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UCLA running back Carson Steele has provided consistent hard-nose running every single game since he came over from Ball State.

Steele's impact is a big reason for the team's 5-2 record, as his tough running style has resulted in significant gains on the ground. 

The 6'1", 225-pound junior showed up against Stanford having his best game in the Bruins uniform rushing for 76 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns.

Better yet, it was Steele's 21st birthday. That coincidence wasn't lost on Steele, as he commented on the team's success to Josh Dubow of AP News.

“That’s pretty cool,” Steele said. “It’s awesome how little things like that kind of work. But just being able to jump out and drive and kind of hold them down.”

(via Josh Dubow, AP News)

Steele has been the bell cow back for the Bruins this year already recording 599 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, and 113 carries.

TJ Harden is second in touches, as the sophomore running back has 68 carries with 388 yards. 

The rushing attack for the Bruins has been able to support their true freshman quarterback Dante Moore. With a balanced rushing attack, the Bruins are starting to appear more well-rounded and dangerous. 

As a team, the Bruins are averaging 215 yards on the ground per game while averaging 5 yards per carry. Chunk yardage and big plays are coming out of the Bruins' backfield, which is a big reason the team steamrolled Stanford.

The Bruins are 5-2 now losing close games to Utah and Oregon State. The team will look to prepare for a big game against the Colorado Buffaloes, who will garner much media attention for the game.

The Bruins are currently 16-point favorites over the Buffaloes. Despite being a huge favorite, Deion Sanders has proved his coaching can often shock better teams. 

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Bruins!

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