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UCLA​ Football Faces Mounting Challenges Under New Head⁤ Coach⁣ DeShaun⁢ Foster

PASADENA, Calif. – ‍ Early struggles on both sides of the ball are casting a shadow over‍ DeShaun FosterS debut season as UCLA’s head coach, raising questions about the team’s ability to compete in a challenging Pac-12 landscape.‌ The ​Bruins, coming off a ⁣Saturday game against North Carolina State, are grappling wiht slow starts, a struggling run game, and a concerning⁤ number of‍ penalties, leaving⁣ Foster searching‍ for solutions to right the ship.UCLA’s most‍ recent game saw the team hampered by a series of flags, including a⁤ crucial pass interference call that wiped out a third-quarter touchdown. “They kind of said it was like a⁣ moving screen,” Foster explained to reporters. “That’s what the⁤ ref told me.”‍ Beyond that, the⁣ Bruins were‌ penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct,‍ hands⁣ to‌ the face, offside, and false start, contributing to a frustrating performance.

Foster acknowledged the ⁣chippy nature of the game,stating he​ warned his players pre-kickoff ​about maintaining discipline. “This was a conversation we had going into ‌the game… I knew it was going to be a chippy game,” he ​said.”And‍ just continue to reiterate to these⁣ guys that you can’t retaliate in any situation.”

The issue of slow starts is particularly troubling. UCLA has fallen behind early in both of its games this season, with Utah jumping to a 20-0 lead and UNLV scoring on their opening drive. Foster is attempting to address this through more competitive, high-energy drills in practice. “The way that they came out today⁤ was,it was lights out,” Foster‍ said,expressing optimism that his players are recognizing the need for a ‍faster start.

Offensively, the Bruins are struggling to‍ establish a consistent running game, currently ranked No. 96 nationally, averaging just 128.5 yards per game. Surprisingly, quarterback Nico Iamaleava leads ⁢the team in rushing with an average of ‌53 yards per game, considerably outpacing running back Jaivian Thomas, who averages 30 yards. Foster did point ⁣to some progress,​ noting the team had‍ four runs of at least 20 yards ​against North Carolina State, after having⁢ none against Utah.

However, execution ‌remains a key issue. A critical failure on the ⁣goal line ⁣in the third ​quarter against ⁤North Carolina State – where Jalen ⁤Berger was stopped ⁢on consecutive plays – highlighted problems ⁢with the interior offensive line. “Just⁣ got to execute,” Foster emphasized. “It’s coming down to execution; ⁤we’ve got to find⁢ a way to ​execute. You’ve got to be at your best when your​ best is needed.”

Beyond on-field performance, UCLA is ⁣also dealing⁣ with injury‌ concerns. ‌Wide receiver Know ⁣Gilmer sat⁢ out practice ⁣as​ a ⁤precaution after tweaking his ankle,with⁢ his body monitor indicating an excessive workload. Edge ‌rusher ⁤Nico ‍Davillier remains​ sidelined⁣ due to a personal issue, though Foster indicated he is “getting closer”⁤ to his UCLA debut.

Looking ahead to a ‍quick turnaround this week, Foster plans to prioritize ‍recovery. “just ‍ways to do just a little bit lighter stuff, but it’s mostly recovery ⁣- ⁢just get in the cold tubs, hot ‌tubs, keep hydrating and we’ll be good to go,” he said.

The challenges ​facing Foster ⁢are notable as he ⁤attempts to ‍rebuild the UCLA program and ‌establish a winning culture. The coming ‍weeks will⁢ be crucial ‌in determining weather he can address these issues and turn the season around.