UCLA Bruins Q&A with Go Joe Bruin

Go Joe Bruin editor Mike Regalado took some time to answer our questions about the UCLA Bruins football team. Texas plays UCLA this weekend in Dallas at AT&T Stadium. Follow Mike on Twitter @GoJoeBruinUCLA, and visit Go Joe Bruin.

The Bruins have opened the season 2-0, but have not looked like a Top-10 team. The offense scored one touchdown in the season opener against the Virgina Cavaliers (the defense did the heavy lifting with three touchdowns in the 28-20 win). The next week it was the offense bailing out a defense that gave up 469 yards of offense to the Memphis Tigers. UCLA used a late score to win 42-35. The end result was the Bruins sliding in the polls from No. 7 to 12.

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Which UCLA team will show up on Saturday? Let’s ask Mike.

1. UCLA hasn’t looked very sharp in its first two games. What do you think has attributed to the slow start?

UCLA is kind of known for slow starts. Head coach Jim Mora has been preaching going faster the last 2 years. UCLA seems to watch and see what the opposition does, rather than attack. Last season, the Bruins started slow, but found their way toward the end of the season. The same could be said here.

2. Memphis had 469 yards of total offense. Did the Bruins get caught looking ahead to Texas, or is this a sign of a bigger problem?

I do not think it is a problem that cannot be fixed, but I do think they need to expand the possibilities of what offenses can and will do. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich even questioned if the Bruins played too simple of a game. It is also the little things like tackling, assignments and coverage that need to be squared away. It could also be all the preseason hype, which has now deflated and seems to have humbled this team. I expect heads to be properly set on shoulders this weekend.

3. Brett Hundley has been quiet on the ground through two games. Are the coaches trying to limit his rushing attempts?

You know, I had that exact same discussion with one of my writers. Hundley is not running like he did last year. It seemed back then with a thin running back depth chart, but in these two games, it seems the coaching staff wants him to focus on the pocket. So far it has worked as he threw for 396 yards last game. It has also had some negative effects as Hundley has been sacked seven times in the first two games. Ouch.

Sep 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) warms up before the game against the Memphis Tigers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

4. Considering what Taysom Hill did to the Texas defense last weekend, do you expect Hundley to have the green light to call his own number more frequently than in UCLA’s first two games?

As much as it would be great for him to gain yards on the ground, UCLA will probably stick to the game plan the coaches set up and have him focus on the receiving game. I am not saying the Texas defense will be a pushover, but if Hundley can get good yards through the air, the Bruins will utilize it to develop that part of their game. Additionally, I think UCLA wants to get their running backs a lot more carries.

5. Other than Hundley, who should Texas fans watch for on offense?

Senior wide receiver Jordan Payton and sophomore tight end Thomas Duarte. They have been on top of their game this early in the season. Payton is making great decisions and leads the Bruins in receptions and Duarte is one tall dude with great hands and feet. They are pretty freakin’ exciting to watch.

6. The Bruins have one of the most talented defensive lines in the country. What is the Achilles heel for the D-line, if there is one?

Pressure. If they cannot put pressure on the offensive line and the quarterback then they are good to nobody. They are fine clogging up the middle, but to be an elite defense they need to push the offense back and there has not been much of that lately.

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7. Texas may try to stretch the field to open up the run game. Who are the ball hawks in the secondary Tyrone Swoopes should stay away from?

Cornerback Ishmael Adams is quick and already has an interception, safety Anthony Jefferson hits hard but can also jar the ball loose and Fabian Moreau has a lot of talent and is still looking for a breakout game. After the game against Memphis, the Bruins will have something to prove and it just might be against Texas.

8. How well does UCLA travel? Do you expect a big contingent of Bruins fans at AT&T Stadium?

Traditionally, not well. But lately UCLA football has given the Bruin faithful a reason to follow them. There should be a good contingent of UCLA fans at AT&T Stadium. That blue will shine through and be loud!

I LOVE FOOTBALL!!!! Let’s have a good game out there Texas and UCLA!!!