UCLA defense works to bounce back at Maryland

There is no free lunch in the Big Ten.

But for UCLA defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, that’s what makes it enjoyable.

While Maryland has not compiled a profitable convention report since 2010, UCLA will face one of the most refined pure passers in the Big Ten when the Bruins and Terrapins face off Saturday at SECU Stadium in College Park, Md. If the Bruins prevail, Bob Chesney would be the first UCLA head coach to start his tenure 4-0 since Henry Russell “Red” Sanders in 1949.

Maryland signal-caller Malik Washington is the fourth consecutive returning beginning quarterback the Bruins have confronted, with 5 left on the schedule, and his play may pose issues for the UCLA defense.

“You can’t leave any stones unturned because he can make all the throws, and he’s got the ability to extend plays with his feet or make plays with his feet,” Hitschler said.

While Washington tied for third in the convention last season in interceptions with 9, the signal-caller set faculty data for freshman completions and passing yards, throwing for 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns.

With new Maryland offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Clint Trickett at the helm, the Terrapins’ quarterback has taken a leap in Year 2 operating the offense.

Through three video games, Washington has thrown for 892 yards and six touchdowns with no turnovers.

“He’s an entirely different quarterback right now,” Chesney said. “He’s an exciting-to-watch player, and he’s got some legit dudes out at receiver right now that are phenomenal. The offensive line is stout. They’ve been playing together for a little while. There’s a lot of things that they do to protect him, and he has a chance to deliver footballs. He’s getting hit sometimes, and just flicking this ball out there. He has a giant arm, and he’s as accurate as can be.”

Washington has benefited from a revamped receiver group after Maryland ranked among the national leaders in drops last season. Maryland coach Mike Locksley added Chris Durr Jr. and Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, who have turn out to be Washington’s top targets.

“Na’eem can play inside, he can play outside. He’s got the ability to separate,” said Hitschler, who confronted Gladding when he performed for Old Dominion last season against James Madison. “He’s got the ability to run, great routes, get in and out of breaks, and he’s got great hands. And now he’s making plays in the return game too.”

Hitschler’s secondary might be challenged by Washington, who led the convention in move makes an attempt last season with 473 and leads the Big Ten thus far with 116.

Maryland’s reliance on the passing recreation may pose issues for a secondary that was picked aside by Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne last week and is still without free security Tao Johnson.

“There’s obviously plays you would love to have back, obstacles that you overcame and throughout the game they improved and started to figure it out,” Hitschler said of the UCLA defense. “But at the same time, we can’t put ourselves behind the eight ball in moments and we have to execute at a higher level. This game’s fun because you have the opportunity to lose every week. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be fun.”

Offensively, the Bruins have the prospect to construct off their most productive recreation yet, scoring 52 factors and accumulating 645 yards against the Boilermakers. But, UCLA can have to work to defend senior quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who was hit often and battled a number of accidents against Purdue.

Maryland edge rushers Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart mixed for 13 sacks last season. And though Mathis was ruled because of an injury, the Terrapins can flip to five-star edge Zion Elee, the very best ranked recruiting prospect in program historical past.

Given Iamaleava’s fearlessness with his legs and the Terrapins’ efficient move rush, it might be troublesome to keep the signal-caller on his toes.