UCLA – Oregon State Preview: Bruins Try To Break Through In Corvallis

Kevin Prince looks to put his past struggles behind him against Oregon State.

An overall record of three and four losses – not very good.

A record of 0-4 in the Pac-10 Conference, with only Washington State being worse – bad.

Losers of four straight games – even worse.

And on top of everything else, coach Rick Neuheisel will have to take his Bruins to Reser Stadium in Corvallis and try to beat a good Oregon State team that has something UCLA doesn’t – an effective offense.

Few are giving the Bruins much of a chance, as the Beavers are a 9 1/2 point favorite.

I have previously stated that despite their recent struggles, UCLA still has a chance to win three of their remaining five games.

As much as it hurts to say it, with the way the Bruins are currently performing, this upcoming contest with Oregon State is not one of those three.

We are talking about a team that for all intents and purposes should have beaten USC in their last game; they certainly gave the Trojans all they could handle in the Coliseum. Missed touchdown opportunities in the first half cost the Beavers the upset.

With quarterback Sean Canfield playing well, averaging 247.7 yards a game through the air, and the Rodgers brothers, wide receiver James and standout running back Jacquizz, who ranks 10th nationally with an average of 115.7 rushing yards per contest, leading the way, Oregon State (4-3, 2-2 in the Pac-10) is playing solidly and is well on their way to a bowl bid.

And from what I have read on their websites, the Beavers will not be looking past the Bruins at home.

As for UCLA, there is no hiding it: They are a football team that is reeling and in a bit of turmoil right now; losing four consecutive games and not having a win in the conference tends to do that to a team. These are bad times in Westwood at the moment.

Kevin Prince was flat-out terrible at quarterback in his last game at Arizona, throwing for a mere 60 yards before being pulled. That is likely a factor in Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow planning to go to a two-quarterback rotation this Saturday, starting Prince and giving true freshman Richard Brehaut snaps during the game.

Obviously Neuheisel and Chow are looking to see which player sparks their anemic offense.

The Bruin defense played well last week in forcing five turnovers, including 2 interceptions by Rahim Moore to increase his NCAA-leading total to seven.

However, UCLA desperately needs its offense to sustain drives and produce touchdowns if they are to have a chance. They need to execute and not make mistakes or commit costly penalties like they have been doing, or else it will be a long day in Corvallis.

And another loss in what has become an albatross around the Bruins’ neck.

In all honesty, UCLA fans are pessimistic about their football team’s chances against Oregon State. With the Bruins’ performance over the last four games, said fans cannot really be blamed for that.

In light of their futility, I’m positive that UCLA will be happy to see October end.

Hopefully the month will conclude on a high note rather than in more frustration and disappointment.