Apparently the defense is on a bi-weekly schedule because they were back in full force this week! Fewest points the Bruins have allowed since November 2015, four interceptions and multiple pick-sixes for the first time since 2014. Chesney is the first UCLA head coach to open 4–0 since 1949. Bob Chesney Sr. is the only person on the UCLA sideline who can even remember 1949! Speaking of Sr, all of his buddies from Kulpmont PA made the trip to watch the bruins on their only trip to the east coast of the season. Loved hearing about that on the broadcast.
The Rushing Attack
This rushing attack continues to be a well oiled machine and if things continue Wayne Knight (the Dark Knight as others have called him) may get his name included in the heisman race. I have said it multiple times, Knight is a fantastic runner, he always seems to make the right cut at the right time. He is capable of amazing moves (like the spin move we saw last week) but he never overdoes it, he is a joy to watch run the ball. However anyone who knows what they are looking at can recognize that the offensive line put on a clinic during this game. I could go on and on but I think a few pictures say it better.
This is the blocking on the 4th down touchdown run by Knight (he seems to have a 50 yard fourth down TD run every week). Can blocking get any better than this?
How about this blocking on inside zone for a 63 yard touchdown run? I have spent many hours of my watching inside zone blocking (and I am talking about good hours too, my early 20s in August, all of my friends at the beach or in bars, Im in a dark classroom watching inside zone. The coach is pressing rewind then play rewind then play. It takes three minutes to watch each lineman take their steps) and this is textbook inside zone blocking.
Who knows how legit this UCLA team is (I think they are but they have to pass some upcoming tests) but one thing is for sure, this running game and the offensive line scares any team they will play.
Passing Game was efficient
Nico didn’t have to be the hero and he didn’t try to be. He clearly has all of the talent and could put up bigger numbers if we wanted to be selfish but he puts his ego aside and runs this offense to perfection. In return, he is rewarded for his efforts with good luck and what I thought was a lucky TD throw that could have been an INT. Also Aidan Mizell has wheels, he went from basically standing still to running by everyone for the TD. You know who else has wheels? Semaj Morgan, who was able to catch up to Mizell and throw a key block to help Mizell score. Very smart of Morgan to hustle on that play and throw the block, word is that Chesney will pull up film of receivers who don’t hustle to throw blocks like that and show it in front of the entire team.
The Defense was incredible
The defense was so good it was almost a joke. Two pick sixes? Only three points allowed? Holding the supposed best QB they have faced so far (hard disagree here, I understand versatility and off platform throws look really nice but quick/good decision making at the QB position is a skill and is arguably the most important one) to 142 yards 4 INTs and 47% on passes. Considering Washington had a 71% completion percentage 892 yards and 0 INTs entering the game I would say that is a pretty impressive performance.
What’s Next
The Bruins have a bye week and then a big showdown with the ducks who will most likely be without Dante Moore. While the Bruins are currently ranked 23, this game could really put them on the map and in playoff contention. I can’t wait.
