What Cal's Defense Should Do to Beat UCLA

For California, the defensive front needs to step up and stop UCLA's running game. Especially since they don't have much of a running game to begin with, only averaging 90.9 yards per game on the ground.  

The Bears linebackers did make some plays against the Wildcats, with a couple big plays coming from their linebackers. One was the interception by Anthony Felder. Eddie Young caused Arizona's Grigsby to fumble, which led to the Bears' first score of the game. Zach Follett got a sack and Worrell Williams also made some plays in the backfield.

The issue with the Bears that could get them in trouble is the lack of aggression throughout the game from their defense. The defense should be one of Cal's stronger points, considering they have at least three linebackers who could go high in the draft: Williams, Zach Follett, and Felder.

Bears fans would love to see Follett going after the quarterback more. He is one of Cal's best pass-rushers, especially since Rulon Davis is going to be out a few more games. It means Bob Gregory is going to have to call more blitzes and start going after the quarterback.

Before the Arizona game, the Bears had done a good job at containing opposing running backs. Part of Cal's problem is that it hadn't seen much of Keola Antolin, who was able to slash through the Bears defense almost at will, which also opened up the passing game for the Cardinals.

So, besides the defensive line in general, look for Tyson Alualu to step up. The Bears can't just rely on their linebackers to keep them in the game. The secondary of the Bears is pretty talented and has the ability to make plays, but the squad needs to make tackles, as well. There were plenty of instances in the Arizona game where there was poor tackling that led to more yards by Antolin. 

Lastly for the Bears to be successful, defensive coordinator Bob Gregory needs to get off the mindset of "let's keep everything in front of us." He needs to start calling more blitzes to get more pressure.

The bend-don't-break defense doesn't work, and it's not employed much by any other team that I can think of. Most teams like to call blitzes and get pressure on the quarterback or running back with a run blitz.