UCLA Bruins 2019 College Football Preview

College Football Predictions – UCLA Bruins 2019 College Football Preview

2018 Recap

Record – 3-9

ATS – 5-7

Year one of the Chip Kelly era got off to a slow start as the Bruins were upset in their season opener vs Cincinnati en route to an 0-5 start. They played some better football down the stretch as evidenced in their last three games. They lost by three at Arizona St, beat the Trojans 34-27, and lost by seven to Stanford. They were a young team starting at ground zero.

How much improvement can we expect in 2019? Let’s take a look.

2019 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating

South Division – #5

PAC 12 – #9

UCLA Bruins 2019 Outlook

OFFENSE

Sophomore Dorian Thompson-Robinson got his feet wet as a true freshman and is the leader in the clubhouse when talking about the starting QB spot. DTR should be ready to take a step forward in Chip Kelly’s offense but it will be interesting to see if one of the other QBs on the roster makes a push during fall camp. Last season’s leading receiver TE Caleb Wilson ended up being the last player taken in the NFL draft (MR IRRELEVANT) but the Bruins return almost everyone else in the WR and TE groups. They are plenty of fine recruits on board and we would not be surprised if a star emerged during the season. Joshua Kelley is a legit #1 option at RB (1,243, 12 TD rushing LY) but there is unproven talent behind him on the depth chart.

UCLA finished last campaign tied for 8th in the conference in total offense (#8 rushing, #9 passing) and if they plan on making a bowl game this season they will need to get a better performance out of the offensive line. The Bruins allowed 32 sacks (#9 PAC-12 sacks per game) and averaged just 4.12 yards per carry (#7 PAC-12). The good news? Not only should UCLA automatically improve in the 2nd year of the offense but the line returns 4/5 starters. We anticipate a significant increase in PPG (24.6 LY).

DEFENSE

UCLA brings back 10 (!) starters to a defense that needs to be a whole lot better in 2019. The Bruins were 2nd last in the PAC-12 in total defense (445 YPG) whilst allowing an unseemly 34.1 PPG. They also failed miserably in the PENETRATION department tallying just 15 (!) sacks which placed them in a tie for #119 in the FBS. There is some reason for optimism. In addition to a lot of returning experience they have some real size on the DL including 360 pound NG Atonio Mafi. The LB corps returns all four starters including three seniors. The secondary should be improved with 3/4 starters returning including their fine CB Darnay Holmes who led the team with 11 PBU in 2018. We don’t expect miracles but DO expect a much better statistical showing from the Bruins’ defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK JJ Molson did a decent job last season (13/15 on FG inside 50 yards) but they must break in a new punter. The aforementioned Darnay Holmes is more than capable of taking a kickoff to the house.

Schedule Analysis

Overall – It’s difficult, yo. The out-of-conference slate is gonna be a challenge as they start off with a game at Cincinnati followed by home dates with the Aztecs and Sooners. They make road visits to Stanford, Utah, and USC.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Utah (November 16)

The Bruins have lost three straight games to the Utes including the last two in blowout fashion (48-17, 41-10). The Utah DL is a nightmare and UCLA has their big game with USC on deck.

Season Win Total

Over 6 -105

Under 6 -115

MEGALOCKS says:

Lean to the ‘over’. Despite the tough schedule noted above we anticipate a much better win-loss record and a bowl appearance.

MEGAmazing Tidbit

The Bruins have an impressive all-time record of 583-384-31 (.603) but have found it tough sledding in bowl games (16-19-1).