UCLA defense prepares for challenge from Washington State QB Cam Ward

PUBLISHED October 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. | UPDATED: October 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
UCLA’s defense is ready for its next big challenge this week as the Bruins host quarterback Cam Ward and Washington State at the Rose Bowl.
Ward leads the No. 2 ranked passing attack in the nation (405.8 yards per game through four games), which may pose a big issue for a defense that’s struggled to stop the pass.
Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and his staff recently made a switch at one of its starting cornerback spots, moving Jaylin Davies into the role for the nonconference finale against North Carolina Central in place of Devin Kirkwood.
The move came after Kirkwood had allowed receivers to get behind him for potential explosive plays against San Diego State.
The Bruins have allowed 186 passing yards per game, which ranked 25th in the country, but the secondary has remained untested and that will change against Ward and the Cougars.
“I don’t think he’s just taking off,” Coach Chip Kelly said of Ward. “I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for him and I think he should be in the conversation with the top quarterbacks in the country.”
Ward has completed 106 of 142 passes for 1,390 yards and 13 touchdowns in four games this season. Kelly also praised Ward’s athleticism, accuracy and decision-making.
The Bruins didn’t play Washington State last season, which was Ward’s first year as a Cougar after having transferred in from Incarnate Word.
Ward had initially joined the Washington State program to reunite with offensive coordinator Eric Morris, who was previously the head coach at Incarnate Word. Morris is now the head coach of North Texas but Ward has continued to develop under first-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
UCLA’s defensive front is hoping to apply enough pressure up front to disrupt Ward and force Washington State to run the ball, which would play into the strength of the defense.
“I’m trying to get after the quarterback,” defensive lineman Keanu Williams said. “I think we’ll try and limit them so they run the ball. They don’t want to run the ball so we just got to get them doing what they don’t want to do. If we do that we will be in good shape.”
GAINING EXPERIENCE
True freshman Donavyn Pellot appears to be on an upward trajectory similar to current starting safety and redshirt freshman Kamari Ramsey.
Pellot’s ability as a two-way player led to him being listed as an “athlete” throughout the recruiting process before settling in on defense for the Bruins. While he remains listed as a defensive back, he’s been working with Ken Norton Jr. and the inside linebackers.
“I’m down to play anywhere,” Pellot said. “Wherever the team needs me and wherever coach feels like he needs to put me to better the team.”
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound freshman made his UCLA debut in the nonconference finale against North Carolina Central and recorded three solo tackles, including a sack that resulted in an 8-yard loss.
“It was good,” Pellot said of his first time playing in the Rose Bowl. “It’s just about being confident out on the field and trusting my work and trusting (the advice from) Coach Norton and older guys ahead of me.”
Pellot has not played in three of the first four games for UCLA, it would appear that he’s unlikely to play again until later in the season while still being able to retain his redshirt status.
Players are allowed to gain early experience by participating in four games while still being able to preserve their four years of eligibility. UCLA coach Chip Kelly did something similar with Ramsey last season.
Ramsey played in four games last season and was able to lean on that experience throughout the offseason before working his way into a starting role at safety this season.
“We consciously redshirted (Ramsey) last year,” Kelly said of some of the strategy that goes into handling a player’s status. “We didn’t play him in the Cal game so we could play him in the bowl game.”
PRIME TIME APPOINTMENT
UCLA will travel to play against quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and Oregon State on Oct. 14. It was announced Monday that the game will be played at 5 p.m. PT and will air on FOX .
IN THE POLLS
UCLA received enough votes to be ranked 29th in the latest AP Top 25 poll. The Bruins dropped out of the top 25 following the 14-7 road loss to Utah.