UCLA Football: 5 Most Telling Stats for the Bruins

Many factors contribute to the UCLA football team's record of 7-2. 

Self-inflicted wounds have been a serious issue. This development has put UCLA behind the chains on numerous occasions. In addition, the protection of its quarterback—or lack thereof—has been a serious problem. Lastly, the defense hasn't quite lived up to expectations. 

There are some positive statistics as well, namely revolving around the run game and quick-strike offense. The Bruins have been better in these two categories when compared to a year ago. 

This piece will look at five statistical subjects directly relating to UCLA's current position in the conference. 

Sacks Allowed

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Signal-caller Brett Hundley

UCLA's protection when it comes to signal-caller Brett Hundley has been porous. 

According to NCAA.com, the Bruins rank No. 115 in the country in sacks allowed. UCLA has given up an eye-popping 30 sacks through the first nine games—10 of which came in one game (versus Utah). 

The inability to block defenders virtually lost UCLA the game against the Utes. In UCLA's other loss, Oregon also had its way with the Bruins offensive line. The lack of time forced Hundley to miss receivers down the field, and it also hurt the offense with the negative yardage accrued on those plays. 

Simply put, this is an area where UCLA needs considerable improvement if it is to compete annually with the upper-echelon teams in the Pac-12.  

Paul Perkins Running the Football

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Running back Paul Perkins

Intially the backup heading into the season, Paul Perkins has firmly taken the reins of the running back position and hasn't looked back. 

The Arizona native is second in the conference with 1,071 yards rushing, and leads the Pac-12 with a 6.3 yards-per-carry average. A 92-yard touchdown run is also the longest in the conference this season. 

Perkins has completely stabilized the running back spot for the Bruins. He's also easily been the most consistent member of the offense. Perkins has demonstrated tremendous vision to go with great footwork and sneaky power. 

Total Defense

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Senior Eric Kendricks is the leader of the defense.

Possessing talent such as Eric Kendricks, Myles Jack, Eddie Vanderdoes, Owamagbe Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark (among others), UCLA's defense was supposed to be the strength of the team. 

It hasn't quite played out this way in 2014. 

UCLA's ranks No. 78 nationally in total defense. The Bruins are also ranked No. 100 in the country in terms of sacking the quarterback. 

Much of this has to do with new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich getting his proverbial feet wet. It's his first job as a defensive coordinator at the major D-I level. There has understandably been an adjustment period within his scheme. 

After starting the season with a rather vanilla scheme, he's since ratcheted up the pressure considerably. This is evidenced by UCLA holding an explosive Arizona offense to only seven points last week. 

Big Plays on Offense

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Wide receiver Jordan Payton

The big-play element in UCLA's offense was lacking in 2013. There simply weren't enough plays producing big chunks of yardage.

In 2014, Noel Mazzone's offense has operated as a quick-strike offense at times. Save for the Oregon game, UCLA has managed to create a play that has gone for at least 48 yards in every contest.

This year alone, the Bruins have had multiple touchdown passes over 70 yards—including two 80-yard touchdown receptions in the same game versus Arizona State.

The ability to stretch the field vertically has given UCLA's offense a considerable boost. 

Penalties Per Game

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press/Associated Press

Mora doesn't seem too happy

Arguably the biggest bugaboo throughout Jim Mora's tenure in Westwood has been the penalties problem. 

Like in the previous two years, UCLA is once again one of the most penalized teams in the country. In 2014, the Bruins are averaging 8.2 penalties per contest. Against Colorado, UCLA was flagged 14 times for 121 yards. 

While some of that might have to do with the ineptness of Pac-12 officials, much of it plainly stems from a lack of concentration and discipline.

This area needs to be addressed as soon as possible. UCLA cannot keep shooting itself in the foot and putting itself behind the chains regularly.