albeit substantially tighter — is a prelude to UCLA returning to the Pac-12 championship recreation Dec. 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the Bruins’ 1st visual appearance in the title activity because 2012.
Everything’s coming up roses. Following an interminable hold out, the Bruins have a possibility to go again to their property stadium in early January for the initially time in practically a quarter-century.
Worst-situation scenario
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is tackled by a USC defender at the Coliseum on Nov. 20, 2021.
(Allen J. Schaben/VFAB)
The highway to disappointment starts off with 3 wins but ominous foreshadowing.
1 nonconference match is unexpectedly shut, and a few injuries show how slim the staff is at linebacker and along the offensive line.
Thompson-Robinson spends the early year scrambling away from defenders who fly into the backfield devoid of significantly resistance.
Meanwhile, no person has proven himself as a capable operating mate for Charbonnet in the Bruins’ two-back again system. The tight finishes are stable but unspectacular, no one particular stirring any reminders of the pressure Dulcich grew to become above his closing two seasons.
An early stumble in Pac-12 engage in removes substantial luster from what was meant to be a showdown in opposition to Utah. The Utes boost their conference supremacy with a resounding victory at the Rose Bowl, efficiently eliminating the Bruins from the Pac-12 race by early Oct.
The protection that was meant to be rejuvenated operates like a auto with 250,000 miles that hasn’t experienced a tune-up in 5 a long time but gained a contemporary coat of paint. The move protection proceeds to leak yardage and late UCLA qualified prospects are misplaced thanks to an incapacity to create essential stops. McGovern proves to be Jerry Azzinaro 2..
A calendar year after staying ashamed by its rival at household, USC returns the favor with a a few-touchdown triumph at the Rose Bowl. As the Bruins trudge off the area in defeat, they are serenaded by “Conquest” from the Trojans band.
Media who picked UCLA to end fourth in the Pac-12 are tested appropriate. UCLA ultimately helps make it to Allegiant Stadium … for the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 17.
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