HOLIDAY BOWL PREVIEW: UCLA
Here is a quick look at NC State's opponent in the 2021 SDCCU Holiday Bowl, UCLA.
UCLA finished the regular season 8-4 overall and 6-3 in the Pac-12.
Offensively, the Bruins are led by star quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. A dual-threat, Thompson-Robinson passed for 21 touchdowns with just six interceptions while completing 62.2% of his passes. He also rushed for 609 yards and nine more scores.
UCLA averages 36.5 points per game, and the rushing attack is led by star tailback Zach Charbonnet, who has run for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The go-to receiver is 5-11 standout Kyle Phillips. He leads the team in receptions (59), yards (739), and touchdowns (10).
Here's a closer look at UCLA’s offense.
UCLA Offensive Breakdown
| CATEGORY | TOTAL | NATIONAL RANK |
| Scoring Offense | 36.5 ppg | No. 16 |
| Total Offense | 441.3 ypg | No. 28 |
| Rushing Offense | 215.1 ypg | No. 17 |
| Passing Offense | 226.2 ypg | No. 68 |
| Redzone Offense | 88.0% | No. 35 |
| Third Down Offense | 46.1% | No. 16 |
| Sacks Allowed | 23.0 | No. 45 |
Defensively, the Bruins are led by nickelback Qwuantrezz Knight, who has totaled 66 tackles and 8.5 tackles for a loss, both team highs.
Here's a closer look at UCLA’s defense.
UCLA Defensive Breakdown
| CATEGORY | TOTAL | NATIONAL RANK |
| Scoring Defense | 26.8 ppg | No. 75 |
| Total Defense | 384.4 ypg | No. 72 |
| Rushing Defense | 124.25 ypg | No. 26 |
| Passing Defense | 260.2 ypg | No. 111 |
| Redzone Defense | 93.02% | No. 126 |
| Third Down Defense | 44.1% | No. 113 |
| Sacks | 26.0 | No. 67 |
