UCLA Bruins Linebacker Proves Preseason Predictions About Defense

The UCLA Bruins defense through their first five games are out of this world. That statement might be an understatement, as they've exceeded expecations as we approach the halfway mark of the seaosn. 

Players are always optimistic about their unit heading into the season, and at times, that good ole optimism seems hyperbole. That certainly was the case with UCLA's senior linebacker Darius Muasau when the media asked him about the defense before the start of the season. 

“We’re thinking of wowing all our Bruins fans and everyone, everyone that watches college football,” Muasau said that day. “We want to be the best defense in the nation and I think we have the talent to do that and accomplish our dreams and our goals of that.”

^{(via Rivals)}

No one took that comment seriously at the moment, but so far through the season, people are fearing the defense, and they should be.

Muasau didn't let people forget and said he meant what he said before the season, and they've proven it. 

“When I said that before the season, I wasn’t saying that jokingly,” Muasau said when reminded of his comments after Tuesday’s practice. “I really meant that from my heart.”

^{(via Rivals)}

The Bruins defense is legit, as they ranked fifth overall, second in run defense, and 24th in pass defense slot. On top of that, the Bruins rank eighth in points, allowing 12.2, and lead the country in yards per play allowed with 3.74. 

Their first actual test came against Washington State this past Saturday, and boy, did they answer the call. They expected this from themselves, and Muasau says they are just getting started. 

“I feel like everything’s just starting to connect with us,” Muasau said. “The chemistry between all the transfers that we got last year…and now that we got a year under our belts going into our second year, you know, the chemistry is there.

^{(via Rivals)}

 Things are clicking; if they keep this up, the Bruins will be in contention for the Pac-12 and beyond.