UCLA Halts Wildcat Prowl, Perfect Into Bye

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/20/09)

San Diego State? Check. Tennessee on the road? Check. Kansas State? After last night’s 23-9 win in front of 67,311 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, you can put a check next to that one too.

Three and oh for the first time since 2005, and just one win short of last year’s season total of four. Not enough to make a coach happy, but good enough for now. As UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel says, “the real work begins in Pac-10 play in two weeks against Stanford.”

But a 3-0 run through the non-conference slate to start is just the way Neuheisel would have drawn it up. “Obviously this is the spot you want to be in right now,” the UCLA head coach remarked afterwards. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence. But it really doesn’t mean we’ve accomplished much of anything yet—except beaten three pretty good teams.”

Maybe the late start time had something to do with it (kickoff wasn’t till a quarter past seven), but this game had an energetic atmosphere that the Bruins’ season opener against San Diego State lacked two weeks ago. Surely a road win over Tennessee last Saturday in Knoxville had at least a little something to do with a more densely-packed blue in the stands in Pasadena for Kansas State.

70-year-old Bill Snyder is back stalking the sidelines for the Wildcats, but he can’t make tackles or score touchdowns. His mostly inexperienced and now 1-2 Kansas State crew looked unsure of itself from the get-go against a stout UCLA ‘D.”

Senior Kevin Craft was announced as the starting quarterback shortly before kickoff, ending any remaining speculation about who Rick Neuheisel would turn to in placed of injured starter Kevin Prince. Craft set a single-season school record with 20 interceptions thrown in 2008, but looked far more composed under center this time around.

For the Wildcats, star running back Daniel Thomas was limited to 54 yards on 15 carriers. Quarterback Carson Coffman was 20 of 34 for 193 yards, but threw two picks and was sacked six times.

Freshman tailback Jonathan Franklin rushed for a career-best 119 yards on 23 carries and Kai Forbath kicked three field goals without a miss for the Bruins (3-0), who get a bye next weekend before a trip to Stanford and the opening of Pac-10 play on October 3rd.

“Right now, the key is just staying focused,” senior cornerback Alterraun Verner reflected in the locker room, after a two interception performance that brought his season total to three. “Working on the things we need to work on, improving on the little stuff. We have a chance to be a really good team, now it’s up to us to get there.”

-JAB

Bruins Ready For K-State Visit

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/17/09)

Contain speedster Daniel Thomas and everything else should fall into place for UCLA’s defense against Kansas State on Saturday. The junior tailback rushed for over 100 yards in each of the Wildcats’ first two games. Of course, Massachusetts and Lousiana-Lafayette aren’t exactly college football powerhouses.

New old head coach Bill Snyder (70 in October) needs to get more out of junior quarterback Carson Coffman if he wants to avoid a long season. Coffman was mediocre at best in last week’s 17-15 loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns. So far, the Wildcat offense has greatly missed the play of QB Josh Freeman, chosen by Tampa Bay with the 17th pick in April’s NFL Draft. But Coffman has the mobility to add dimension to a rather bland Kansas State attack---Thomas notwithstanding.

For UCLA, the challenge goes beyond defensive containment. Freshman quarterback Kevin Prince fractured his jaw late in last week’s 19-15 win over Tennessee; he’s expected to miss at least two games. In his place will be either freshman Richard Brehaut or senior Kevin Craft. Head coach Rick Neuheisel hasn’t revealed his starting choice yet but did say he may play both in the game.

Whoever gets the call will be reliant on further strong play by a rejuvenated UCLA offensive line. Last year the Bruins averaged under three yards per carry. Through two games, that number is up to more than four, and the pass protection has been reliable as well.

Non-conference games in September do not a Pac-10 championship team make, but they sure do build confidence. Saturday’s home game against Kansas State should be no different. Look for the Bruins to head into their bye week full of momentum.

Prediction: UCLA over Kansas State, 27-10

-JAB

UCLA QB Prince Injured, Out a Month

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/14/09)

At 2-0, UCLA's 2009 season is off to a healthy start. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its starting quarterback. Signal caller Kevin Prince is expected to miss a month of action after fracturing his jaw in Saturday's road win at Tennessee. X-rays taken on Sunday revealed the break, requiring his jaw to be wired shut while it heals.

The redshirt freshman led the Bruins to a 19-15 victory over UT in Knoxville's Neyland Stadium over the weekend, completing 11 of 23 passes for 101 yards with 1 TD and no INTs. It was just his second collegiate start since making his debut against San Diego State to open the season.

Prince suffered the injury with just under two minutes left in the game. He was hit hard in the face by a couple of Vols' defenders while being tackled for a safety. The QB was clearly in pain on the Bruins' sideline after the play, stretching his jaw while a bloody towel covered his cheek. Despite the fracture, Prince did return for UCLA's final two offensive plays of the game---both kneel downs to secure the win.

"This is a tough blow for Kevin and our football team," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "We hope he recovers quickly, but we have other talented quarterbacks in our program. We have confidence in all of our guys and we will get them ready to lead us against Kansas State."

Which brings about the question of who will take Prince's place under center against Kansas State (1-1) on Saturday? The top two candidates are true freshman Richard Brehaut, who's actually listed as Prince's backup on the depth chart, or senior Kevin Craft. Brehaut is a talented recruit who played late in the season-opening win against SDSU. Craft was the UCLA starting QB for all of 2008 and brings plenty of experience to the table---along with a school record 20 INTs from a year ago.

Stay tuned for further updates on the UCLA quarterback situation as they come in.

-JAB

Josh's 2009 NFL Predictions, Part 2: The NFC

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

NFC East

(y)-Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
(x)-New York Giants (10-6)
Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Washington Redskins (5-11)

NFC North

(y)-Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
Green Bay Packers (9-7)
Chicago Bears (8-8)
Detroit Lions (5-11)

NFC South

(y)-New Orleans Saints (12-4)
(x)-Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)
Carolina Panthers (4-12)

NFC West

(y)-Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
San Francisco 49ers (9-7)
Seattle Seahawks (6-10)
Saint Louis Rams (4-12)

y- division winner
x- wild card

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Playoffs: 1st Rd: Minnesota over Arizona, Atlanta over New York
2nd Rd: Philadelphia over Atlanta, Minnesota over New Orleans

NFC Championship: Philadelphia over Minnesota

Super Bowl XLIV: Philadelphia Eagles 27-24 over Pittsburgh Steelers

Best Head Coach: Andy Reid, Philadelphia
Best Offensive Player: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
Best Defensive Player: Justin Tuck, New York
Best Rookie: Beanie Wells, Arizona

-JAB

Josh's 2009 NFL Predictions, Part 1: The AFC

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

AFC East

(y)-New England Patriots (12-4)
New York Jets (9-7)
Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Buffalo Bills (3-13)

AFC North

(y)-Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)
(x)-Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Cleveland Browns (5-11)

AFC South

(y)-Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
(x)-Tennessee Titans (10-6)
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
Houston Texans (5-11)

AFC West

(y)-San Diego Chargers (11-5)
Denver Broncos (7-9)
Oakland Raiders (5-11)
Kansas City Chiefs (4-12)

y- division winner
x- wild card

-----------------------------------------------------------

Playoffs: 1st Rd: Baltimore over Indianapolis, Tennessee over San Diego
2nd Rd: Pittsburgh over Tennessee, New England over Baltimore

AFC Championship: Pittsburgh over New England

Best Head Coach: Bill Belichick, New England
Best Offensive Player: Darren Sproles, San Diego
Best Defensive Player: Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh
Best Rookie: Mark Sanchez, New York

-JAB

Defense Holds Late, Bruins Stun Vols On Road

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/12/09)

As the 2009 season approached, UCLA's coaching staff knew defense would be the backbone of this year's team. Two games into the year with two victories to show for it: So far, so good.

Leading by six points in the closing minutes of yesterday's battle with Tennessee in Knoxville, UCLA was up against the wall---literally. The Vols had driven 52 yards to the Bruins' 2 yd line and had a 3rd & goal coming up. But defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough didn't flinch, and neither did his unit.

"Up against it, on the road, loud environment, fatigue factoring in . . . I couldn't be prouder of the toughness we showed," said Bullough afterwards. "We've got a lot we can do better, but so far, we've got the right attitude and guys are stepping up for each other in big spots."

The Bruins' 'D' closed the hole twice on Vols' running backs---first on Bryce Brown, then on Montario Hardesty. The result was a 19-15 nailbiter of a win, UCLA's second straight against Tennessee following last year's victory at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins are 2-0, while Lane Kiffin suffered his first loss as the Vols' head coach. UT is now 1-1.

After throwing for five touchdowns in Tennessee's 63-7 season-opening massacre of Western Kentucky, Vols' senior QB Jonathan Crompton had an awful game at home against UCLA. Finishing 13 for 26 for just 93 yards and 3 interceptions, the Bruins' front seven got in his face constantly. And big games for DT Brian Price and the D-line usually bode well for the secondary. Senior Alterraun Verner got his first pick of the year, while sophomore S Rahim Moore snared two more---for an incredible total of five interceptions in just two games. It would have been six if not for an offsides call that wiped out another one.

"I just read the quarterback," Moore offered later. "I knew that Crompton had some skills, but I also knew that he could throw a pick because any quarterback can. I was just sitting back and reading the quarterback."

It wasn't a pretty game for either offense. UCLA managed just 186 total yards, but freshman QB Kevin Prince didn't make any huge mistakes. He was 11 of 23 for 101 yards and a 12 yard touchdown toss to fullback Chane Moline. Prince looked rattled early, but for a guy playing in just his second collegiate game, did an impressive job of keeping his poise in front of 100,000 loud Vols' supporters.

The Bruins fumbled an astonishing five times in the game, but lost only one of them. Head coach Rick Neuheisel noted there's plenty of room to get sharper.

"To come in here and find a way to beat a team like Tennessee," said Neuheisel, "that says a lot about our team's character and what we're made of. The offense hasn't looked pretty yet, those guys are still trying to figure things out, but I know we'll get better and it sure feels great to be 2-0 right now."

Placekicker Kai Forbath continued to show why he's one of the best in college football. Missing one early kick from 51 yards out, Forbath canned all four of his other attempts, including three straight to start the second half that broke a 10-10 halftime deadlock and gave UCLA a 19-10 lead after three quarters.

Bruins' freshman running back Jonathan Franklin had a strong game as well, with 80 yards rushing on 17 carries. That mostly cancelled out Tennessee tailback Montario Hardesty, who gained 89 yards on 26 attempts. And Franklin set a physical tone early, with some ploughing up-the-gut runs that helped the Bruins take the opening kickoff deep into UT territory for an early field goal.

UCLA is now 4-0 against the SEC since 2000 (two wins apiece over Tennessee and Alabama). Next up for the Blue & Gold is the final non-conference game of the year at home on Saturday against Big 12 foe Kansas State (1-1). The Wildcats lost a tough one to Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday, 17-15.

-JAB

For UCLA, Tough Challenge Looms in Knoxville

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/11/09)

Four first half interceptions. Three significant injuries to starters. 29 total team yards rushing.

Statistically, it doesn’t sound like the makings of an upset, but that’s just what it was for UCLA against Tennessee last season in head coach Rick Neuheisel’s Bruins debut.

“I still remember the good feeling I had inside,” Neuheisel said earlier this week. “The excitement of being back coaching on the college sidelines, at a place that had so many great memories for me . . . And then our guys hanging on and pulling it out in overtime. Just a great day, all around.”

The Bruins pulled off a 27-24 victory despite allowing the Vols to tie the game on a field goal at the end of regulation. Kai Forbath canned a 42 yarder in the extra session to give UCLA its final winning margin.

“We were feeling a little tired there at the end, but guys stepped up and made plays and we pulled it out,” remembered cover stud Alterraun Verner, who had one interception in the game last year. “I really thought it was a sign of things to come for us, but it didn’t go down like that. Now we have a chance to really use this game a springboard.”

Tennessee is probably feeling the same way. The Vols switched coaches from Philip Fulmer to Lane Kiffin this year, and things got off to a fiery start last week against Western Kentucky. QB Jonathan Crompton set a career high with five TD tosses, and Kiffin’s crew set a record for most points scored in a Vols’ coaching debut with a 63-7 shellacking of the Hilltoppers. A group of talented young receivers seems ready to step up for UT, while running backs Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown form a dynamic tandem at tailback.

Oh yeah, and then there’s that Eric Berry guy on defense. A likely top five NFL draft pick after the season, the junior safety is so diversely talented that some in Vols land truly believe he’ll be the second defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, and the first since Charles Woodson became the first to do it, for Michigan in 1997. A stretch? Probably, but Berry is really good at making opposing quarterbacks look really bad. UCLA’s Kevin Prince, playing in just his second NCAA game, would do well to avoid throwing anywhere near the safety, just to be on the safe side.

The Bruins beat the Vols last year at home, even with those aforementioned ugly numbers. It’s no stretch to say that UCLA is a better team now than it was then. But so is Tennessee, and they’re the home team for this one. Don’t let anybody tell you that’s anything less than a huge advantage in a relatively evenly-matched football game.

Sorry, Bruins fans. I have to go with the Vols in this one.

Prediction: Tennessee over UCLA, 24-17

-JAB

UCLA Rallies Past SDSU In '09 Opener

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/6/09)

For a half, the San Diego State gave UCLA all it could ask for. The Aztecs took the opening kickoff and drove 69 yards in 14 plays to grab a 7-0 lead five minutes into the game. A Rose Bowl crowd of 55,761 was hushed early. But it would get better, with the Bruins spotting the Aztecs an 11 point lead before eventually rallying for 30 straight points of their own and a 33-14 win.

“I think early on we were just a little overaggressive,” offered senior linebacker Reggie Carter in the locker room afterwards. “Guys were missing some tackles. I mean, it’s the season opener, you’re trying to get the fans into it, plus you gotta give them a lot of respect. They’re not a bad team.”

Whatever the reason for the sluggish start, quarterback Kevin Prince had a lot to do with the turnaround. The redshirt freshman started and played in his first collegiate game, hitting on all of his first five passes. There were few signs of the jitters from Prince, and the offensive line’s play had a lot to do with it. Aztec defensive pressure was greatly limited in this one.

“Last year, the offensive line was a weakness for out team,” said center Kai Maiva. “Nothing against the guys who were here, but this year we need to be a lot better if we’re going to be as good as we think we can be. Tonight was a good start.”

Still, San Diego actually led this one 14-3 late in the first quarter. It took touchdown runs of 12 yards by Jonathan Franklin and 30 yards by Derrick Coleman to turn the score around. Throw in a blocked field goal returned 65 yards for a touchdown by cornerback Alterraun Verner and a five yard TD toss from Prince to WR Terrance Austin, and this one was all wrapped up by the fourth. Sophomore safety Rahid Moore had a big game as well, adding three interceptions.

“It’s a good first game,” summed up head coach Rick Neuheisel. “We did some things really well out there, but we’ve obviously got all kinds of stuff to work on. That’s what we’ll be doing this week, ironing out the kinks from this one while we prepare for a great opponent in Tennessee.”

Last year, UCLA nipped the Vols by three points in overtime at the Rose Bowl in the season opener. It would prove to be the high point of the season for the Bruins en route to a dismal 4-8 campaign. Now the Bruins try to make it two straight over one of college football’s powerhouses.

“Any time you get to play in a stadium like Neyland in a place like Knoxville, it’s a special experience,” said Neuheisel. “Winning there would just make it that much more special.”

-JAB

2009 UCLA Bruins Football Preview

(first published on KLAC's Bruins Board website --- 9/2/09)

First acts are usually tough to follow, but the UCLA Bruins and head coach Rick Neuheisel shouldn’t have all that much difficulty topping their debut campaign. After a surprising season-opening 27-24 overtime win over Tennessee at the Rose Bowl, UCLA proceeded to lose eight of its last eleven, en route to a dismal 4-8 campaign. Hardly the stuff that Neuheisel’s “Move Over USC” rhetoric was supposed to be made of.

2009 should be a drastically better season in Pasadena for a variety of reasons. Foremost among them is the return of three stellar defensive players---all at different levels of the ‘D’. Senior Alterraun Verner is a shutdown cover guy. Senior Reggie Carter is not only a playmaker and signal caller at middle linebacker, but a great locker room presence as well. And junior Brian Price is as good as any defensive tackle in the conference.

The rest of the defense is filled with young talent, something that bodes well for the future at UCLA. Guys like freshman CB Aaron Hester and sophomores S Rahid Moore, LB Akeem Ayers, and DE Datone Jones give defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough a chance to dictate things more often than not. A promising recruiting class for 2010 will only bolster the talent level on ‘D’ next year as well.

Offensively, the quarterback position can’t help but be more consistent. Beleaguered and mistake-prone (20 interceptions), Kevin Craft was not Rick Neuheisel’s favorite player last year. He gives way to redshirt freshman Kevin Prince, who hasn’t played a snap of competitive in-game football since the first game of his senior year in high school. Still, Prince has a strong arm and a lot of accuracy to go with it---tools that will serve him well in the feisty Pac-10, a conference with tremendous defensive talent from top to bottom.

Surrounding Prince offensively are wideout weapons in Terrance Austin and Taylor Embree, a deep corps of versatile TEs. RBs Jonathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman (and Christian Ramirez, once he returns from a leg injury) are a lot stronger than recent Bruins running back (Mo Jones-Drew notwithstanding, of course). But none of it matters if the offensive line doesn’t improve from its woeful performance of a year ago. Averaging less than three rushing yards per carry isn’t easy to do, but it happened to the Bruins last year. This season should be different, with four new starters joining versatile C Kai Maiva. If they can improve the ground attack and buy their young quarterback some time to make good decisions, the offense will be better than a lot of people expect.

So what does act two and the 2009 campaign hold in store for UCLA? Surely, the schedule will have a lot to do with it. Opening with a win against San Diego State at home is all but certain (I'm guessing something lopsided, like 31-3), but a trip to Knoxville and a rematch with a vengeful Tennessee team in game two looms as difficult, to say the least. Home games against Oregon, California and Arizona State are all winnable, but trips to Oregon State, Arizona and the USC behemoth will require a lot of composure to pull off victories.

Be patient, Bruins fans. A bowl game is definitely within the grasp of this year’s team, but 7-5 is about all you can ask for with so many offensive questions. I think Neuheisel can get this team there, and if he does, 2010 could be a really special year for UCLA.

-JAB