Both teams arrive in post-season play having taken completely different routes. UCLA looked like a playoff contender early in the season after starting 4-0, but would go on to a 4-4 record over the final 8 games of their schedule.
By: Will Paruta
Nebraska, on the other hand, enters the game with a losing record and having suffered some serious heartbreak (cough, cough, BYU, cough). First year head coach Mike Riley has his work cut out for him moving forward. UCLA is led by freshman phenom Josh Rosen. Regardless of their record, Nebraska isn’t devoid of talent either. The future looks bright for both programs. Take a peak below as I dive into some of the stars of this game.
UCLA
Kenny Clark, DT, #97 (JR)
Clark is quite the specimen. Having played all over the UCLA defensive line, Clark is certainly versatile. His burst off the edge, strong anchor, tendency to win the leverage battle, and quickness off the ball make him the total package. Currently Clark’s run stopping skills are ahead of his pass rushing skills. He lacks a full arsenal of pass rushing moves and too often gets caught leaning. If NFL teams believe these issues are easy fixes, Clark won’t last long on day 1 of the NFL Draft.
Jake Brendel, C, #54
Brendel has been a model of consistency at center for the Bruins. For the second year in a row, Brendel earned second team all-conference honors. Brendel is as solid as a rock off the field as well as on it. He is as smart as they come. When his offensive line coach was suspended, Brendel acted as the de-facto o-line coach. Unfortunately for Brendel, he is part of an offensive line that has a tendency to give up too many sacks. He will need to add some bulk and improve on his pass protection if he is to stick with an NFL team in his post-UCLA career.
Jordan Payton, WR, #9
After earning All-PAC-12 honorable mention two years in a row, Payton is certainly left wondering what he has to do to actually make first or second team. Payton broke the 1,000 yards receiving mark in his senior campaign. He doesn’t possess top end speed but he certainly has enough to get the job done. Payton is quarterback Jeremy Rosen’s go-to guy, and for good reason. Payton could lock himself into a day two selection if he has a big game against Nebraska and tests well.
Myles Jack, LB, #30 (will not play, injury)
Although Jack will obviously have no impact on this game, he cannot be forgotten. After tearing his ACL and withdrawing from UCLA, Jack will still be a hot commodity come draft day. Jack’s rare combination of athleticism, explosiveness, tackling ability, and coverage skills make him highly coveted. He can really do it all. Although he lacks some size for a linebacker at the next level, there are few blemishes in Jack’s game. As long as his recovery from a torn ACL goes as expected, Jack will almost certainly hear his name called on day 1 of the NFL Draft.
Nebraska
Alex Lewis, OT, #71
Lewis has somewhat of a troubled past off the field. Although he started his collegiate career at Colorado, an off the field incident got him kicked off the team and landed him in jail for 45 days. After transferring to Nebraska, Lewis has been a solid player on the field. He is a lean, mean, fighting machine. Lewis uses his large frame and long arms to keep defenders away from his body. He does have a tendency to get driven back into the pocket from time to time. If Lewis can sure up his pass protection and answer questions about his checkered past, he’ll be a solid contributor at the NFL level.
Jack Gangwish, DE, #95
Gangwish is the definition of a feel-good story. In his time at Nebraska he’s gone from a walk-on to a team captain on scholarship. Gangwish does things the right way. His motor is non-stop. He plays through the whistle with great energy. Gangwish has transformed himself from a practice dummy into a rock solid contributor along the Nebraska defensive line. He will certainly play a role in the outcome between the Cornhuskers and the Bruins.
Imani Cross, RB, #32
Cross is what you would call a thumper. He’s at his best when being used in short yardage situations. At 6’1”, 240 pounds, he looks like more of a linebacker than a running back. Cross uses his powerful running style to go through defenders instead of around them. Cross has been a solid complement to Nebraska’s featured running back, Terrell Newby. Depending on how his test numbers look, Cross could be invited into training camp with an NFL team.
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