Bruins make a change at running back for Cougs

by Jeff Nusser on Nov 12, 2009 10:21 AM PST

UCLA is making a change at tailback for Saturday's contest which on the surface might seem odd, but in actuality makes a lot of sense.

Johnathan Franklin is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound redshirt freshman burner who has started eight games at tailback for the Bruins. Only problem is, he's fumbled the ball five times. So the Bruins are turning to 6-foot, 230-pound sophomore bruiser Derrick Coleman instead.

At first blush, you'd think they'd want to go with the speedy guy, given our lack of that quality on defense. But the Cougs have shown the ability to generate fumbles (although that's tapered off a lot the past three games), and when you combine that with the expected cold weather ... well, I can see why UCLA would want to try and make sure that it doesn't give WSU any possible way to stay in the game.

Besides, it's not like we've done great stopping big backs, either -- Notre Dame's Robert Hughes (5-11/234) went off for 131 yards on 24 carries, repeatedly dragging our smaller defenders for an extra two to four yards.

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They either..

Run away from us or run over us. Not sure which method I prefer.

by MattPD on Nov 12, 2009 10:56 AM PST reply actions

I prefer run over

At least it takes a little more time to score that way.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Nov 12, 2009 12:36 PM PST up reply actions

They might trip

And fumble the ball. Which is why they made the change. No one ever said Slick Rick couldn’t coach.

Go Cougs!

by DCinSEA on Nov 12, 2009 10:23 PM PST up reply actions

pass block

Another reason for the change is that the ‘bigger’ Bruin back ironically doesn’t pass block or pick up blitzes well. The lack of a heavy WSU pass rush, combined with the Coug smallish LB’s afford Ricky N with a chance to put this kid in to run the ball up the gut. Maybe Mattingly can take advantage and a few well timed blitz sacks (or an errant throw) will be the result. Our DT’s need to stay home more this game instead of the gap stunts we so often try. Surrender 3 yards to avoid the 15 yard slash. UCLA’s o-line is injury riddled- I think just holding the line is feasible. AZ really knew our stunts and blocked WSU wherever they wanted us to be— go standard at the start and see how we match up. Also- chew clock whenever we have the ball. After runs, be they successful or no; run max clock into the next play. Get out of the 1st quarter while ‘in the game’. Keep fans in the seats and into the game, and the D off the field early on… a win isn’t likely, but also isn’t impossible. No way we can run it much- the Bruin DT’s are beasts… stretch the field early – even if the pass fails, if the WR got behind the DB the seed is planted. They give a few steps… then go underneath. Too bad Thompson is hurt- I think the Bruin LB’s are vulnerable to the 5 yard TE toss. Go Cougs, win one for the Dad’s!

If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.

by hollyweirdcoug on Nov 12, 2009 12:09 PM PST reply actions