Grading the Game: UCLA

A different approach to grading this week: pass/fail.

Pass Defense - Pass

The Washington secondary wasn’t tested much with UCLA only attempting 26 passes. Most of Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s 21 completions were short and behind the line of scrimmage, netting just 183 yards. UCLA got the ball out of DTR’s hands quickly by design, but zero sacks in a game at Husky Stadium should not be the norm. Hopefully as ZTF gets reintegrated he will improve the pass rush. In his first 10 snaps of the season, he registered 3 quarterback hurries, in case his impact was in any doubt.

It was more of the same from the UW secondary, and playing with two high safeties no doubt helped keep things in front of them. Asa Turner got the start for an injured Cam Williams and had a more active game with a TFL and six tackles.

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Run Defense - Fail

It’s tough to criticize a defense that gave up just 24 points, but allowing UCLA 40 rushes for 237 yards is not good enough. DTR generated yardage on both scrambles and designed runs. The most damning statistics is perhaps totaling just two tackles for loss in a game in which the opponent ran as much as they did.

Zach Charbonnet found running lanes consistently as Washington continues to let teams run over them. Edefuan Ulofoshio lead the team in tackles with 10 and had the highest PFF run defense grade (82) on the team. Tuli Letuligasenoa was second with a grade of 77.

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Pass Offense - Fail

There are times when Dylan Morris looks really good - the beautiful touchdown throw to Rome Odunze comes to mind - but his mistakes continue to cost this team points. Now, I think we all know a better offensive approach would get the best out of Morris, and the best of Morris can lead this team to a Pac-12 title (too late for that, however.) But, he needs to cut down on the costly interceptions. It’s of course not all his fault, as the offensive line continues to struggle and force him off his spot.

The quartet of Odunze, Bynum, McMillan, and Otton continues to show tantalizing potential but it simply is not coming together. It’s unfortunate to watch such a clearly talented group not be put in positions to succeed by the coaching staff. UCLA had been struggling all season in the secondary and Washington mustered just 184 yards passing and one touchdown.

Run Offense - Fail

Washington is what it is this season - they are a poor rushing team. Running backs totaled 118 yards on 27 carries, so I supposed generating over four yards per carry is a positive development. Sean McGrew started looking like he might be the answer to UW’s running woes but found no running room on Saturday night and had a long of 5 yards. Kamari Pleasant had fewer opportunities but turned his 9 carries into 80 yards, including a 32 yarder.

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Coaching - Pass

Just want to see if you’re paying attention.