The UCLA football team will find out early if it has improved from last year when they take on a good Texas A&M football team at the Rose Bowl on a rare college game on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. The Bruins are hoping to get off to a fast start in 2017 and improve on their 4-8 season last year.
If they expect to improve they will need to get better in several categories. Number one on the list is protecting All-Star quarterback Josh Rosen. Number two is improving the running game. Number three is making sure the receivers hold on to the ball. Number four they need some game-breaking plays from their special teams.
If they improve in those categories the Bruins will have an opportunity to win more than four games, but it all starts with their junior quarterback. If Rosen can come close to having a season like he had two years ago UCLA will win some close games and upset teams that will be favored to beat them.
On offense Rosen will rely on an improved offensive line anchored by senior center Scott Quessenberry. The 6-3, 315 pound player is expected to be one of the best linemen in the nation. He and his offensive linemen teammates will be blocking for running backs led by Bolu Olorunfunmi, Soso Jamabo and Nate Starks.
Rosen will throw to eight veteran receivers. Darren Andrews, Theo Howard, Mossi Johnson, Stephen Johnson lll, Jordan Lasley, Elbridge Massington and tight ends Austin Roberts and Caleb Wilson.
The defense will be led by 6-1, 240 pound senior linebacker Kenny Young. Young started all 12 games last year and recorded 90 tackles. Also helping out on defense will be linebacker Josh Woods, defensive linemen Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Matt Dickerson and defensive backs Jaleei Wadood, Nate Meadows and Adarius Pickett.
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