Previewing the Pac in 10 Days – #7 UCLA Bruins
Posted on 26. Aug, 2010 at 5:00 am by bbryan in Football, NCAA Football, PAC-10 Football
Over the last 10 work days leading up to the start of the season we will be previewing the Pac-10 in reverse predicted order of finish. Previous reviews can be found here: 10 9 8
Last year: 3-8 8th place
The Good - UCLA has high hopes for sophomore quarterback Kevin Prince. While shaky at times last year he still completed 56% of his passes. Under the tutelage of offensive guru’s Norman Chow and Rick Neuheisel Prince should improve. Helping Prince will be two stellar wide-outs, juniors Nelson Rosario and Taylor Embree plus speedy Josh Smith, a transfer from Colorado “go play intramural brotha” University. The Bruins defense was good last year and should be again this season. Led by All-American safety Rahim Moore the Bruins defensive backfield is the anchor of their defense. The kicking game will be one of the best in nation again with kicker Kai Forbath.
The Bad - The offensive line is shaky at best. Consequently Prince will be forced into making too many quick decisions and the running game will be pedestrian like. The better defenses in the league will be able to force UCLA into obvious passing situations and then key on Prince, which will result in a pick-6 here and there. The front 7 is average, and once teams get a lead they will be able to run and control the clock against them.
The Skinny - There is a lot to like about UCLA this year. They really seem to be on the right track, but they look like they are still another year away from becoming very good. However if things start to click for them a 3rd-5th place finish isn’t out of the question. Watch out for them next year though.
Prediction: 4-5 leaving high hopes for next year.
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