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 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.

Arizona State Sun Devils (4-6) vs. UCLA Bruins (5-5)
Saturday, November 21, 1:00 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: UCLA -5.0

Sam’s Take (46 – 18):

For most of the 2009 season, Arizona State and UCLA have looked like mirror images of one another. Each team features a very strong defense, an inconsistent offensive line, and most recently, a young quarterback with great promise. The Bruins and Sun Devils also share identical conference records (2-5) with their two Pac-10 wins coming over the lowly Washington schools.

As I look at this game, the biggest difference I see is the current state of the offenses. UCLA has struggled for most of the season offensively, but the unit has begun to make strides. QB Kevin Prince’s confidence seems to be high right now, and he finally has a difference maker to throw to on the outside in WR Nelson Rosario. If RB Derrick Coleman, Milton Knox, or Jonathan Franklin can spark the running game this week, the Bruins may have a chance to crack the stingy Sun Devil D.

Arizona State is looking to rally behind a new starting quarterback this week. Samson Szakacsy will be the third QB to start for the Devils this season, and he is also the most intriguing. Szakacsy is a true dual-threat with skills most suited for the zone-read scheme that Dennis Erickson implemented in the off-season. Against Oregon, Szakacsy demonstrated his ability to keep plays alive by scrambling, a foreign concept for the ASU offense up to that point.

Ultimately, I believe the Bruins will win a tight, hard-fought game this Saturday for two reasons. 1.) It’s senior day in Pasadena, and two of the best defensive players in the history of the program (CB Alterraun Verner, LB Reggie Carter) will be playing their final game in the Rose Bowl (and junior DT Brian Price is probably gone after this season as well). 2.) UCLA can become bowl eligible with a victory, which means the USC game is no longer a must win.

I look for the Bruins to prevail in a close and very physical game.

Prediction: UCLA 24 – Arizona State 20

Arizona State Player to Keep an Eye On: K Thomas Weber - In a close game, a player like Weber becomes invaluable. His groin injury appears to be a thing of the past, so the Devils should be in scoring range once they cross the Bruins’ 40-yard line.

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: FB Chane Moline - Moline is coming off of a 3 TD game against Wazzu, and the versatile fullback could have a big impact again this week.

Dave’s Take (49 – 15):

Before the season even started, I remember having this game circled as an extremely evenly matched one. My opinion hasn’t changed.

Both teams have weak offenses, both have strong defenses, both are clearly outside of the conference’s top tier, and both have wins over both Washington schools.

I’d consider this game a virtual coinflip. Yes UCLA has looked to be in better form over the last few weeks, but ASU’s four-game losing streak pretty much looks like UCLA’s five-game one did.

Before the season started, I picked UCLA to finish below ASU in conference play, and I’m sticking with that prediction. I expect a low-scoring ugly game with plenty of great defense and punting, and Arizona State to come out on top when it’s all said and done.

Prediction: Arizona State 16 – UCLA 13

Washington Huskies (3-5) vs. UCLA Bruins (3-5)
Saturday, November 7, 1:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: UCLA -4.0

Sam’s Take (39 – 15):

The Washington Huskies have lost 10 straight road games, and they haven’t beaten the Bruins in Pasadena since 1995. Meanwhile, UCLA is looking to win their first conference game of the season in an effort to keep their bowl hopes alive for 2009. Let’s call this one the “Desperation Bowl”, as the loser is likely staying home for the holidays.

So who has the edge? A healthy Jake Locker would sway me Washington’s way, but I’m not convinced that he will be himself on Saturday. It certainly helps that UW runs a pro-style offense (allowing Locker to stay in the pocket and limit the strain on his thigh), but will the o-line give him time to throw (UW ranked 83rd nationally in sacks allowed)? I think much of the offensive burden will fall on RB Chris Polk, who must have a big game in order to take the pressure off of Locker.

Bruins QB Kevin Prince has re-asserted himself as the starter for this UCLA team. Prince engineered a great second half comeback that came up just short against Oregon State, and now it appears that he is gaining confidence again. Washington ranks 101st nationally against the pass, meaning Prince should have plenty of opportunities to make some big plays on Saturday.

While the Bruins defense has not looked as ferocious in conference play as it did against Tennessee, the talent is still there. If Locker’s accuracy is missing, I fully expect S Rahim Moore (NCAA-best 7 INTs) and CB Alterraun Verner to take advantage.

In the end I think Rick Neuheisel finds a way to beat his old team, which will set the Bruins up for a realistic shot at a December bowl game (@WSU, ASU, @USC with two wins needed).

Prediction: UCLA 28 – Washington 23

Washington Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Jermaine Kearse – Kearse is an explosive athlete who has made a habit of reeling off 20+ yard catches throughout the season. I expect a stationary Jake Locker to look his way even more this week.

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Nelson Rosario - The physically imposing Rosario had a breakout game against OSU (6 rec. 152 yards 1 TD), and he will try to build on that performance this week.

Dave’s Take (42 – 12):

Washington has been a tough team to figure out this year. The combined record of the three opponents Washington has beaten is 18-6, including two top-tier Pac-10 teams (USC and Arizona). Then again, they are only 3-5, including an 0-3 record on the road.

But is UCLA any easier to figure out? After starting off the season 3-0 including the big win over Tennessee. Since, they are 0-5 in the conference. A terrible run no doubt, but @Stanford, Oregon, Cal, @Arizona, @Oregon State is a pretty brutal schedule.

We do know that these two teams along with ASU round out the 7-9 teams in the conference, but the next few weeks will determine in exactly what order they fall.

I really don’t know how this one will play out, but I have to go with UCLA. I’m leaning that way for two reasons; Jake Locker’s deep thigh bruise, and UCLA’s home field advantage. UCLA’s defensive line is going to get its share of contact on Locker, and I have a feeling that the injury will hinder Locker’s ability to find his groove.

Should be a very good game, and the pressure is on Kevin Prince and the Bruins offense to help their defense out and keep the team’s bowl hopes alive.

Prediction: UCLA 21 – Washington 17

UCLA Bruins 3-5 Overall (0-5 Conference)

This Week’s Score: Oregon State 26 – UCLA 19

Next Week’s Opponent: Washington

Everyone knew that a successful rebuilding of the program wasn’t going to happen overnight, but it doesn’t make the losing any less difficult to swallow.

In week two, after UCLA went into Tennessee and played such a physical, smash-mouth game to upset the Volunteers, the Bruins gave their fans hope for the season. A 3-0 start also made a bowl game look like a very realistic possibility.

But that hope has fizzled out, and Rick Neuheisel is preaching patience. Patience is key, and there is plenty of young talent here, and they will learn from games like this one.

The defense did a great job bending-not-breaking for most of the afternoon, forcing the Beavers to settle for field goal tries five times (four were good). An offense as explosive as this is going to get its share of yards (463), so keeping them out of the endzone for most of the game was a small victory.

But as has been the story for most of the season, the offense was the problem once again. The offense was non-existent for the first three quarters, due in large part to an abysmal day on the ground. This team struggles enough WITH an established running game, so with Jonathan Franklin rushing for only 37 yards on 14 carries, it just felt like a long day.

Kevin Prince had a nice game and had a very inspired effort in the fourth quarter, leading the team to two touchdown drives (the first capped off by a 58-yard TD reception by Nelson Rosario) as well as two two-point conversions to tie the game up at 19. Unfortunately, with all the momentum shifted in the Bruins’ favor, the defense couldn’t come up with the stop.

And that’s been the story this season; if it isn’t one thing, it’s another. The defense played well enough all game long to keep the Bruins in the game, but the offense did nothing for the first three quarters. Then they finally wake up in the 4th quarter, but the defense can’t come up with one more big stop. This team is learning the hard way that you need a strong effort for all four quarters to win games.

The bowl hopes aren’t over yet. UCLA hosts Washington this week, @Washington State next week, and then back at home for Arizona State; all winnable games if the Bruins play their best for 60 minutes… something we haven’t seen since week two in Tennessee.

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

After a dismal 2008 campaign, Chow and Neuheisel hit the recruiting trail hard. Their efforts seem to be paying off, especially at the wide receiver and tight end positions. As a result, the Bruins will feature an intriguing mix of youthful promise and veteran talent in the receiving corp this fall. Incoming quarterback Kevin Prince should have some weapons to work with, and Norm Chow may finally have a chance to fully showcase his heralded pro-style offense.

The top three receivers from last year’s squad are back, including sure-handed sophomore Taylor Embree.

The 6-3 194 pound Embree burst onto the scene last season, setting school records for receiving yards (531) and receptions (40) among freshmen wideouts. His 531 receiving yards led all Bruins in 2008 and his 40 catches were second on the team. Embree’s fantastic freshman season garnered national attention as he was named second team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. He played in all 12 games, and started eight.

Terrence Austin returns a kick for big yards

Embree is a possession-receiver in the best sense of the term. The Overland Park (KS) native is an exceptionally gifted route-runner and possesses rare instincts that allow him to separate from defenders. Those instincts could make the cerebral sophomore Kevin Prince’s emergency option whenever a play breaks down.

Embree does not shy away from contact, and routinely ran dangerous “across-the-middle” routes last season. He uses his big frame very well, and has tremendous hands that seem to catch everything, especially for first downs. Embree enters the season as one of the premier offensive threats for the Bruins.

Joining Embree as a starter will be senior Terrence Austin. Austin led the team in receptions as a junior with 53. He finished second on the team with 461 receiving yards and one touchdown. The 5-11 173 pound flanker is a multi-talented athlete that can hurt the opponent in a variety of ways. He set a school record last season with 1,878 all-purpose yards, which broke Maurice Jones-Drew’s mark of 1,863. Austin also became the first Bruin ever to eclipse 1,000 yards on kickoff returns (1,109).

Austin is very effective on reverses and trick plays, giving the ultra-creative Norm Chow a speedy playmaker to utilize in 2009. Last season, Austin had 13 carries for 90 yards (6.9 YPC). Teammates and coaches alike have praised the Long Beach Poly (CA) product for his leadership qualities, and he was voted as one of the team captains at the end of spring. Austin will be a key contributor for the Bruins in 2009.

One of the Bruins biggest targets is sophomore Nelson Rosario. The 6-5 214 pound receiver played in nine games last year, catching 11 passes for 169 yards. He has tremendous leaping ability, finishing third in the 2009 Pac-10 Championships for the long jump.

Rosario also has very soft hands, making him an ideal red-zone target. In his first game as a college wideout against Tennessee, Rosario made a clutch 14-yard grab that helped keep the Bruins game-winning drive alive. The Oceanside (CA) native will be Taylor Embree’s primary backup, and should be on the field a lot more than he was in 2008.

Senior Gavin Ketchum gives the Bruins another experienced receiver. At 6-5 210 pounds, he is an excellent blocker with good hands as well. Last season, he played in 11 games catching six passes for 61 yards. For his career, the Oak Park (CA) native has 27 receptions for 322 yards and two touchdowns. He will start the season as Terrence Austin’s main backup.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding true freshman Randall Carroll. The day Carroll enrolled at UCLA, he became one of the fastest players in the conference. The 5-11 184 pound speedster won back-to-back CIF state track titles in 2008 and 2009 for the 100 and 200 meters. He recorded the fastest 100 meter time in the state in 17 years with a lightning-quick 10.30 at the Del Rey League finals earlier this summer.

The Inglewood (CA) product also excelled on the football field while at Cathedral High School. Rivals.com gave him 4-stars and rated him the #4 athlete of the 2009 class. He was a U.S. Army All-American selection and SuperPrep All-American as well. As a senior at Cathedral, Carroll caught 31 passes for 564 yards and four touchdowns as well as running for 543 yards and two scores. He could be the Bruins x-factor on offense this season.

Tight Ends

Ryan Moya leaps to make the grab

Senior Ryan Moya will be a primary contributor at the tight end position this fall. The 6-3 247 pound Moya was second-team All-Pac-10 in 2008, and made an impressive recovery after missing all of the 2007 season. He finished last season with 38 catches for 364 yards and three touchdowns.

Moya is a versatile player that can catch and block equally well. As a result, the El Dorado Hills (CA) standout will spend a lot of time lining up at the H-Back position in Norm Chow’s offense. He has battled a few nagging injuries and was held out of spring drills, but should be healthy for the fall.

Moya will share time at tight end with senior Logan Paulsen. The 6-5 268 pound Paulsen was a Mackey Award candidate last season before missing basically the entire season with a foot injury. He is a tremendous blocker with great receiving skills as well, catching 42 passes for 526 yards and one touchdown in his career.

Paulsen is an exceptional leader and his teammates selected him as one of the squad’s team captains for 2009. The veteran from West Hills (CA) has started in 26 games, and will look to have a productive final year with the Bruins. If he can prove that he has recovered from the foot surgery, Paulsen will be an integral part of the offense this season.

The most exciting young player on the UCLA offense besides Carroll is true freshman Morrell Presley. The 6-4 222 pound tight end could be the Bruins’ best pass-catcher at the position since Mercedes Lewis. Scout.com gave him 5-stars while Rivals.com gave him 4-stars. Presley’s size allows him to be a physical blocker, but his real strength is as a receiver. He has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40, and could be used as a mismatch option this season.

Other receivers and tight ends that could see time are: freshmen Ricky Marvray and Jerry Johnson, and sophomores Antwon Moutra, Cory Harkey and Nate Chandler.

My Take

There are certainly plenty of receiving options for this UCLA coaching staff to choose from. In fact, on paper it looks like a very exciting unit that could make some noise this season. QB Kevin Craft and the offensive line were so dreadful last year that the receivers never really had a chance to shine. A repeat scenario is obviously possible, but if Prince has time to find some of these talented athletes, the Bruins may surprise the conference with their offense.

I think Embree has all-conference ability and should enjoy a very productive sophomore year. Austin is an exciting return man, and is a great receiving compliment to Embree with his ability to stretch the defense. The two veteran tight ends are also solid players and will help Prince a lot as blockers and receivers.

If you are a Bruin fan, start getting excited about Carroll and Presley. It looked like both freshmen were headed to USC for most of the recruiting process, but having them in Westwood is going to be huge for the next few years.

Even if the passing offense doesn’t click this season, there is a solid foundation to build around with young players like Embree, Rosario, Carroll, and Presley.