EAGLEBANK BOWL
Washington, D.C.
UCLA Bruins (6-6) VS. Temple Owls (9-3)
Tuesday, December 29, 1:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: UCLA -4.5

Sam’s Take (56 – 22):

For the first time ever, UCLA and Temple will meet on a football field. The Bruins (with help from Navy) travel to Washington D.C. with a chance at a winning season. Meanwhile, Temple enters the EagleBank Bowl as one of the feel good stories of the 2009 season. The Owls are making just their third bowl appearance in program history.

The Bruins and Owls share quite a few statistical similarities, as both teams struggle on offense (UCLA 88th nationally in total offense, Temple 89th) but are considerably better defensively (UCLA 39th in total defense, Temple 37th).

If Rick Neuheisel is going to build momentum with this UCLA program then losing to Temple is out of the question. The Bruins won’t gain much respect with a win over the Owls, but a loss would set the program even further back in an increasingly competitive Pac-10 conference.

Temple hasn’t faced a team with UCLA’s talent since September 19th vs. Penn State. While I don’t expect the Owls to be blown out 31-6 (as was the case against the Nittany Lions), I do expect the Bruins to impose their will, especially on defense.

Al Golden’s club has one of the worst passing offenses in America (112th nationally in passing offense), which means UCLA will load the box to contain the excellent Temple rushing attack. DT Brian Price, LB Reggie Carter, and LB Akeem Ayers should get plenty of work.

Like many Pac-10 teams, the Bruins could use this extra month of practice time, continuing to developing freshman QB Kevin Prince. Prince was inconsistent throughout the regular season, but a solid effort on the east coast should give him something to build on heading into the off-season. Prince will face a Temple defense that ranks 74th nationally in pass defense, so he will certainly get the opportunity to make big plays.

The weather probably wont be great, and while Temple is used to playing in bad conditions I still expect UCLA to prevail. The Bruins can’t afford to take any opponent lightly and I don’t think they will overlook an Owls team that will treat this bowl like the national championship.

I expect UCLA to set the tone on defense and make enough noise on offense to pull away.

Prediction: UCLA 28 – Temple 14

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Nelson Rosario – The physical Rosario is a difficult match-up for most defenses, and I expect the Temple DB’s to struggle with his combination of size and speed.

Temple Player to Keep an Eye On: RB Bernard Pierce – Pierce has been sensational for the Owls (1,308 yards rushing, 15 TDs) this season. He battled injury late in the season, but should be back strong for this game.

Dave’s Take (57 – 20):

If nothing else this year, UCLA showed that they could win the games they were supposed to win.

The Bruins played seven games against teams that finished with a winning record, and were 1-6 against those teams (with Tennessee being the only victory).

Against teams 6-6 or lower? A perfect 5-0.

Technically, obviously enough, Temple does fall into the winning record category. That said, picking up wins in the ultra-competitive Pac-10 and SEC is a bit more difficult than doing so in the MAC.

In fact, of the other three teams in the MAC with a winning record (Central Michigan, Ohio, and Bowling Green), Temple managed to only play one; @Ohio, a 35-17 loss.

As great of a season and a story as it has been for Temple, their very underwhelming schedule makes it hard for me to make a case that they belong in the tier of teams that beat UCLA (Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Cal, USC, Arizona) and not in the tier of teams that UCLA beat (including Kansas State and Washington).

Simply put, UCLA is the more talented team top to bottom; and when that has been the case this season, The Bruins have gone out and won the football game. Motivation shouldn’t be a problem, either; while this is only the third bowl appearance in Temple’s history, the Bruins have struggled to get into a bowl recently, and a bowl win would be a fantastic way to cap off the season.

UCLA should take care of business with a strong defensive effort and bring the Pac-10 to .500 in bowl season play.

Prediction: UCLA 27 – Temple 13

UCLA Bruins (6-5) vs. USC Trojans (7-3)
Saturday, November 28, 7:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: USC -13.0
*AllPac10 Game of the Week*

Sam’s Take (49 – 19):

Thanks to Pete Carroll and Rick Neuheisel college football fans have been reintroduced to one of the most visually attractive rivalries in all of sports. Let the pageantry commence, as Powder Blue faces Cardinal Red in the Coliseum this Saturday!

Rivalry games are always intriguing regardless of the participants’ win-loss record, but this year’s edition of the City Championship looks more evenly matched than it has in a while. USC has struggled in virtually every phase of the game in recent weeks, while UCLA has steadily improved (albeit against far weaker competition). As I study this game, four areas stand out.

1. QB Play – Contrary to most “insiders” expectations at the start of the season, freshmen QBs Kevin Prince and Matt Barkley have produced very similar seasons. Barkley has completed 57.9 % of his passes while throwing for 2035 yards 11 TDs, 10 INTs in nine games. Prince counters with 1739 yards 6 TDs 5 INTs and a 57.6% completion percentage in nine games. Barkley may have a slight edge, but it seems fair to suggest that no team has a decided advantage at QB.

2. Turnover Margin – UCLA ranks 17th nationally in turnover margin at .73, while ‘SC ranks 79th nationally at -.30. This statistic can be vital to deciding the outcome of a game, so the Bruins hope the season trend continues.

3. Sacks – Despite the struggles of the ‘SC defense, Rocky Seto’s unit still ranks 3rd nationally in sacks (32). The UCLA o-line has looked better in recent weeks, but the Bruins still rank 85th nationally in sacks allowed (27). If ‘SC can consistently pressure Prince, the Trojans will have an excellent shot to win the game.

4. ‘SC run game versus UCLA run defense – amidst all the chaos for ‘SC this season Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford have played very well. The UCLA D ranks 64th nationally against the run, so ‘SC should be able to establish a ground game.

Regardless of what the uniforms say, I see two very evenly matched teams in this one. The UCLA defense is playing opportunistic football and I also like the Bruins special teams. But if WR Damian Williams is even close to healthy, the Trojans offensive attack becomes a completely different animal. Williams was recently cleared to play by doctors and he is a true difference maker in the passing and punt return game.

Ultimately, I believe the Trojans will do just enough to retain the Victory Bell in a very closely contested game.

Prediction: USC 27 – UCLA 23

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: LB Akeem Ayers - Ayers has been fantastic in recent weeks, and I expect him to line up on the edges in certain situations to further boost the pass rush.

USC Player to Keep an Eye On: FB Stanley Havili - Havili has battled injury problems all year but he is still a dynamic playmaker for the offense. I expect him to have a bigger role this week.

Dave’s Take (50 – 18):

It’s been a pretty lopsided series over the past two decades with each side taking its turn as the dominant one; from 1991-1998, the Bruins won eight straight; from 1999-2008, the Trojans have won 9 of the 10. The lone exception, as USC fans will painfully remember, was in 2006, which cost the team a trip to the BCS Championship Game.

That, though, is what is missing from this year’s game; a team playing with something to lose. From 2003-2008, despite knowing they had a strangle-hold on the series, the USC Trojans and their fans were still anxious about the game against their pesky rival because a slip-up always meant potentially missing out on the Rose Bowl (or, in 2006’s case, the National Championship).

UCLA is already bowl eligible. USC is already out of Rose Bowl contention.

Yes, a UCLA win solidifies their bowl resume, and yes, a USC win keeps them in the running for a trip to the Holiday Bowl. But that’s just not as high-stakes as we’re used to.

So who comes out on top when the only motivatation is the purest type; pride and bragging rights? While they certainly haven’t inspired blind confidence this season, I can’t pick against USC in this spot.

While it is important to acknowledge how awful the Trojans’ defense has been, it’s also important to point out that the teams they’ve been torched by (Notre Dame, Oregon State, Oregon, Stanford) do all have top-notch offenses. UCLA ranks 88th in total yards and 90th in points scored; nearly identical, in fact, to the Arizona State offense that USC completely shut down in Tempe.

You will also remember however that that was a game that USC could have easily lost thanks to the outstanding play of ASU’s defense. UCLA’s defense is also capible of coming up big, and Kevin Prince may not gift-wrap the Trojans seven points like Danny Sullivan did on an ill-advised throw for a pick-6.

Because of UCLA’s defense, I’m not going to say it will be easy for the Trojans. I do however expect the defense to stymie UCLA’s offense all day, and I’m expecting them to be playing with a huge chip on their shoulder after getting embarassed at home against Stanford last time out.

And lastly, while I still give UCLA plenty of credit for their big win in Tennessee, it was the only win of their six over a team with a better-than-.500 record (barely at 6-5, and with @Kentucky looming, even the Vols may end up at 6-6). UCLA has played plenty of very good teams tough this year, but they’ve always proven to be a noticeable step behind when playing against top-notch teams.

I’m not ready to say that USC is no longer a top-notch team, and I’m not ready to put UCLA over that hump yet. If they prove me wrong on the field, though, all of Rick Neuheisel’s talk about the gap closing between the two schools won’t just be empty words anymore.

Prediction: USC 24 – UCLA 13

UCLA Bruins 6-5 Overall (3-5 Conference)

This Week’s Score: UCLA 23 – Arizona State 13

Next Week’s Opponent: @USC

UCLA is bowl eligible for the first time in the Rick Neuheisel era, and best of all; the team seems to be getting better every week. The Bruins were by no means perfect in their win over Arizona State on Saturday, but they probably would have lost a game like this last season. Instead, UCLA prevailed at the Rose Bowl by playing opportunistic football, especially on defense.

In last season’s meeting with ASU, the Bruins were victims of an astounding four defensive touchdowns, which fueled a 34-9 route for the Devils. The Bruins got sweet revenge this season, as the D forced six Sun Devil turnovers and scored two touchdowns.

It cannot be overstated how valuable DT Brian Price is to this team. I saw him blow up the line of scrimmage multiple times on Saturday, which was instrumental in forcing all of the sacks (4) and turnovers. The linebackers also played as well as they have all season, especially Akeem Ayers who is only a sophomore. Lastly, you have to feel good for CB Alterraun Verner. Verner played his last game at the Rose Bowl, and its fitting that a player who has created so many amazing moments in Pasadena would score on another signature pick six.

The offense failed to score a touchdown against the talented ASU defense, but there were still plenty of positives. I was extremely impressed with UCLA’s ball security, as the Bruins did not turn the ball over once against a D that entered the game ranked first in the Pac-10 in turnovers gained (21).

QB Kevin Prince wasn’t great, but he was efficient (15/31 161 yards, 6 carries 42 yards). How about RB/FB Chane Moline? Like Verner, Moline went out with a bang in his final home game, and his strong inside running was crucial in securing the win (25 carries 85 yards). Finally, I think everyone can now agree that WR Nelson Rosario is a legitimate feature receiver. The gifted sophomore continued to use his strong, physical frame against helpless defensive backs (5 catches 74 yards).

While beating ‘SC is no longer a requirement for postseason eligibility, it would still mean everything for the program. The Trojans are vulnerable right now, and you can bet Rick Neuheisel is hoping to take full advantage.

UCLA Bruins 5-5 Overall (2-5 Conference)

This Week’s Score: UCLA 43 – Washington State 7

Next Week’s Opponent: Arizona State

Sure, it’s only Washington State; but it was still a whole lot of fun for Bruins fans.

This one was over before it even had the chance to get started. The first three Cougar drives ended in interceptions as Marshall Lobbestael (2/6, 6 yards, 3 INTs) completed more passes to the Bruins than his own teammates. Rahim Moore snagged one and Akeem Ayers grabbed two.

Offensively, UCLA was in complete control, led by Kevin Prince who had a fantastic day (27/40, 314 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT). The highlight of the game (especially from an amusement factor) came early in the second quarter when Prince broke a 68-yard touchdown run. That about sums up just how much control the Bruins had over this game. Chane Moline had three rushes for 25 yards; all three for touchdowns.

While it has been a frustrating season for Bruins fans to drop five straight after winning the first three, the last two games have reminded us that this program is going in the right direction, and has to this point in the season won the games they were supposed to. I wouldn’t consider any of the five losses a disappointment at this juncture. Then again, with the exception of Tennessee, I wouldn’t really consider the other four wins major accomplishments.

That said, for a young team, going out there and not letting one get away against an inferior or evenly matched opponent shows a lot of maturity. They come to play every week, and are getting into good habits.

Now comes Arizona State, the game I’ve had circled since the beginning of the season as one of the most evenly matched for both teams. Both have un-explosive offenses, both have fantastic defenses. UCLA has shown that they aren’t quite ready to compete with the top dogs yet, but they are a tier above the bottom dwellers.

Now they face an evenly-matched foe, at home, with a chance to gain bowl eligibility. How much compete do the Bruins really have? Gut check time!

UCLA Bruins 3-2 Overall (0-2 Conference)

This Week’s Score: Oregon 24 – UCLA 10

Next Week’s Opponent: California

This one hurts, plain and simple. Rick Neuheisel’s club outplayed Oregon at many points throughout the game, but everything came crashing down within the first four minutes of the second half.

For the second straight week, UCLA put together a very disappointing offensive effort coupled with uncharacteristically poor rushing defense. The Bruins had their chances against Oregon, but QB Kevin Prince and the rest of the offense could never capitalize in the key moments of drives. UCLA fans are still probably sick to their stomachs over the goal line failure, but that was one example of many disheartening moments for Norm Chow’s offense.

Would a TD on that drive have changed the game? It certainly would have had an impact, but there is no reason to believe that the offense could have produced much more than 17-20 points against Aliotti’s D. One thing that has become painfully clear is that the UCLA offensive coaches need to place a heavy emphasis on fixing the red zone offense.

Is there now a QB controversy in Westwood? Many Bruins fans might think Richard Brehaut is the future (I have stated in the past that I feel that way), but Neuheisel and Chow remain adamant about sticking with Prince.

“For the immediate future, we’re going to stay with Kevin Price and believe in him” Neuheisel said.

The defense played fairly well, but I am having trouble understanding how a unit led by DT Brian Price and LB Reggie Carter can allow two teams in a row to gash them in the running game (Oregon went off for 221 yards rushing altogether). Clearly the offense cannot be trusted to win games right now, so this Bruins D has to be great, not just good. I am by no means blaming the defense for this loss, as the unit only gave up 10 points to a high-powered offense, and actually scored the only UCLA TD (what a play by Ayers!). That said, I would like to see the unit generate a few more turnovers, because the Bruins offense needs a short field to score these days.

The next four weeks will make or break the Bruins season, as Cal, UA, OSU, and UW are all capable of beating the Bruins and sending them to 0-6 in the conference. To avoid that fate, UCLA will have to rally around Prince, establish a consistent running game, and play relentless defense for all four quarters. We should find out quite a bit about the will of this team against the Cal Bears this Saturday.

Chuck Bullough will be entering his fourth season with UCLA, and his first as the defensive coordinator. Bullough has been the linebackers coach for the last three seasons, and he will continue to coach the unit in addition to serving as DC.

This season, Bullough will have all-conference talent to work with throughout the defense, but his linebacking corps seems especially lethal. The group features some of the most physical athletes in the Pac-10, including an All-American candidate looking to finish off his tremendous career in style.

Senior Reggie Carter enters his final season in Westwood as a team captain and one of the best defensive players in the country. Last season, he led the Bruins with 83 tackles on his way to garnering second team All-Pac-10 honors.

Reggie Carter in pursuit

The 6-1 240 pound Carter also tallied 4.5 tackles for loss (5th on team) and tied for 4th in the conference with three forced fumbles. Against BYU, Carter made a career-high 20-tackles, which gave him the most stops in a game by a Bruin since 1989.

The Los Angeles (CA) native is the heart of the defense, and teammates and coaches have praised him for his leadership qualities. Carter spent part of his career at outside linebacker, but will now return to the middle where he is better suited. While he lacks elite speed (4.6), Carter is relentless in his pursuit of ball carriers. He possesses rare instincts and a tremendous football IQ as well.

Carter has consistently improved every season since arriving at UCLA, going from 48 tackles as a freshman All-American, to 62 tackles as a sophomore, and finishing with 83 tackles as a junior last season. He is a likely candidate for the Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) as well as various other honors, and will be one of the key components for Rick Neuheisel’s Bruins in 2009.

Joining Carter as a starter will be fellow senior Kyle Bosworth. Bosworth will occupy the weakside at linebacker once again, after an injury forced him to miss most of the 2008 season. Bosworth sprained his knee against BYU last season after playing in just two games, and was granted a substitute year of eligibility as a result.

At 6-1 234 pounds, Bosworth is an extremely physical presence at weakside linebacker, and like Carter he plays with steadfast aggression. In 2007, Bosworth finished 5th on the team with 74 tackles and four tackles for loss.

He plays much faster than his forty-time suggests (4.70), and is rarely caught out of position. The Plano (TX) native will look to wreak havoc on opposing offenses alongside his brother Korey (defensive end). Bosworth enters fall camp in good health, and has a firm grasp on a starting role in 2009.

The strongside spot belongs to exciting redshirt sophomore Akeem Ayers. Ayers burst onto the scene last season as a redshirt freshman, recording 40 tackles, four sacks, and five tackles for loss. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-10, while also being named to multiple all-freshman teams.

Akeem Ayers takes down Fresno State's Tom Brandstater

At 6-4 252 pounds, Ayers possesses the size of a defensive end, but is athletic enough to play outside linebacker. He will be a headliner for years to come in Westwood, with a versatile skill set that could allow him to move around on the defense.

The Los Angeles (CA) native was a phenomenal high school player at Verbum Dei High School, playing on offense, defense, and even returning kicks. Rivals and Scout.com gave him 4-star recognition and he was named a PrepStar All-American. Ayers has the strongside spot locked up, and looks primed for an all-conference season in 2009.

Reserve sophomores Steve Sloan and Sean Westgate could also see playing time in 2009 after impressive freshmen campaigns.

The 6-4 231 pound Sloan was able to take advantage of playing time after Boswroth went down, starting nine of 12 games and finishing with 29 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Sloan played inside last season, and will therefore be the main backup for Carter.

The Campbell (CA) native played linebacker at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, making 143 tackles during his senior year. Rivals and Scout.com rated him as a 4-star prospect and he will be the future at middle linebacker for the Bruins once Carter is gone. He enters fall camp as one of the top reserves for UCLA.

The 5-11 205 pound Westgate wasted no time making an impact at UCLA, picking up a blocked punt and returning it for a TD in the season opener against Tennessee. He went on to appear in all 12 games as a true freshman, making 18 tackles on the season. Westgate does not have the size of the other linebackers, but he is a fierce competitor that plays with a high motor. The Oak Park (CA) native enters fall as the main backup to Bosworth on the weakside.

Other linebackers that could see time in 2009 are: freshmen Isaiah Bowens, Donovan Carter, Todd Golper, Patrick Larimore, and junior Mike Schmitt.

My Take

UCLA will field three all-conference caliber linebackers this season as part of an exciting Bruins defense. The sky is the limit for this unit as long as they can stay healthy, but if the offense struggles, fatigue may become an issue. There are talented underclassmen after the big three, but proven depth is the biggest concern.

How many linebackers return to the Pac-10 this season that are better than Reggie Carter? I can’t think of many (Oregon State’s Keaton Kristick is close). Carter will join DT Brian Price and CB Alterraun Verner in forming a three-headed monster at all defensive levels for UCLA.

I look for Carter to finish his career on a high note, and a spot on an All-American team is a real possibility. The return of Bosworth is massive, giving the Bruins another tackling machine to go along with Carter. I also love the explosiveness of Ayers, who seems destined for a breakout sophomore season.

Overall, I expect UCLA’s linebackers to be among the most productive in the conference throughout 2009.