NFL
By: Brock Vierra
The UCLA Bruins football team begins 2024 with enthusiasm and excitement as they enter a new era with program legend DeShaun Foster at the helm. 2024 will also be the Bruins inaugural year in the Big 10 and while many have already written them off, UCLA has been making solid moves behind the scenes that I believe will make them a competitive force this season.
However, there’s a reason there’s so much negative noise around the program. Former head coach Chip Kelly left Los Angeles to take a coordinator job at Ohio State, the team hasn’t recorded a 10+ win season since 2014 and since 2014, they’ve only won one bowl game, last year’s LA Bowl.
The Bruins also lost star pass rusher Laiatu Latu and the Murphy brothers. However, there’s a bright side to things. UCLA returns star QB Ethan Garbers and standout pass catcher J. Michael Sturdivant. They also added California native Rico Flores Jr through the portal.
With all this being said, let’s see what insight Matt has to share.
Let’s Talk UCLA Bruins Football
Brock: Hey Matt, thank you for joining me today. Now that you’ve had time to digest the DeShaun Foster hire and absorb what he’s done so far, do you believe he will be a long-term answer for the Bruins?
Matt Wadleigh: Hiring a first-time head coach is always a gamble, but here’s the thing: Foster has the support of players, alumni, and boosters. He needs time to get this thing going, but I do believe he is a long-term option for UCLA. The question is, does the administration have the patience to wait a couple of years for him to turn it around?
Brock: How different will the offense look under Eric Bieniemy compared to Chip Kelly?
Matt Wadleigh: This remains to be seen, bit we can expect UCLA’s offense to be much more exciting than in recent years. Foster loves to run the football (surprise), but Bieniemy will likely add in some new elements and try to open the game up in the air while also controlling the running game. To put it simple: Bieniemy has been pretty mum so far on the new scheme.
Brock: D’Anton Lynn capped off a list of massive losses on the defensive side of the ball. How will Ikaika Malloe manage this new-look Bruins defense?
Matt Wadleigh: Ikaika Malloe has a difficult job with a lot of departing players, but the good news is it was an internal promotion to DC. He can step in and work with the same players he worked with before, which is a positive sign. But, there is no denying that the defense will be the big weak spot for UCLA this year.
Brock: What transfers do you think are going to make a difference in 2024?
Matt Wadleigh: The offense has a lot of returning impact players, so the defensive transfers are going to make a big difference. Florida A&M transfer Cherif Saye is one while Cal’s Kaylin Moore is another. On the offense, offensive line additions Alani Makihele and Reuben Unije will be huge pieces for QB Ethan Garbers.
Brock: What will be UCLA’s record at the end of the season?
Matt Wadleigh: UCLA is a giant wild card this year for a number of reasons. But, I’m going to give them a 6-6 record, which would be a success for Foster’s first year in the Big Ten. They get wins over Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, Fresno State, and two wins between some form of Nebraska, Rutgers, Iowa and Washington. Remember, the Huskies look much different than last season, so don’t count out the Bruins to steal a win as an underdog. The Iowa game is UCLA’s homecoming, so expect big vibes for that one.
Find Matt Wadleigh on twitter (@matt_wadleigh) and on UCLA Wire.
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