Kansas State (1-1) vs. UCLA Bruins (2-0)
Saturday, September 19, 7:15 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: UCLA -12.5

Sam’s Take (14 – 4):

The UCLA Bruins took a big step with the win in Knoxville last Saturday, but now they must find a way to carry the momentum for the next few weeks without starting QB Kevin Prince. The likely replacement for Prince will be true freshman Richard Brehaut, but Kevin Craft has also practiced with the first team this week.

While Brehaut certainly has talent, the Bruins will probably not ask him to do much. This team can win with defense, special teams, and a solid running game, and I expect that to be the recipe for victory this week against Kansas State.

Coach Rick Neuheisel has suspended four players for the K-State game, including starting cornerback Courtney Viney. Still, even with all of the injuries and distractions I foresee a relatively comfortable win for the Bruins.

Bill Snyder will get his Wildcats back to national prominence (when he fielded teams with superstars like Ell Roberson and Darren Sproles in the early part of the decade), but they are not even close right now. Snyder’s decision to return to Manhattan this season excited KSU fans, but with a bad performance against Massachusetts and an inexplicable loss to UL Lafayette, the honeymoon period seems to be over.

I look for the Bruins D to be utterly dominant, while tailbacks Jonathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman should carry the offense.

Prediction: UCLA 28 – Kansas State 13

Kansas State Player to Keep an Eye On: QB Carson Coffman – Coffman has been shaky so far, and was benched briefly in the first half of the loss to UL Lafayette. Nonetheless, he will remain the K-State quarterback and must be MUCH better against the Bruins than what he has shown through two games.

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: CB Sheldon Price - Price is a true freshman filling in for the suspended Viney (who was filling in for the injured Hester). His play will be interesting to watch, as it will give us some indication of how deep the Bruins are at corner.

Dave’s Take (14 – 4):

To carry the momentum of the Tennessee win back home and turn it into a three game winning streak, UCLA will need to avoid the slow start that they had against the Aztecs in their season opener.

With Kevin Prince out for 3-4 weeks with a broken jaw, it will be up to either Richard Brehaut or Kevin Craft (or perhaps a bit of both) to keep things afloat. Personally, I think playing Craft would be a mistake; so many good things have happened here in 2009 that sending Craft back out there would just bring back all of the visions of 2008’s struggles. But maybe I’m just being dramatic, and I’m sure Rick Neuheisel has a much better idea of what’s best for the team than I do.

If they can avoid the slow start they had against San Diego State, it shouldn’t matter who’s at quarterback; they should be able to win this game on running the football, defense, and special teams. Kansas State will have a lot of trouble finding the endzone on offense. Defensively they do have some good athletes, and if Kevin Craft is in there and makes the same bad decisions he did last year, it could spell trouble.

In the end, I don’t expect the Bruins to ask their quarterback to do too much; just hand off the ball and ultra-safe passes, and let the defense and special teams do the rest. UCLA should come out on top here, but if they suffer from a letdown and fall behind early, this one could be dangerous.

Prediction: UCLA 20 – Kansas State 10

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

This Week’s Score: UCLA 19 – Tennessee 15

Next Week’s Opponent: Kansas State

This was an outstanding win for UCLA and the Pac-10 conference. The Bruins played in one of the most hostile environments in all of college football and beat a team that was looking for revenge and oozing with confidence. Rick Neuheisel’s infectious personality is starting to manifest itself within this UCLA football team.

The win was especially impressive when you consider all of the young, inexperienced players that Neuheisel used in Knoxville. There will be doubters who believe that UT QB Jonathan Crompton had as much to do with the Bruins success as anything else (he threw 3 INTs), but Chuck Bullough’s D was tremendous at all three levels.

The D-line penetrated Tennessee’s massive offensive line all day, and not just Brian Price. The play of other d-lineman like Bosworth, Holmes, and Jones made life miserable for the Vols. When running gaps did open, Reggie Carter and the linebackers quickly closed them. As good as the front seven was, the secondary was lights out. Rahim Moore is playing at a super-human level (5 INTs in two games, two against Tenn) and teams shouldn’t even bother looking Alterraun Verner’s way. I mentioned Courtney Viney as the player to keep an eye on for UCLA, and he stepped up huge at the other CB spot.

For those people who labeled the Bruins as a soft team, this game should help to erase that sentiment.

Unfortunately, the Bruins big win came with some bad news. QB Kevin Prince is expected to miss 3-4 weeks after suffering a fractured jaw on a third down play in the endzone at the end of the game.

It’s a shame that Prince will miss time considering his performance Saturday. What can I say about the Bruins freshman QB? Prince showed heart, resiliency, and guts while making very few errors (11/23 101 yds 1 TD, 0 INTS). Did he look like a freshman at times? Absolutely. Was he perfect? Not even close. But make no mistake about it; Prince is a budding star who grew up a lot in Knoxville, and hopefully he makes it back soon.

Now, it is very important that the Bruins don’t lose momentum with Richard Brehaut or Kevin Craft in the game. This team can win with defense, special teams, and a solid run game, but the QBs must limit mistakes.

My only warning for UCLA: Remember BYU. One week after beating the Vols last year, disaster struck in the form of a 59-0 beat down at the hands of the Cougars. Neuheisel must make sure to have his young team ready for a hungry Kansas State squad.

UCLA Bruins (1-0) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0)
Saturday, September 12, 1:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Tennessee -9.0

Sam’s Take (8 – 1):

I see a lot of similarities in the Vols and Bruins. Both teams feature very good defenses full of all-conference performers, and both offenses are loaded with young, explosive skill-position talent.

In my opinion, the big difference between the two programs is at the quarterback position. Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton is an experienced senior that has looked outstanding from the day Lane Kiffin and Co. arrived in Knoxville.

Certainly his performances in past seasons have driven Vols fans crazy, but after an excellent spring and an encouraging five-touchdown day against Western Kentucky, Crompton really has the look of a brand new QB. Now he will have to prove how far he has come against a great defense that fared well against him last year.

The Bruins, on the other hand, will send a freshman QB into one of the most hostile environments in the country. There is no denying the talent of Kevin Prince, but this game will be a tall order for him, especially since the UCLA offensive line is still a work in progress. It is critical that he resists the urge to force throws into tight spaces, as he is facing an elite, ball-hawking secondary. He has plenty of weapons (Embree, Austin, Rosario, Paulsen etc.), but his decision-making must be better than it was last Saturday. This game will be a great opportunity for Prince to show what he’s made of.

I expect both teams to use a lot of freshmen on offense. Vols fans got a taste of what heralded true freshman RB Bryce Brown could do (104 -rushing yards, one TD), and I was also impressed with freshman RB David Oku. Both tailbacks should see time behind starter Montario Hardesty. I am also impressed by freshman WR Marsalis Teague, who has Tennessee fans raving about his ability.

For UCLA, I expect to see freshmen Jonathan Franklin, Milton Knox, and Damien Thigpen all involved at running back along with sophomore Derrick Coleman. Norm Chow may also use lightning fast WR Randall Carroll (also a freshman) in order to stretch the Vols D.

As mentioned before, both defenses are excellent. UCLA started slowly against SDSU, but they were exceptional after the first quarter. Obviously Tennessee is also strong on D, especially now that defensive genius Monte Kiffin has installed his famous “Tampa 2” system. I expect S Eric Berry to be even better than he has been because of Kiffin’s system, so the Bruins must be aware of his presence at all times.

In the end, I expect a game effort from the Bruins, but the margin for error is very small for Prince. I think the Vols will be a little too tough at Neyland Stadium, and a few UCLA mistakes should be the difference.

Prediction: Tennessee 31 – UCLA 20

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: CB Courtney Viney - With Aaron Hester sidelined with an injury, Viney will need to step up this Saturday. Crompton may look to attack him early.

Tennessee Player to Keep an Eye On: The Entire Offensive Line - This is a massive front that routinely sprung the talented stable of running backs last week. It is critical that DT Brian Price and the rest of the Bruins d-line hold up in this battle.

Dave’s Take (8 – 1):

Tennessee is buzzing after a dominant 63-point performance last week, but let’s calm down Vols fans, it was just Western Kentucky. Tennessee’s offense will have a substantially tougher time putting points on the board against this stout UCLA defense.

Obviously the defense can’t afford to get off to a slow start like they did last week. Down 14-3 at home against San Diego State is quite a bit different from being down two scores on the road against Tennessee.

With last year’s game really setting the tone for a disastrous season last year, the revenge factor will definitely be pumping in Tennessee’s favor this time around. But the real story here will be quarterback Kevin Prince.

This looks like it will be a very difficult day for Prince. It’s hard enough to go into an extremely hostile environment, but to do so with a battered up offensive line against a tough defensive line, as well as having one of the absolute best in the nation in Eric Berry up against you? Not exactly a fun way to get your career started on the road.

I expect Tennessee to do a good job defending against the run and forcing Prince to try to beat them, which could spell trouble. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, but expecting a mistake free day this Saturday might be asking too much.

I see Tennessee having difficulty putting points on the board as well, especially if UCLA’s defensive line can control the tempo. This game should be one of those ugly battle-for-every-inch types, with Tennessee’s home field advantage and thirst for revenge giving them the edge.

Prediction: Tennessee 20 – UCLA 13

With a sturdy defensive line led by All-American Brian Price, and arguably the best linebacking corps in the conference, this promising secondary could make UCLA’s defense downright frightening for opposing offenses in 2009.

The Bruins defensive backfield played very well last season, finishing 8th nationally in pass defense. Although the unit lost two starters to graduation (CB Michael Norris and S Bret Lockett), many believe the DB’s could be even better this season.

The group is led by an All-American cornerback looking to finish off his tremendous career in style.

Alterraun Verner returning an interception for a TD

Cornerbacks

Decorated senior Alterraun Verner returns for his final year at UCLA. The fourth-year starter is one of the Pac-10’s best players, and a true shutdown-corner. Last season, Verner led the nation in passes defended (18 deflections, 2 interceptions for 20 total PDs), and finished second on the team with 73 tackles on his way to second-team All-Pac-10 honors.

Verner has ended each of his previous three seasons with some form of post-season honors (freshman All-American in 2006, honorable mention All-Conference in ’07, second team All-Conference in ’08). Recently, he was named to the ESPN.com pre-season All-American team, as well as being named to watch lists for the Bednarik (Top Defensive Player) and Thorpe (Top Defensive Back) Awards.

Verner has also drawn high praise in the classroom. The math/applied science major was voted first-team Pac-10 All-Academic for the last two seasons.

At 5-11 180 pounds, Verner uses a potent combination of speed and agility to smother an opposing receiver. But it is his vision and intuition that separate Verner as one of the nation’s most polished corners. He plays with great technique when pressing a receiver at the line, and his zone cover recognition skills are also very good.

The cerebral senior is rarely caught out of position, and has enough recovery speed in case it ever does happen. He is also a dangerous playmaker once he gets the ball in his hands with three of his eight career interceptions resulting in touchdown returns.

Verner is the only upper-classmen in the cornerback rotation, and he will therefore be counted on to mentor a developing group. This past spring, his teammates voted him as one of the Bruins team captains. The Carson (CA) native has looked sharp in fall camp so far, and appears primed for an outstanding last season in Westwood.

With most teams throwing away from Verner in 2009, redshirt freshman Aaron Hester will need to be ready for a lot of action.

Last season, Hester spent time learning the defensive system, and after an impressive spring, he has claimed ownership of a starting spot.

At 6-1 203 pounds, Hester is one of the most naturally gifted defensive backs on the roster. His technique still needs work, but his upside is undeniable. Hester has excellent size for a corner, while also possessing very good speed (4.43). He would make an ideal press corner because of his tenacious and physical style, and could also be an asset in run support.

Like Verner, Hester breaks on the ball very well and can cover space in a hurry.

He also has the bloodlines to succeed, as his brother is Chicago Bears and former Miami Hurricanes standout Devin Hester. Rivals and Scout.com rated the Compton (CA) native as a 4-star prospect during his prolific prep career at Dominguez High School.

Hester has looked spectacular in fall camp, and he enters 2009 as a potential breakout performer on the UCLA defense.

The most experienced corner besides Verner has only played for one season and it’s sophomore Courtney Viney. Last season, Viney played mostly as a nickel back and finished with 17 tackles while also contributing on special teams. Two years ago, he was the Scout Team Player of the Year.

At 5-8 160 pounds, Viney is small even by cornerback standards, but he plays with aggressive determination and never stops coming. Coaches have praised Viney for his competitiveness and work ethic. He has tremendous leaping ability, and the quickness to cover an opposing team’s speediest receiver. Viney is also a surprisingly good tackler with deceptive strength. The Fresno (CA) native was given four-star recognition from Scout.com while he was at Edison High School.

Viney enters the season as a key part of the cornerback rotation.

Two true freshmen corners that have looked outstanding in fall camp are Sheldon Price and Marlon Pollard.

The 6-2 163 pound Price has a long frame and should put on considerably more weight during his career. He has wasted little time impressing the coaches, and could become a pivotal part of the defensive backfield as the season progresses.

Price provides the Bruins with another corner (along with Hester) that can cover taller receivers. The Chino Hills (CA) product was given 4-star recognition by Rivals.com, and was a PrepStar All-American selection while at Bishop Amat High School.

The 6-0 158 pound Pollard also has a lot of physical developing to do, but he has been very impressive this fall. He is an explosive athlete with great ball skills and also possesses excellent quickness. Rivals and Scout.com rated him as a 4-star prospect, and he was also a PrepStar All-American selection. The San Bernardino (CA) native could factor in for the Bruins as a nickel back and on special teams.

Safeties

Rahim Moore celebrates an interception

The starter at free safety will be sophomore Rahim Moore. Moore arrived at UCLA with high expectations and he didn’t disappoint totaling 60 tackles (4th on team) and three interceptions (tied for first on team) as a true freshman starter for all 12 games.

At 6-1 197 pounds, Moore is a true playmaker at safety, combining great size with elite speed (4.4). He can close space down quickly, and understands when to break on the ball. More than anything, Moore is a versatile athlete, who can disrupt an offense with his cover skills, run-stopping ability, and instinctive timing.

Moore was named to multiple Freshman All-American teams, and should compete for Pac-10 honors this season. The Los Angeles (CA) native was rated as a 5-star prospect by Scout.com and has lived up to the billing thus far. Moore could conceivably hold onto the free safety spot for his entire career at UCLA.

The strong safety spot is wide open, but sophomore Glenn Love has been working with the first team during the fall. Last season, Love played as a reserve making 23 tackles and contributing on special teams. With a year of experience under his belt, he now enters the spotlight at SS.

At 6-4 210 pounds, Love has linebacker size and defensive back fluidity in his movement. His ball skills are outstanding and he also has great leaping ability. He may need to work on staying lower though, as that is always a concern for a taller defender.

The Chandler (AZ) native is the slight leader for the starting role at this point in fall camp.

The other option at strong safety is sophomore Tony Dye. Last season, Dye played as a primary nickel back in 11 games, making 15 tackles on the year. At 5-11 199 pounds, Dye does not possess ideal size for a safety, but he makes up for it with his coverage ability and physical tenacity.

The Corona (CA) native was given 4-star recognition by both Rivals and Scout.com, and was selected to play in the Under Armor All-America game during his prep career at Santiago High School (CA).

Other players competing for time are: freshmen Brandon Sermons, Stan McKay, Andrew Abbott, Alex Mascarenas, and senior Aaron Ware.

My Take

This UCLA defense really could be special if everything comes together. There doesn’t seem to be a weakness anywhere, and my only hope is that the D isn’t overworked like last year (that part is up to you, Bruin Offense).

Kudos to Rick Neuheisel for putting a lot of this talented secondary together in two years of recruiting; his efforts are already paying off big time.

Having said that, I’m sure Neuheisel is happy to have No.1 (Alterraun Verner) around for one more season. Verner is the consummate student-athlete, and a great role model for the underclassmen. I expect him to close out his excellent career with another productive season, and he will be in the discussion for post-season awards (Thorpe, Bednarik) all year long.

I am also excited to see Hester, especially since the ball will probably be coming his way a lot this season. He does not lack confidence and his skill set is tremendous, so now it’s time to see if he’s ready.

At safety, Moore is on the verge of becoming a star in the conference. His freshman season was very impressive considering he was the first Bruin rookie to start all 12 games since CB Matt Ware in ’01. I think Moore will be better this season, and he should contend for all-conference honors. The battle at strongside may go on for a little while, but both Love and Dye are capable.

Overall, expect the inexperienced new starters to make a few mistakes early, but by midseason this Bruins secondary should soar.