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UCLA football: 3 takeaways from upset loss at Memphis

By Zach Bigalke

BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: Chauncey Lanier #12 of the Memphis Tigers gestures during the first half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: Chauncey Lanier #12 of the Memphis Tigers gestures during the first half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

3. Memphis defense looked confident against Pac-12 opponent

While Josh Rosen was able to rack up plenty of yardage against the Tigers, Mike Norvell’s defense looked anything but nervous facing a high-powered Bruins offense. As previously mentioned, the secondary snatched two key interceptions. The defense also got through for two big sacks on Rosen as they kept pressure on the quarterback all day long.

It wasn’t necessarily the most brilliant of performances by Memphis on defense. They ultimately gave up 633 yards of offense to the visiting Bruins. But they did do enough to secure the win, forcing a fumble in addition to the two Rosen interceptions as they earned a push in turnover margin.

This was never going to be an easy contest, but Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Chris Ball have plenty to be happy about from their defense. In the end, they were able to swat down Rosen’s desperation play on fourth down to ensure the victory.

Next: 5 Group of 5 teams that could pull upsets in Week 3

The confidence-boosting win over the Bruins will help Memphis moving forward. Once American Athletic Conference play starts, the Tigers defense will rest secure knowing that few offenses offer as big a challenge as UCLA did on their visit to the Liberty Bowl. In a crowded AAC West field, Memphis just asserted its position as the front-runner in the division. That is partially thanks to a defense that held its own against a high-powered Pac-12 offense.

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