I know that a lot of us are concerned with the defense and how it might hold up this weekend. Count me in that camp too. I certainly believe that the defense needs to have its best performance of the year, but I don't think that means dominance. And I don't think it's only the defense that can limit the UCLA offense.
Special teams will play a role. And the defense needs to get off the field on third down.
There is a role here for the offense too IMO. I think the offense needs to get the play called early in the clock, get to the LOS, and then milk the clock down. We are at home. We need to use dummy calls, read the defense, and keep UCLA uncomfortable and frustrated with a "hurry up and wait" kind of pace. If we can pile up some first downs and possess the ball, our defense will not only have time to rest, they'll also have time to work out any problem areas and refine the strategy for the next UCLA possession.
If we possess the ball for 30 seconds and score, it might be as damaging to us in the long run as if the offense went three-and-out.
Efficiency and execution is key for the offense. We can count on these veteran performers and, if plays out right, our defense will have less of a work load and less pressure on them when they get out on the field.