After a 2009 campaign which marked progress being made, coming off a winning season and a bowl victory, the UCLA Bruins are ready to roll as they begin 2010 in Manhattan, Kansas this Saturday against the Kansas State Wildcats.
Or are they?
It is difficult for even the most die-hard Bruin fan to deny that there is uncertainty heading into this campaign, starting with the defensive front seven…
After Datone Jones, the only returning starter on the defensive line, broke his foot early in fall camp, it is put upon guys like David Carter and Nate Chandler to step up; Kansas State will be the first of the Bruins’ opponents to run the ball and see if they still have what it takes after the loss of Brian Price.
Akeem Ayers will be vital in the linebackers’ hopes as they seek to overcome the loss of Reggie Carter; at least the secondary will be solid with Rahim Moore, the nation’s leader in interceptions last year, leading that bunch.
The big questions going into UCLA’s first game are with the offense, especially the offensive line. The situation is potentially not good…
Jeff Baca and Stan Hasiak are academically ineligible, having failed to handle their business in the classroom.
Mike Harris is suspended for this match up against the Wildcats.
Kai Maiava is out indefinitely with a broken ankle suffered during the recent fall scrimmage.
And Xavier Sua-Filo, who is on a Mormon mission, won’t return until 2012.
All but one of these guys were projected starters up front.
Add to that the fact that quarterback Kevin Prince, although he is scheduled to start, is battling a torn muscle in his back, and I think that one could see the potential dilemma here.
Heck, even All-American kicker Kai Forbath is uncertain for Saturday as he nurses a leg injury.
If UCLA is going to win this game and get 2010 off to a good start, guys like running back Jonathan Franklin and wide receivers Nelson Rosario, Taylor Embree, and Colorado transfer Josh Smith must produce.
Under head coach Bill Snyder, Kansas State is looking to avenge their 23-9 loss at the Rose Bowl last year with QB Carson Coffman and league rushing leader Daniel Thomas, who made the all-Big 12 team with 1,265 yards in ’09.
Even though these Wildcats are picked to finish last in the Big 12 North, they are expected to be a big challenge for UCLA in their home stadium; coach Rick Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow will discover once and for all if the new pistol or “revolver” offense, designed to produce better rushing results, will be effective.
Two sayings come to mind as the Bruins kick off their season:
“We have to play with the hand we’re dealt”, and…
“There’s nothing left to do but find out.”
Those are the best descriptions for UCLA’s 92nd opening day.
Tags: Kansas State Wildcats, Norm Chow, Rick Neuheisel, UCLA, UCLA Bruin Football, UCLA Bruins
I'm a UCLA graduate who's pursuing a writing career after over twenty years in education as a P.E. teacher, an after school teacher, a tutor, and a baseball/softball coach. I was the editor of SoCalSportsHub, and this is my 4th year overall covering UCLA Bruins football, basketball and other sports.
I'm also a longtime Dodgers fan, having inherited that from my grandparents and having followed them since childhood.
I hope you all like my stuff! :)
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