5 UCLA Bruins To Watch For Against Nebraska

Credit: Brendan Maloney-US PREWIRE

Nebraska takes on their first road opponent of the year Saturday against the UCLA Bruins. The Huskers arrived in Pasadena on Thursday, and looked ready to go. There is still no word on if senior running back, Rex Burkhead will play on Saturday. There is a lot of doubt around the team. The Bruins will not face any major injuries for Saturday’s game. Here are 5 Bruins, that Husker fans do not want to see have a big day on Saturday.

Brett Hundley, QB #17

Hundley is a true dual-threat quarterback, and Nebraska has struggled against mobile quarterbacks in recent years. Hundley rushed 7 times for 68 yards, and 1 touchdown. I don’t see him having as much success on Saturday, but he does have the ability to rush for 10-15 yards on any given play if the pocket breaks down.

Hundley shredded the Rice Owls last week with his arm. He completed 21 of 28 passes, for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hundley did throw one pick against the Owls. If Nebraska wins the turnover battle on Saturday, this game may not even be close.

Johnathan Franklin, RB #23

After racking up 343 yards rushing in the first week of the season, UCLA finished #4 nationally in the rushing yards category. Franklin was a huge part of that success. The 5-foot-10, 210 lb., senior ran for 214 yards, 3 touchdowns, on 14 carries. Now with that being said, the Rice Owls did finish dead last in defense nationally in 2011. There is no way Nebraska can let UCLA be this balanced of an offense. Stopping Franklin needs to be priority number 1.

Joseph Fauria, TE #8

Fauria caught 3 passes for 53 yards, and one touchdown. He had the 2nd most catches for UCLA against Rice, but he led the team in reception yards. Fauria didn’t play the entire second half against Rice on Saturday. Six Bruin receivers had more than 40 yards receiving. They will not have the same success this week. It will be interesting to see if Alonzo Whaley, or Zaire Anderson cover Fauria.

Eric Kendricks, LB #6

Kendricks was the only Bruin listed on any of the three pre season all PAC 12 teams on the defensive side of the ball. Kendrick can run with athletic Nebraska tight end, Kyler Reed, which is a scary thought. He can also rush the passer. Taylor Martinez struggled at times last week, when he had pressure in his face. Kendricks will be all over the field on Saturday. The offensive line needs to know where number 6 in gold, and blue is at all times.

Jeff Locke, K #19

Locke is a guy Nebraska will won’t to see a lot of on Saturday, because that means the Bruins are punting. Husker fans are use to seeing the Big Red, control the field position with the punters that have com through Lincoln over the last couple years with Alex Henry, and Brett Maher. With Mahers struggles a week ago, Nebraska will not want this game come down to a last minute kick or punt, because the preseason PAC 12 first team kicker, in Locke, may have the leg to change the game.

By Jimmie Allen

Contact the writer @JAHuskerCorner

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