UCLA Has Found a Game-Changer on Defense

The box score jumps out at you immediately. Omosigho recorded 12 total tackles, with 11 of those being solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss, and 2 forced fumbles, that were both recovered by the Bruins' defense.

For a defensive unit that, for the most part, could not stop Purdue’s offense, those turnovers proved to be the difference-maker in the 52-38 win for UCLA.

Chesney's Thoughts

In his postgame press conference, head coach Bob Chesney gave high praise for his star linebacker. He also noted that Omosigho still has room to improve, which could be a scary notion for offenses in the Big Ten.

“You know, there's things he's going to want to clean up in there too, and other schematic things that he could do better, which he will,” Chesney said.

“The poise he plays with, the toughness he plays with, and the strength to be able to execute and finish on those tackles, you know, are things that are pretty impressive. We just got to keep sharpening his edges and keep getting him to be the player that he knows he could be. But it's a good start to the season.”

Omosigho Living up to His Responsibilities

Omosigho was named a permanent captain before the beginning of the season, and he’s certainly living up to the responsibility. He has, without a doubt, been the best player on the defensive side of the ball for the Bruins, in my opinion.

As the season continues to progress, the competition is set to ramp up, and UCLA will not be able to survive allowing as many yards and points as they did against Purdue. While Purdue’s offense may be underrated this season, it’s going to be extremely tough to live up to the offensive performance that the Bruins needed to outlast the Boilermakers.

That being said, a player like Sammy Omosigho could be monumental in how far this UCLA team can go this season. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for Omosigho, and that, as Chesney said, there’s true potential to see him grow into an even better player as the season goes on.