UCLA Football: 5 reasons the Bruins will beat Colorado in Week 5
By Zach Bigalke
3. The Bruins’ front seven will get major pressure on Steven Montez
A big reason why the secondary will be able to generate those turnovers is because the front seven will come through against Colorado. Like their backfield counterparts, the defensive line and linebacking corps lost key talent as well from last year’s team.
Defensive end Takkarist McKinley was the first-round pick of the Atlanta Ravens in the 2017 NFL Draft. Tackle Eddie Vanderdoes was picked up by the Oakland Raiders in the third round. And linebackers Jayon Brown and Deon Hollins now play on Sundays as well, Brown for the Tennessee Titans and Hollins with the Denver Broncos.
Despite the talent drain in Pasadena, UCLA still averages more than two sacks per game and has been solid at pushing around offensive lines. Against a Colorado team that ranks 121st in the country in sacks allowed, the Bruins defense will salivate about the chances to get into the backfield in their late-night showdown.
Look for the front seven to get at least four sacks on Steven Montez as they limit the Buffaloes passing offense. Even when he isn’t driven into the turf, Montez will be forced to scramble away from senior end Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and the rest of the UCLA pass rushers.