UCLA Football: 3 takeaways from shootout win over Arizona State

2. UCLA discovers its ground game in strong rushing performance

Entering the showdown with the Sun Devils, UCLA ranked 107th nationally in rushing offense. Through their first nine games, the Bruins averaged only 122.6 yards per game on the ground as they struggled to find consistency running the ball. On Saturday night in Pasadena, it was almost as if Josh Rosen’s return somehow flipped a switch on the rushing attack.

Eight different people carried the ball as the Bruins went off for 200 rushing yards in the win over Arizona State. Bolu Olorunfunmi led the way with 79 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Soso Jamabo and Rosen also punched in scores on the ground for UCLA. All night long, the Sun Devils struggled to contain an attack that ran for over six yards per carry.

The backfield offered much-needed balance to UCLA’s prolific passing attack as they held on for the shootout victory. If they are going to beat the Trojans or the Golden Bears to get a sixth win and bowl eligibility, Jim Mora’s team will need its ground game to keep producing at the level they demonstrated on Saturday night.

While the Bruins will probably struggle to reach 200 yards in their final two games, six yards per carry is an attainable goal. UCLA proved that they are imminently capable of producing consistently with a committee approach if they don’t get too pass-happy.