The last time UCLA football was at the Rose Bowl, the Bruins were celebrating a triumphant season opener in which their freshman quarterback Josh Rosen impressed everyone as he led the team to a 34-16 win over Virginia.
No. 10 UCLA returns to Pasadena Saturday with a 2-0 record and another large-margin victory over UNLV last weekend. While Rosen was not the historic hype-machine he had been the weekend before, redshirt junior running back Paul Perkins more than picked up the offensive slack and the Bruins overpowered the Rebels 37-3.
This weekend will be a bigger test, and a physical one. No. 19 Brigham Young University has a signature on-field aggression, which will challenge UCLA’s composure as well as it’s offensive and defensive strength.
“They’re a big, physical group so we’re obviously going to have to have great technique to combat it,” said defensive line coach Angus McClure. “They’re a well-coached group, a physical group, an aggressive group – very similar to the group you see out here in practice.”
Coach Jim Mora said junior linebacker Myles Jack received his own individual talking-to when it came to on-field confrontations. Jack, much like the BYU team, is known for his passionate aggression.
“It’s something that I’m emphasizing … just addressed being poised, being mature, and being able to walk away,” Mora said. “Just keeping it clean and playing hard from snap to whistle and not getting involved in anything that in the past has maybe affected us.”
Against UNLV last week, Rosen was more rattled than he had been against Virginia. After throwing three touchdowns against the Cavaliers with no interceptions, the freshman threw one touchdown and one interception against the Rebels.
“He knows when he makes mistakes and he’s not afraid to admit when he makes mistakes,” said senior receiver Jordan Payton. “I haven’t seen an 18-year-old take leadership on like he has. He sits in the front, always comes to meetings prepared (with) notes and everything. Most guys don’t do that at his age.”
Rosen will also get a taste of real game-time pressure against the Cougars. BYU is ranked No. 25 in rushing defense, whereas UCLA’s past two opponents are ranked outside the top 75.
“We’ve been good against pressure. You know Josh, there were things that confused him, he just didn’t always make the right decision, his throws weren’t quite as accurate as the week before – it’s a learning curve,” Mora said. “I think it’s good for him to go through stuff like that.”
