Thursday, August 6, 2009

Pac 10 - UCLA

UCLA
Skinny - UCLA will be good -- eventually. UCLA hired super recruiter and good coach Rick Neuheisel last year. Neuheisel has had problems with the NCAA in the past, but if he can steer clear of violations he'll lead UCLA to the promised land. He's in the perfect situation. He's at a very famous school, in one of the most talent rich states in the country, and another chance in a conference that he's familiar with. Neuheisel led UCLA to a week one victory over Tennessee last year, but it went pretty downhill from there. This won't be a quick turnaround, but once Neuheisel gets more of his players into his system, the team will succeed. The team returns better than half their starters from last season, but expect several position battles as Neuheisel's higher ranked recruits challenge the upperclassmen. Kevin Prince will take over the quarterback position form Kevin Craft and should be a major upgrade, as he has an experienced bunch of receivers to throw to. UCLA is gathering talent and hopes to challenge USC as the conference supremist in the future, but its still a couple years down the road. They have a tough stretch in the middle of the season, but the schedule is playable and UCLA should finish in the middle of the pack.

Strength - Linebacker
Reggie Carter is the leader of the defense and looks to finish his career strong. Akeem Ayers is a rising player after getting quality time as a freshman last year. Kyle Bosworth is coming off a redshirt year, due to injury, but he is essentially a returning starter for the team. The unit only shows one true returning starter, but in truth all three should be considered returning starters. Carter has been consistent the last two years in the middle, but he could be passing the torch as top backer to Ayers this season. Ayers only started three games last season, but accumulated 40 tackles and 4 sacks and if he lives up to his potential he could be garnering first team All-Conference honors by the end of the season. Kyle Bosworth had a solid 74 tackles two seasons ago and should be a solid complement to the other two.

Weakness - Offensive Line
The offensive line was pathetic last year to say the least. The team was ranked 116th in the country in rushing yards per game averaging under 83 a game. To put that in perspective, 5 backs in the Pac-10 alone last season surpassed that amount by themselves each game (speaking by average). The line returns several starters, but it should be interesting to see how many keep their starting role. Jeff Baca may be the only one, as former starting center Jake Dean will give way to Colorado transfer Kai Maiava. The line could suffer growing pains if Neuheisel puts in his talented pair of true freshman, but it may be better for the team in the long run if Stan Hasiak and Xavier Su'a-Filo start now. The line will be young, but they can't underperform in regards to last season's performance.

Key Game - @Tennessee
It's rare for a non-conference game to be a team's most important game, but I feel beating Tennessee would be huge for UCLA. They'll have to travel to Neyland Stadium, but they'll catch the Volunteers at a great time. Tennessee will still be adjusting to their new system and their freshman will still be inexperienced. Tennessee will be the favorite, but its a prime opportunity for UCLA to steal another one from them. They will have an easier game the next week (while still a major conference game against Kansas State) and could enter Pac-10 play at 3-0, 1 win from last season's total.

Key Player - Kevin Prince
Prince is by far the most important player on UCLA. UCLA should have a pretty good defense. The pass defense was very good last season and the linebacking unit and Korey Bosworth/Brian Price should improve the run defense numbers greatly from a season ago. The running game will be a question mark, but if Derrick Coleman can build on a solid ypc from last season and runs behind any improvement in the line, the unit will perform better. Prince will be the dictating factor on the team. Taylor Embree and Terrence Austin are ready for a quarterback that can them the ball and there is depth behind them. Prince is being hyped up by Neuheisel, after he named him starter. Prince could take UCLA from a team a couple years from success to being a surprise team to many. UCLA has all the tools to make a perfect team to surprise the nation, but will the lingering question marks overpower the potential?

Impact freshman - Xavier Su'a-Filo

Predicted Pac-10 finish - 6th

Top 5 Players
1. CB Alterraun Verner
2. LB Reggie Carter
3. K Kai Forbath
4. LB Akeem Ayers
5. S Rahim Moore

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