The OL in general are NOT getting high marks for their run blocking performance.
So why is Ucla's run game so successful?
1) Ucla's RBs are REAllY fast. Esp Knight. They are to and through the hole before the DL/front seven can sufficiently react. A defender may actually have an unimpeded path to the back...but he just can't get there to make the play.
2) Play design. The things Ucla is doing pre-snap (shifts, motions) and post snap (wham block, insert, GT counter, gap scheme power, etc.) are enough to distract the back seven and make them lose eye discipline when it comes to making their reads. Back seven guys are pulling their heads up and they're following the ball, which is a good way to get tricked, fall a step or two behind, and be left clutching air. The bobcat has been super killer as a goal line/short yardage gambit.
The stuff Ucla is doing is not revolutionary. But the Bruins are well-coached and they're very comfortable running the plays being called. Unlike 2024. That first game at Hawaii with the right guard who was just unable to move...that was criminal. The 2026 Bruins are in very good shape (from the OL on down), and these Bruins are faster than any Bruin team i can remember. Rowe and Morgan are BURNERS. Knight, Woods, Thomas...whoosh. And then there's Nico. And now Mizell takes one 80ish yards. These guys are a threat to score on any play, run or pass. Two minute drill and you want to play soft? Sure, Knight can run for 20 yards and only take 5 or so seconds off the clock. And you better not miss the tackle or he's going for 30 to 40.