UCLA Football: The Rapid Regression Of The Offensive Line
The UCLA Football team has to had a lot of success with their offense. Part of that stems from the lack of production from the offensive line.
When Adrian Klemm was hired as the UCLA Football offensive line coach, the line had been a steady force asserting their dominance, protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the running backs.
However, this season has been quite disastrous for Klemm and the offensive line. On a personal level, Klemm was recently hit with a two year show-cause penalty for recruiting violations. On a job security level, his offensive line this year has done a less than average job protecting quarterback Josh Rosen.
So far through six weeks, Rosen has been hit and sacked a combined total of 47 times. This is obviously something to worry about as we saw quarterback Rosen get absolutely pummeled last week at Tempe against Arizona State.
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Without the ability to run the ball, Rosen is essentially a sitting duck in the backfield.
The offensive line must do a better job opening up running lanes for the tailbacks. What is usually UCLA’s forte, has been their glaring weakness this season.
The ineffectiveness of the running game, and the inability to protect the quarterback can be attributed to Rosen’s injuries.
Granted, the offensive line is paper thin depth wise and they will be without tackle Kolton Miller for an extended period of the season. It also does not get easier.
The offensive line (again) will have a tough test against a talented defensive line, this time coming from Washington State.
Klemm and the offensive line need to step up for UCLA, they are the engine of this team. Without them performing at a high level, the offense stalls and puts a ton of pressure on Rosen and he cannot do it all.
Hopefully they can turn it around before it is too late.