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UCLA Bruins can still win Pac-12 without Myles Jack

By Michael Collins

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The UCLA Bruins took a big blow today when it was announced that star linebacker Myles Jack was lost for the remainder of the season to a “significant” knee injury suffered in Tuesday’s practice. 

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Anytime a title-contending program loses a player it hurts, but when that player is of the caliber of Myles Jack, it can be devastating. The UCLA Bruins had a clear path to a Pac-12 South title and the conference championship game, but that path now has a huge obstacle.

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That obstacle…how do you make up for the loss of Myles Jack?

Attempting to make up for what he bring is all you can do, because you can’t replace a guy like Jack. He’s one of those rare talents that doesn’t come along often, and when he’s not there, you just have to coach your way around not having his presence and his stats. UCLA can still reach their goal, but it’s going to take some big-time coaching from Jim Mora.

On the bright side, UCLA has a pretty good defense even without Jack.  After three games, the Bruins are ranked 39th nationally in total defense, coming in 40th against the pass (179 ypg), and 60th against the run (147 ypg).

Despite giving up better than average yards against non Pac-12 competition, the Bruins have been able to stop teams from scoring, giving up only 14 points per game this season, and that’s what Mora is going to have to work on. Bend, don’t break, and force turnovers whenever possible. Right now UCLA is a woeful minus 2 in turnover margin.

Coming into Week 4, Jack wasn’t even the Bruins’ leading tackler. They still have junior linebackers Isaako Savaiinaea and Jayon Brown, both of whom had more solo and combined tackles than Jack. On the inside, sophomore Kenny Young will undoubtedly have to play a bigger role as well.

But where UCLA will miss Jack the most is in passing situations.

Jack had a nose for blitzing at just the right time, and using his speed to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the play even if he didn’t plant him in the turf. We hadn’t seen any QB hurries or sacks from Jack yet this season, but much of that was probably due to who the Bruins were playing, and Mora not necessarily needing Jack to go all-out and risk injury.

Funny how things work out.

But it’s clear that Mora and his staff will have their work cut out for them to find ways to fill the gaps that Jack leaves when he’s not on the field.

One of the things Mora has been able to use at the various stops in his career are unconventional blitzes from safety and defensive back positions, as well as stunts using some of the quicker and more agile defensive linemen. Plays like those will go a long way to keeping offensive coordinators guessing.

Offenses are going to be looking to hit pass plays down the middle and to run between the tackles where Jack was to be stationed this season, so that real estate will need to be protected well.

The loss of Jack and the possibility that UCLA may give up a few more points than hoped also puts a great deal more pressure on freshman quarterback Josh Rosen, who has been a bit shaky at times during the start of the season despite helping to lead the Bruins to three victories.

Three of Rosen’s four interceptions this season came last week against BYU, and as the competition moves up in quality, so too will his decisions need to become quicker and smarter. The first big test of his composure and readiness will come this weekend when the Bruins travel to play No. 16 Arizona in a game that will already have some huge implications in the Pac-12 South.

If the Bruins can come out of Tuscon with a win they’ll already have a one game lead on the Wildcats, as well as USC, who has already lost a conference game this season to Stanford. A win by Arizona would put them in the catbird seat, looking down at both teams from Southern California.

Sep 19, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora in the second quarter of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

You never want to say a game in Week 4 is a must-win, but this could be a game that people point to in November when the division championships are to be decided.

A huge conference road game, early in the season, without your best player…

Come out with a win, and the momentum will carry you for weeks. That blocked path will suddenly look much less daunting. Lose, and it will likely be a long uphill climb through the season.

The Bruins can still win the Pac-12, and should still be considered one of the favorites, and it all starts this weekend with Arizona.

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