Sports provide some of the greatest learning opportunities.
And the greatest teacher is experience.
The 2017 Super Bowl taught the Falcons to never trust a lead. In 1980, the United States Olympic Hockey team showed the world that underdogs can prevail. And Tiger Woods’ 2019 Master’s triumph showed the nation that greatness has no limit.
After a 33-point defeat in its season opener to Utah, UCLA football (0-1) has experienced the lowest of lows and now has the opportunity to learn from its mistakes in a matchup against UNLV (2-0) Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two schools have faced off just twice, with UCLA winning both prior matchups.
And it seems the Bruins’ experience against the Utes last week will impact their preparation heading into Saturday night.
“Guys are practicing like they got a chip on their shoulder,” said coach DeShaun Foster. “Pretty much got a bad taste in their mouth from what happened on Saturday, so hopefully they stay with that feeling and remember how they felt coming off the field.”
The Bruins’ opportunity for redemption will come against an offense that has averaged 38 points and 227.5 rushing yards per game across its first two contests – a potential challenge for a defense that surrendered four rushing touchdowns and 286 yards on the ground to the Utes.
UNLV’s biggest strength comes under center where it relies on two quarterbacks – Anthony Colandrea and Alex Orji – both of whom give opposing defenses different looks while boasting dual-threat abilities.
“Those quarterbacks are really good, too. They both can extend plays and make it happen,” Foster said. “It’s a good team we are playing against, and we are just going to get out there and execute and do what we have to do.”
Colandrea has taken almost the entirety of the passing snaps – throwing for 444 combined yards and three touchdowns across the Rebels’ first two contests. However, Orji has Big Ten experience – completing his first three collegiate seasons at Michigan – and his biggest strength is his rushing ability.
Orji rushed six times for 34 yards and a score against Idaho State but mustered only three carries for seven yards against Sam Houston.
While Colandrea looks to secure the starting spot, the Rebels may give Orji more opportunities, particularly after Utes quarterback Devon Dampier’s performance against the Bruins where he dominated on the ground while rushing for 87 yards and a touchdown.
If UNLV decides to attack UCLA’s defense through the air, Jaden Bradley is the squad’s main target. The wide receiver has caught 12 of the team’s 37 completions and 256 of UNLV’s’ 481 receiving yards.
“They are good players. I have a lot of respect for them,” said redshirt sophomore defensive back Rodrick Pleasant when asked about the UNLV receiving core. “They are leading the NCAA in a bunch of different things right now, and it should be a fun matchup.”
Pleasant – touted as one of the fastest players on the team – manned one of the Bruins’ starting outside cornerback positions in the team’s season opener and made a key pass breakup on a Dampier deep throw last Saturday.
The Oregon transfer will likely be close by if and when Colandrea targets Bradley. Foster echoed the defensive backs’ statement on the Rebels’ receivers, emphasizing the usage Bradley may get come Saturday.
“He is going to get targets, so they make sure that they target him and find ways to get him the ball in his hands,” Foster said. “He’s a good receiver, and you just know they are going to force-feed him.”
And UCLA’s defense has been the focal point.
In order to compete Saturday, redshirt junior linebacker Jalen Woods said the unit must focus on the fundamentals and the little things.
“We know what we need to improve on, and we are working on that,” Woods said. “We are going back to the fundamentals and honing in on the details and being able to focus and come back stronger this week.”
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