(17) UCLA vs Virginia Tech
December 31st, 2013 at 2 PM ET
El Paso
UCLA Season Review
Despite being ranked and having an impressive year, UCLA did not return to the PAC-12 Championship. All three of their losses came to in-conference opponents. Nonetheless, Brett Hundley led UCLA through another successful season, but he was not the player encircled by the media. True freshman linebacker Myles Jack erupted onto the scene and has become one of the best linebackers in the nation. Not only that, but he has ran for 250-plus yards and seven touchdowns. Jack is one of many incredibly talented freshman on UCLA’s young roster.
Virginia Tech
After their devastating loss to Alabama, Virginia Tech dropped off the radar. Quietly, they had a phenomenal season. They won eight games, and other than the Alabama game, they did not lose any contest by more than seven points. Virginia Tech, carried by their top tier defense, was a competitive team that stood strong against every opponent. Quarterback Logan Thomas is still seen as a joke, but not rightfully so. He has bounced back from his 2012 season and has become a more commanding passer.
Game Matchup
Containing UCLA’s receivers: Headed by senior Shaq Evans, UCLA’s receiving corps is one of the deeper and more dynamic groups in the country. To counter that, Virginia Tech has arguably the most talented defensive back corps. Brothers Kendall and Kyle Fuller are both shutdown defensive backs, as is freshman Brandon Facyson. The trio has combined for 13 total interceptions and 27 passes defended. Their play will be crucial for Virginia Tech.
Logan Thomas must command: UCLA’s front seven is absolutely terrifying. There is future NFL talent at every position and they are troublesome to run against. Logan Thomas will have to take the game into his own hands and be a commanding quarterback. It will be tough to do so considering Virginia Tech’s offensive line and receivers are rather mediocre, but Thomas will have to overcome such issues.
Keep Virginia Tech’s defense guessing: Simply put, Virginia Tech’s defense is too talented to attack with a predictable offense. UCLA offensive coordinator will have to open up his playbook and keep Virginia Tech on their toes. If Mazzone decides to relentlessly attack with his usual swings and screens too often, UCLA’s offense will be halted.
Attack Logan Thomas: As stated, UCLA’s front seven is quite intimidating and they will be responsible for Logan Thomas’ struggles, if they can crush the pocket. Anthony Barr and Cassius Marsh will be depended upon to lead the pass rushing attack. This year, the two combined for 15 sacks on opposing quarterbacks.
While Virginia Tech’s defense may overwhelm UCLA’s offense, Virginia Tech’s defense is simply too untalented outside of Thomas to be able to score numerous times against UCLA’s fierce defense. UCLA will not have to pile on copious amounts of points to win this game.
Prediction: UCLA- 24 vs Virginia Tech- 10
Draft Impact
Logan Thomas: After all the unwarranted criticism Thomas has received, he needs to show up against a superb defense and prove his worth to those who doubt him. Many want to point to his decision making, so if he can stay turnover free against UCLA, he may climb up a few spots on draft boards.
Kyle Fuller: Kyle Fuller is the eldest of the Fuller brothers still on Virginia Tech’s roster and is the mental leader for their defensive back corps. To some, he is already a first round pick, but shutting down UCLA’s receivers and coming up with a big play could tip the scale for those who have him on the fence.
Brett Hundley: It is unknown whether he will officially declare or not, but if he does, performing well against one of the best defenses and defensive back corps in the nation will certainly help his cause. Pass rushers will be in his face and he will be throwing against incredibly talented cornerbacks, but if he can outplay them, he will have shown that he could do the same in the NFL.
Anthony Barr: The fullback convert will be finishing his second full year as a pass rusher and his final year as a Bruin. A lot is left to be desired from Barr from a technical standpoint, but he shows the speed and quickness to be an elite edge threat. Disrupting Thomas and being a catalyst for UCLA’s victory will catch the eye of scouts across the league.