UCLA works to patch up holes before facing Memphis

Before UCLA can think about key games this month at Texas and Arizona State, the Bruins have their home opener against Memphis, a program that has won 12 games the last five seasons. Times staff writer Chris Foster looks at the story lines and matchups:

For openers

While UCLA’s offense labored in a 28-20 victory over Virginia — the Bruins defense scored three touchdowns — Memphis rolled to a 63-0 victory over Austin Peay.

Should UCLA be concerned?

No.

The Bruins spent the week patching up holes and expect a big game from Brett Hundley, provided his receivers catch the ball — there were seven drops against Virginia.

Memphis rolled up 545 yards in winning its first season opener since 2004 and posting its first shutout since 2000. But the opponent, Austin Peay, is a Football Championship Subdivision team that has lost 22 of its last 24 games.

Still, hope springs eternal.

“We’re willing to accept the challenge,” Tigers linebacker Tank Jakes said. “It’s a tough challenge, but we embrace it. We have the same preparation for every game. We have great coaches on the defensive staff that are going to lead us in the right direction, whether we are playing Austin Peay or UCLA.”

Get in line

UCLA started three sophomores and a first-year freshman on the offensive line last week, and they were without center Jake Brendel, who had started 27 consecutive games.

Brendel has a sprained knee and is unlikely to play, but there should be improvement up front after five false starts and five sacks last week.

“Certain things happened in the first game,” offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said. “They got bigger and bigger and it got out of hand.”

The defense the Bruins will see limited Austin Peay to 146 yards. Again, it was Austin Peay.

The Tigers may have lost their best defensive player. Defensive end Martin Ifedi has a leg injury and Memphis Coach Justin Fuente was coy about Ifedi’s status. Ifedi was seventh nationally with 111/2 sacks last season and has 20 in his career.

Back to back

UCLA’s run game looked better in the second half against Virginia, when Paul Perkins slashed his way to 57 of his team-high 80 yards. Look for Jordon James, who had five carries, to get more work.

“I personally feel more comfortable when we run the football,,” UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. “I didn’t give it justice last game.”

Freshman Nate Starks could make his college debut. He joined the three-back rotation during practice this week after Steven Manfro suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Bait and tackle

Memphis had 303 yards rushing last week, with Jarvis Cooper getting 101 yards in eight carries.

Running against UCLA, especially inside, is usually difficult.

First there is nose tackle Kenny Clark, who had eight tackles against Virginia. Double team him and linebackers Eric Kendricks or Myles Jack can roam free.

Kendricks had 16 tackles and Jack 13 last week to help contain Virginia to only 3.1 yards per carry.

Hold that Tiger

In Memphis, they still talk about the Tigers’ 24-10 victory over USC in 1991. (The Trojans finished 3-8 that season.) Memphis also defeated San Jose State in what was then known as the”Junior Rose Bowl” in 1971.

So the Tigers can claim to be undefeated in California, and on the Bruins’ home turf.

Meanwhile, in this century …

Memphis has lost 17 consecutive games to teams in power conferences since defeating Mississippi in 2004.

Follow Chris Foster on Twitter @cfosterlatimes