The UCLA Bruins won their first game under new coach DeShaun Foster, who had plenty to say about the team after their win.
The Bruins did not have their best performance against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, and Foster was quick to admit that. However, the coach is ‘…just happy to start off with a win’ in his debut as the leader of the Bruins team. UCLA has plenty they need to focus on and correct ahead of their clash against the Indiana Hoosiers, who are fresh off a win themselves.
UCLA Bruins Coach DeShaun Foster ‘Happy’ After Close Win Over Hawaii
The UCLA football team has begun the 2024 season 1-0 after defeating the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in Honolulu, 16-13. It was not the prettiest way for coach DeShaun Foster to kick off his tenure with the Bruins, but the coach is ‘just happy’ to win in his debut. Foster admitted his team definitely needs to work on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Ethan Garbers had 272-yards through the air and led the team in rushing with 47 yards, but recorded two interceptions. Garbers had some bad errors against the Rainbow Warriors defense which included an interception on his own seven-yard line that was luckily not returned for a touchdown. The quarterback struggled to get the ball out and had two big passing play all game.
The UCLA football staff will have an extra week to work with Garbers as the team returns from Hawaii. UCLA will play against the Hoosiers on September 14th, while the Hoosiers will play another warm-up game this weekend. Indiana is scheduled to play Western Illinois for Friday night college football, and should likely have a bigger offensive output.
What Must Foster, the UCLA Football Team Focus On Against Indiana?
The Indiana Hoosiers won their opening game of the 2024 season against the FIU Panthers, 31-7, in a game where the team destroyed the Panthers on the ground. The Hoosiers were unstoppable, with three different running backs getting involved and receiving plenty of carries. Indiana recorded 234 yards on the ground against the Panthers and provided excellent blocking to open up big lanes for their running backs.
The primary rusher for the Hoosiers is Ty Son Lawton, who carried the ball 16 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns. The running back is a big, strong individual who brings power to his rushes and certainly is not afraid to lower a shoulder. Lawton fights for yards and is not an easy running back to bring down once he gets a head of steam.
For the Bruins defense, stopping Lawton is going to be key to slowing down the Hoosiers’ offense during their clash. Outside of Lawton, running backs Elijah Green and Justice Elliston are both capable but do not provide the same power that Lawton does. Forcing the offense into passing situations is going to be the best bet for the UCLA defense.
At the quarterback position for the Hoosiers is Ohio transfer and senior Kurtis Rourke, who had a solid career with the Bobcats. Rourke tossed for 50 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during his three years as the starter for Ohio. Rourke is an improviser and rusher himself, and forcing the quarterback to have to drop back and sit in the pocket is going to make it difficult for the Hoosiers to be successful on offense.
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