UCLA Football: 3 Biggest X-Factors for Bruins vs. Cal

The UCLA football team is currently at a crossroads. 

Expected to potentially win the Pac-12 and participate in the College Football Playoff, the Bruins have dropped back-to-back games versus Utah and Oregon. A third straight loss could cause widespread panic across Westwood. 

The recipe for getting back on track? A win this Saturday versus the California Golden Bears in Berkeley.

It won't be an easy proposition in the slightest. Cal is a much improved team from last year's 1-11 finish. Sonny Dykes brings an explosive offense led by quarterback Jared Goff. 

This piece will speak about three X-factors for the Bruins in their quest to get back to their winning ways. UCLA will attempt to win in Berkeley for the first time since 1998. 

Can the Bruins exorcise the Strawberry Canyon demons? 

Take a look at three X-factors for Jim Mora and the Bruins. 

Getting After Goff

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Quarterback Jared Goff

UCLA has had a major problem generating a solid pass rush. 

The Bruins have only seven sacks through the first six games of the season. Much of this has to do with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's reluctance to blitz. The first-time coordinator has opted for more of a bend-don't-break approach. 

This can't be the case versus Cal's signal-caller. Goff has thrown for 2,179 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season. His 65.5 percent completion rate is impressive—as is the fact he's thrown only three interceptions. 

As a traditional pocket passer, he doesn't possess tremendous mobility or quickness. UCLA has to make life difficult for him. This means blitzing from all angles and getting pressure. 

Should Goff be afforded the time to sit in the pocket with little resistance, he'll have a big day. 

Paul Perkins

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Running back Paul Perkins

To say Cal has a poor defense is an understatement. 

Art Kaufman's defense ranks 121st out of 125 teams in total defense. It gives up 518 yards per game. In terms of rushing defense, Cal ranks 70th. 

UCLA's offense is averaging 194.5 yards per game on the ground. This impressive number is due in large part to rising sophomore Paul Perkins. The Queen Creek, Arizona native is averaging over 120 yards a contest and has accrued an impressive 6.3 yards-per-carry average. 

It would behoove UCLA to get Perkins going early and often. With Cal's inability to play defense at a high clip, the Bruins running back should have a big day. If UCLA does run the ball well, it'll likely be able to control the clock. 

This also means keeping Goff and his explosive corps of wide receivers off the field. 

Play with a Different Mindset

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Head coach Jim Mora

This specific topic isn't something that can be quantified by statistics or personnel changes. 

It all comes down to mindset. 

When watching UCLA through its first six games, the team appeared to play tight. There simply hasn't been the same sense of exuberance or energy when compared to the teams in Mora's first two years. 

UCLA's chance at playing in the inaugural playoff is virtually extinct. As a result, the team should, in theory, play more relaxed. 

The pressure and burden of becoming a playoff team definitely could play a role in this "slow" start to the season. For the first time in quite some time, the start of this year brought on considerable expectations. It's feasible to think the team wasn't ready to answer the bell in this capacity. It also could be a case of UCLA performing better as the underdog.

However, not all is lost. UCLA can still win the Pac-12 South and play in a good bowl game. 

It all starts against Cal in Berkeley.