BYU defense set to clash with UCLA offense


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PROVO — The Cougars will enter the Rose Bowl on Saturday facing a UCLA team that has rolled on offense so far. The Bruins have amassed over 500 yards of total offense in each of their victories so far.

When asked about playing in the Rose Bowl, defensive line coach Steve Kaufusi said, "You go in with a chip on your shoulder, and you've always got something to prove. The kids are excited to get a great opportunity like this."

Although the Bruins' offense will pose a challenge, the Cougars' defense could potentially be a squad to hit the breaks on the Bruins' offensive success.

The Cougars' rush defense is allowing an average of less than 100 yards per game. Meanwhile, the secondary has yet to allow a deep ball thrown. BYU has allowed zero completed passes of over 30 yards.

Those two aspects of the Cougars' defense will be challenged against the Bruins. "We think their running back is probably their best player," said BYU linebacker coach Paul Tidwell.

UCLA running back Paul Perkins has 210 rushing yards through two games and is second on the team with 82 receiving yards. The key to stopping the UCLA run game may lie in the play of BYU's Logan Taele, who moved over to play nose guard in the absence of Travis Tuiloma.

Taele's new position on the defensive line is not where he feels most comfortable, but he's happy to help the team.

"(Football is) a team sport and (nose guard) is a crucial position. … Everyone has a part, and I'm grateful to have my part on the defense," he said.

BYU defensive linemen Bronson Kaufusi (90) and Logan Taele (62) tackle Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Terrell Newby (34) in Lincoln, NE Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. BYU won 33-28 on a last second touchdown pass. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
BYU defensive linemen Bronson Kaufusi (90) and Logan Taele (62) tackle Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Terrell Newby (34) in Lincoln, NE Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. BYU won 33-28 on a last second touchdown pass. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

Taele's ability to draw two and sometimes even three blockers' attention has created holes for BYU's linebackers to hit and disrupt plays.

One of those explosive linebackers is Harvey Langi. Langi has been effective blowing up opponents' plays in the backfield. Before BYU's final offensive drive, Langi sacked Boise State's Ryan Finley for a 7-yard loss on a critical third-down play.

Tidwell praised Langi, especially in his rush defense and his effectiveness in blitzing, while also noting there was room for improvement in pass coverage.

BYU's secondary has been very effective as well. Last week, safety Michael Wadsworth saw extensive action and was the team leader in tackles with seven solo tackles and four assisted.

Wadsworth, a senior, has been excited about his recent opportunities.

"I was in the right spot at the right time. I think anyone could have made those plays," he said. "We're taught to just run to the ball and good things will happen."

While Wadsworth led the team in tackles, his fellow safety Kai Nacua had three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown that sealed the comeback victory.

Wadsworth also gave credit to corners Michael Davis and Micah Hannemann.

"If they're not playing the way they have, I don't think we walk away from those two games with Ws," he said.

The most impressive stat this defensive squad has through two games is that the cougars have allowed zero points during the fourth quarter. If that stat can continue, BYU has a good chance of coming back to Provo with another victory. David Boyle is a student at Brigham Young University studying journalism. He is from Monticello, Utah, and is thrilled to be covering BYU football and basketball for fall 2015. Follow David on Twitter @dboyle119

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