UCLA’s Rare Sunday Opener

Steve FinleySportsLeave a Comment

Josh Rosen

UCLA will find out early if they have improved from last year.

In a rare Sunday afternoon date, the Bruins face a good Texas A&M team at the Rose Bowl at 4:30.
The Bruins are hoping to improve on last year’s 4-8.

They need to upgrade in four major categories:

  • 1: Protecting all-star quarterback Josh Rosen.
  • 2: Improving the running game.
  • 3: Making sure receivers hold onto the ball.
  • 4: Game-breaking plays from their special teams.

If they succeed, the Bruins will have an opportunity to win more than four games.

It all starts with junior quarterback Rosen. If he can approach the terrific season of two years ago, UCLA will win close games and score uosets.

Rosen will rely on an improved line anchored by senior center Scott Quessenberry. The 6-3, 315-pounder is expected to be one of the best linemen in the nation. He and his teammates will be blocking for running backs Bolu Olorunfunmi, Soso Jamabo and Nate Starks.

Rosen will throw to eight veteran receivers — Darren Andrews, Theo Howard, Mossi Johnson, Stephen Johnson III, Jordan Lasley, Elbridge Massington and tight ends Austin Roberts and Caleb Wilson.

The defense is led by 6-1, 240-pound senior linebacker Kenny Young.  YHe started all 12 games last year and recorded 90 tackles. He is aided by linebacker Josh Woods, linemen Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Matt Dickerson and backs Jaleei Wadood, Nate Meadows and Adarius Pickett.

 

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com

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