The Big Ten is a conference long touted for its defensive physicality.
UCLA football’s conference realignment has forced notable changes in its defensive schemes, with run-focused systems taking center stage.
For players like redshirt junior linebacker Carson Schwesinger, perhaps better known as the Big Ten’s leader in solo tackles, this adjustment has demanded a change in preparation, as heavier formations and more frequent running plays are common in the Big Ten.
“The Pac-12 was a lot more pass-heavy spread, and (in) the Big Ten, you see a lot of 12, 13 personnel – things like that,” Schwesinger said. “But either way, when you’re going into a football game as a linebacker, you’re expecting a physical game.”
While the Pac-12 often featured more spread offenses and quick passing, forcing linebackers to cover sideline to sideline, Big Ten schemes are designed to test a team’s ability to handle physical matchups in the trenches – such as that of Nebraska, UCLA’s upcoming Saturday opponent that currently averages 126.4 rushing yards per game.
With UCLA’s own offensive line finding stability in recent weeks, coach DeShaun Foster said there is beauty in consistency up front. After rotating between various linemen early on in the season, the Bruins will unleash the same starting crew Saturday in Nebraska.
“It’s more about continuity,” Foster said. “We were moving guys around and trying to find a lineup that worked for us, and I think we have.”
The familiarity between redshirt junior right tackle Garrett DiGiorgio and redshirt senior right guard Josh Carlin has been another advantage for UCLA’s offensive line. Carlin – who recently transitioned back to right guard after spending the first half of this season at center – will bring stability to the line alongside DiGiorgio.
DiGiorgio and Carlin, who are roommates, have enhanced their knowledge on the gridiron to assist with in-game decisions and adjustments.
“Even when we make calls, we already know where we’re going, so sometimes we don’t have to make them in-game,” DiGiorgio said. “That helps to a factor of not giving away what we’re doing.”
UCLA’s offensive line has recently taken a more personal approach to protecting redshirt senior quarterback Ethan Garbers, who has faced consistent pressure all season.
Garbers’ 18 sacks through the season have thrust his protection unit under significant scrutiny as it toils to hack that number down.
“It became a personal matter of, ‘Are we tired of letting Ethan get hit? Let’s protect this guy. We’re tired of it,’” DiGiorgio said.
As a result of the department’s renewed commitment to safeguarding Garbers, the Bruins have shown increased cohesion on the field – manifested by Garbers’ increased time in the pocket against Rutgers.
The offensive line’s increased protection has also translated to better overall efficiency, with UCLA’s yards per passing attempt seeing an uptick to 7.4.
While the Bruins’ offense ramps up its protection for its field general, the team’s defensive unit seems to be its backbone when competing in adverse Big Ten environments.
“You got to pack your defenses and your special teams when you go on the road,” said redshirt senior linebacker Kain Medrano. “We’re playing in the Big Ten. They like to run the ball, no matter what.”
Facing run-heavy opponents has forced the Bruins to sharpen their run defense and use special teams to secure favorable field position, containing ground gains and limiting return yards.
The thousands of miles UCLA has traveled midway through the season have yielded dividends: The Bruins seem to thrive in unfamiliar territory.
“Maybe they’re a little more locked in in situations where they’re playing in an away stadium,” Foster said. “It’s just about the travel: knowing how to go about that, and playing in iconic stadiums – things like that.”
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