2014 Schedule Preview: UCLA Bruins

Oct 13, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson (7) is tackled by UCLA Bruins defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa (94) during the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

UCLA boasts a young, but extremely talented defensive line. There is one senior among the group, and he is a beast. Owamagbe Odighizuwa missed the 2013 season with an injury, but made his presence felt in the spring game with two sacks. Texas must pay special attention to him, or he will be chasing David Ash all day. Eddie Vanderdoes will lineup on the other end of the line from Odighizuwa. Vanderdoes is not necessarily a pass rushing threat, but he smells out the run exceptionally well. In the middle Texas will have to contend with Kenny Clark. All Clark did was start as a freshman and hold his own against more experienced offensive lineman.

The scary thing about UCLA’s D-line is that it is deep. It may be the most talented position on the team. This could spell trouble for a Texas offensive line that is a question mark going into the season. Ash – or whoever is starting at quarterback – will need time to go through his progressions. The backs need running lanes. This could be the game where the young Texas line grows up in front of everyone’s eyes and stands tall. It could also be a jail break, leaving Ash to scramble for his life.