UCLA running back Carson Steele breaks off a big run against North Carolina Central.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
UCLA senior center Duke Clemens appeared to indicate this week that the offense would be run-heavy.
“Coach [Kelly] likes to say when you go on the road, you’ve got to bring defense, a run game and special teams,” Clemens said, “so we’re looking to run the ball and hopefully have some success.”
They’ve had plenty so far. The Bruins’ 270.3 rushing yards per game rank third nationally, with T.J. Harden and Carson Steele among the country’s most efficient running backs.
Steele ranks fourth nationally with 8.1 yards per carry, and Harden’s 9.3 yards would rank even higher except his 25 carries fall short of the 10 per game needed to qualify.
They’ll go up against a Utah run defense giving up just 65 yards per game on the ground, ranking No. 2 in the Pac-12 and No. 11 nationally.
