Pac-12 Football - 2021 UCLA Bruins Preview
Our UCLA Bruins preview 2021 notes that the last time this team recorded a winning record was in 2015. That season, they enjoyed an 8-4 regular-season mark. The Bruins played Nebraska in the Foster Farms Bowl, losing 27-39. Since then, UCLA has posted one 6-6 record, losing to Kansas State in the Cactus Bowl 17-35. Last season, the team finished fifth in the Pac-12 South with a 3-4 record. UCLA’s offense churned out 35.4 PPG (2nd Pac-12, 20th Nationally) while the defense gave up 30.7 PPG (7th Pac-12, 73rd Nationally). The Bruins see 10 starters return to play offense and 10 more to defense.
UCLA Offense
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is back for his junior season. Although Thompson-Robinson has shown some positive flashes, he’s also struggled to show steady progress as a player. Last year, the dual-threat signal caller passed for 1,120 yards, completing 65.2 percent of his passes. He hit for 12 TDs while tossing four interceptions. Thompson-Robinson also ran for 306 yards, scoring three times and averaging 5.6 YPA. Despite these sound stats, the QB will have to play with more consistency and exhibit better decision-making. Five of the team’s top six pass catchers return, including sophomore tight end Greg Dulcich. Duicich averaged 19.9 YPC grabbing 26 passes and scoring five times. In 2020, WR Kyle Phillips, also a sophomore, finished first amongst Bruins in receptions with 38.
Although last season’s top rusher, Demetric Felton, is gone, running back Brittain Brown, a dual threat, returns after averaging 6.6 YPA and scoring four times. Plus, Michigan transfer Zach Charbonnet, a speedster, is a solid performer. The O-line, which returns every starter, is experienced and sound.
UCLA Bruins Preview 2021 - Defense
Although this team loses just one defensive starter, defensive end Osa Odighizuwa, the loss is huge. Odighizuwa, an anchor and playmaker, recorded 30 tackles, four sacks, three QBH, two TFL, and one PBU. It’s hoped that front men like Otto Ogbonnia and Mitchell Agude can make up for Odighizuwa’s departure. Last year, Agude was good for 2.5 sacks and 6.5 TFL. Linebackers Caleb Johnson, who led the team with 44 tackles and 5.5 sacks, and Bo Calvert, who recorded 28 tackles, were solid last year. More is expected from the duo this season.
All starters return to the secondary. Last year, striker Qwuantrezz Knight, a leader who plays all over the field, posted 40 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two PBU, and two QBH. This is a solid group that includes corner Obi Eboh (19 TKLs, 2 SCKs) and free safety Quentin Lake (33 TKLs, 4 PBU, 1 INT). This season, more will be expected of them.
Specialists
The kicking duo of punter Luke Akers and placekicker Nicholas Barr-Mira return after both enjoyed fine seasons. Akers averaged 43.1 YPP while placing 12-of-24 within the 20-yard-line, Barr-Mira hit 30-of-31 extra points and 6-of-7 field goals. Our UCLA Bruins preview 2021 expects Kyle Phillips, who averaged 12.8 YPR, will bring back punts again, and Keegan Jones, who averaged 13.0 YPR, returns for kicks.
UCLA Bruins Preview 2021 - Projection
Our UCLA Bruins preview 2021 projects that this team will win at least six games, allowing them to return to a postseason contest. The Bruins are solid on both sides of the ball. Big games include Arizona State (October 2), Oregon (October 23), and USC (November 20). They finish up against California on November 27. This is a tough schedule, but UCLA is up for it.
Pac-12 Football - UCLA Bruins 2021 - Predictions:
Fourth Place - Pac-12 South
Los Angeles Bowl vs Boise State