“Is Eric Bieniemy the Real Reason Behind UCLA Football’s Offensive Collapse?”

UCLA Football’s offense, under the direction of Eric Bieniemy, has been lackluster through the first two games of the season. The Bruins managed only 16 points in a tight three-point victory against Hawai’i and a meager 13 points in a 42-13 blowout loss to Indiana. While Bieniemy’s offensive schemes were highly effective with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, his complex NFL-style system appears to be overwhelming for UCLA’s college roster.

 

Quarterback Ethan Garbers has struggled to operate Bieniemy’s system efficiently, and the Bruins’ passing game has repeatedly stalled. Against Hawai’i, Garbers threw for just 272 yards, with his lone touchdown coming late in the third quarter. The Bruins failed to produce consistent offense and needed late-game field goals to squeak past a Rainbow Warriors team that capitalized on UCLA’s early mistakes.

 

In their next matchup against Indiana, Garbers mustered only 137 passing yards while facing constant pressure, unable to get the ball downfield. UCLA’s offense failed to score until just before halftime, and the team’s inability to sustain drives raised serious concerns about Bieniemy’s play-calling.

 

Known for his creative playbook in the NFL, Bieniemy has yet to tailor his system to fit the skill level of UCLA’s young and developing players. His intricate passing schemes, which depend on precise timing and decision-making, are proving too advanced for Garbers and his supporting cast. The offensive line’s struggles in protecting the quarterback have only added to the problem, making it difficult to execute plays that require more time to develop.

 

In Kansas City, Bieniemy’s offense thrived thanks in large part to Mahomes’ improvisational skills. Without a quarterback of Mahomes’ caliber, UCLA’s offense has looked disjointed, with Garbers often holding onto the ball too long, leading to sacks and missed opportunities. This pattern is eerily similar to Bieniemy’s time coaching Sam Howell last season, where Howell was sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL.

 

The Bruins have also failed to establish a consistent running game, limiting Bieniemy’s options. Playmakers like Sturdivant and Loya have barely touched the ball, compounding the offense’s struggles.

 

As head coach DeShaun Foster said after the Indiana loss, “We’re executing at practice, but it is not carrying over to the game.” This suggests a larger issue with how Bieniemy’s schemes are translating to game day, as UCLA continues to struggle with executing even basic plays under pressure.

 

While it’s still early in the season, Bieniemy will need to simplify his system to better suit UCLA’s personnel, especially Garbers. The quarterback needs more protection and simpler reads to build confidence. Without adjustments, the Bruins are in danger of enduring more lackluster offensive performances as they face the challenging Big Ten schedule ahead.