UCLA Football: 5 things to watch during 2019 spring game

Chip Kelly and UCLA football are gearing up for their second spring game together, but what should we be watching for on Saturday?

It’s year two of Chip Kelly. The Bruins finished the 2018 season with a disappointing 3-9 record, but no one expected an overnight turnaround. UCLA had plenty of work to do, and it’s going to be a process under the former Oregon-turned-NFL coach.

With the spring game upon us, we will get an early look at what the Bruins might look like heading into the 2019 season. Will they have the look of a bowl-bound team or will it be another year of sitting on the couch in December and January while the rest of the Pac-12 goes bowling?

What should we be watching for during this year’s spring game?

5. Secondary’s progress

Let’s face it, UCLA had one of the worst defensive backfields, stat-wise, in 2018, allowing just over 245 yards per game through the air.

It make sense, though, as the Bruins play in a conference that’s known for elite aerial attacks but mediocrity should never be OK. Chip Kelly wants to make sure this side of the ball improves and it all starts with a strong spring.

The pieces are there in Elijah Gates, Darnay Holmes and Quentin Lake, but will they put it together during the spring game and slow down the aerial attack of Dorian Thompson-Robinson? There are plenty of weapons at receiver who could make their lives difficult, but this will be a big test and an indicator of just how far they’ve come.