Week 1 Game Matchup: San Diego State Aztecs VS. UCLA Bruins
San Diego State Aztecs (0-0) vs. UCLA Bruins (0-0)
Saturday, September 5, 4:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: UCLA -19.0
Sam’s Take (0 – 0):
The Aztecs head to Pasadena looking for their fist win in series history against UCLA (all-time series: UCLA leads 20-0-1). I don’t see win number one coming this Saturday, but the Bruins must NOT overlook this game in anticipation for the trip to Rocky Top. Sure SDSU seems unimposing if you look at almost any game film from 2008 (2-10 record), but the Aztecs will feature a first-class coaching staff full of former Bruins.
New head coach Brady Hoke (led Ball State to 12-2 record in 2008) has put together a staff that includes offensive coordinator Al Borges (mastermind of the Cade McNown offenses at UCLA and the Jason Campbell offense at Auburn that went 13-0 in 2004), and DC Rocky Long (led UCLA D during ’97 Pac-10 title season).
I believe the most important thing to watch for in this game will be the performance of QB Kevin Prince against the unorthodox and often frustrating 3-3-5 defense that Long will feature. Expect non-stop blitzing from SDSU, as this D will bring pressure about 80% of the time.
The Bruins may opt to keep the ball on the ground for most of the game, especially considering the Aztecs had the 118th ranked run defense last season. In the end, I think Norm Chow will solve the blitzing after a couple of drives, and the UCLA offense will wear down an undersized SDSU defensive line. Also, expect the Bruins defense to be dominant against an inferior SDSU offense.
Prediction: UCLA 38 – San Diego State 13
San Diego State Player to Keep an Eye On: QB Ryan Lindley - Borges is a great QB developer, and Lindley has some nice physical tools. This offense will go as far as these two take it.
UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: QB Kevin Prince - He will have to play his first game against a very unconventional D so we should learn a lot about his poise.
Dave’s Take (0 – 0):
All eyes are on QB Kevin Prince in his first game under center for the UCLA Bruins.
This game really isn’t going to tell us anything we don’t already know. UCLA’s defense should be one of the best in the conference this year, and they might end up outscoring the Aztec offense with an ill-advised decision or two. No reason the defense and special teams shouldn’t be solid.
As far as the offense goes, we won’t really learn anything; if they do well, we’ll still need to see it against a better defensive team. If they do poorly, it will cast doubt on the offense; doubt that most of us already have.
So what this game really comes down to is what Kevin Prince makes out of it. If he comes out of this game feeling confident and looking good, while it may not convince anyone that they can do it against tougher teams just yet, it will get the offense to build some confidence and rally behind the guy, which could go a long way.
I’m expecting the Bruins to be in control for the entire game thanks to their defense, but I’m not expecting any fireworks just yet. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.
Prediction: UCLA 27 – San Diego State 6
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