UCLA Football: Expert Believes UCLA Holds Key Edge Over SDSU At 2 Positions

Bruins need to have a strong outing from these position groups if they want to start 2-0.

Your UCLA Bruins are off to a great start winning 27-13 against Coastal Carolina and now look to go 2-0 against San Diego State Aztecs.

The Blue and Gold are heavy favorites in the game as a result of the big position group advantage UCLA has in key areas.

The Bruins have an advantage in the backfield due to the versatility that Carson Steele brings to the offense, as Jake Mitchell of Go Joe Bruin writes.

"UCLA’s backs have been more of a threat when it comes to catching the ball out the backfield in this young year. Carson Steele had four catches for 20 yards and a touchdown last week, and Carsen Ryan had a 21-yard touchdown reception as well."

(via Jake Mitchell, Go Joe Bruin)

Steele is a junior transfer that came from Ball State where he ran for 1,556 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022. He also added 29 catches for 166 yards.

The versatility was praised by coaches for Steele and it showed as he caught four passes last game and look to gain yards on the ground and through the air.

The second position group battle is taking place in the trenches as UCLA's defensive line is looking to back up their recent no. 1 pass rush rank by PFF.

The defensive line was aggressive and fast in their season opener registering four sacks along with holding Coastal Carolina to 1.6 yards per attempt on the ground.

The high-upside pass rush caused three turnovers in the game and look to have another strong game against the Aztecs this week.

If both position groups play well the Bruins should dominate the Aztecs on the ground and in the trenches as they hope to go 2-0.