Monday, August 10, 2009
UCLA vs. Tennessee 2009
I just read a not so inspiring article on the prospect of freshman Kevin Price playing in Knoxville this year. I would love to think that he can handle the pressure with enough preparation and help from his teammates, but that probably isn't enough. It's too bad the Bruins aren't going into Knoxville with a more season QB and offense in general, or I would have made the trip. I've always wanted to attend a game in a storied college football venue (besides going to the Rose Bowl for Bruin home games), but I don't think I can handle paying a lot of money to see what I'm expecting to see. It looks like the next potential big road trip is in Nebraska in a few years. I'm planning to be there if we can field a better prepared team that year. Either way, I'll be glued to the TV for the Vols game and will hope for a respectable outcome.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Looking forward to 2009 season
It's been a while since my last post, but I've been looking forward to the upcoming season and have a few thoughts about the current status of the team.
First off, I'm excited to see a new QB, even if he's inexperienced. Craft had a lot of heart, but just wasn't getting it done. I don't put all the blame on him though, as he was thrown to the wolves due to the Olson/Cowan injuries. I'm hoping we get some solid production out of this position in 2009.
I'm bummed about all the recent transfers. I'm not sure if they transferred willingly or were pushed out the door, but I'll trust that the coaching staff knows that they are doing. I think EJ Woods was the biggest loss, but him moving on was best for the team and UCLA's image. I hope things work out for him, on and off the field though.
I can't wait for the Tennessee game. That will be a big road test and a win there would set a positive tone for the rest of the season. A big loss, ala the Utah road game a few years ago, and the season could be over in a hurry. I think the only advantage the Bruins have is the player and staff inexperience at UT. That's the only positive sign though. The Bruins' own inexperience, the TN heat/humidity, and 100K+ rabid Vols fans is a recipe for disaster.
See you all at the Fall Scrimmage!
First off, I'm excited to see a new QB, even if he's inexperienced. Craft had a lot of heart, but just wasn't getting it done. I don't put all the blame on him though, as he was thrown to the wolves due to the Olson/Cowan injuries. I'm hoping we get some solid production out of this position in 2009.
I'm bummed about all the recent transfers. I'm not sure if they transferred willingly or were pushed out the door, but I'll trust that the coaching staff knows that they are doing. I think EJ Woods was the biggest loss, but him moving on was best for the team and UCLA's image. I hope things work out for him, on and off the field though.
I can't wait for the Tennessee game. That will be a big road test and a win there would set a positive tone for the rest of the season. A big loss, ala the Utah road game a few years ago, and the season could be over in a hurry. I think the only advantage the Bruins have is the player and staff inexperience at UT. That's the only positive sign though. The Bruins' own inexperience, the TN heat/humidity, and 100K+ rabid Vols fans is a recipe for disaster.
See you all at the Fall Scrimmage!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Notre Dame Debacle Explained
Well, UCLA did it again....it found a way to do the unthinkable and lose to the lowliest of opponents, the 0-5 Fighting Irish. However, it came down to piss-poor coaching decisions, not a lack of focus or intensity as had been the case in some of the previous "trap" games.
Sure, Ben Olson going down didn't help. But, with UCLA's defense essentially stifling the ND offense all game, all UCLA had to do was play ball control and not give the game away. Conventional wisdom would tell you that with a walk-on 3rd-string QB, who hasn't previously thrown a pass in a game, it's probably not a good idea to throw the ball all over the field. And, after the 2nd or 3rd interception, you might want to consider focusing on the running game or maybe take out your rattled, inexperienced 3rd stringer an put in someone else. However, conventional wisdom is not a trait that Karl Dorrell seems to possess.
There were a few decisions and plays that proved to be fatal against the Irish:
First, the fact that UCLA was playing a walk-on QB made absolutely no sense, considering it had two scholarship QBs on the roster; Osaar Rashan (a mobile, gifted athlete with over two years experience in the system) and Chris Forcier (a highly-touted freshman with excellent athleticism and mobility as well). Knowing that Olson and Cowan were both injured or coming off recent injuries, KD should have had the other two QBs ready to go on a moment's notice. Instead though, Karl said he didn't "anticipate" losing Olson and thought Bethel-Thompson was capable of getting the job done. But, what about Plan B, in the event that MBT plays poorly or is injured too? Karl went without a Plan B and hung his freshman quarterback out to dry. Again, conventional wisdom wasn't part of the game plan.
Second, on two potentially game-changing 4th and 1 situations, UCLA inexplicably calls pass plays instead of pounding the ball with Chane Moline, the bruising back who has done nothing but excel in such situations. Conventional wisdom would tell you that the chances of converting on a pass play with an inexperienced and shaken QB are not very high, but Karl Dorrell chose to go against the odds and failed both times. Inexplicable, but not unexpected. In fact Karl "forgetting about Chane Moline" is eerily reminiscent of the legendary "I forgot about Manny White" fiasco against Colorado a few years ago.
Well, it's just another year and another embarrassing loss in the Karl Dorrell era. However, this one was particularly painful considering the Bruins had 20 returning starters and were playing at home against one of the worst teams in college football. Conventional wisdom would tell you that after five years, the Karl Dorrell experiment isn't working and it's time for a change. Here's to hoping that Dan Guerrero has the wisdom and the will to do the right thing.
Sure, Ben Olson going down didn't help. But, with UCLA's defense essentially stifling the ND offense all game, all UCLA had to do was play ball control and not give the game away. Conventional wisdom would tell you that with a walk-on 3rd-string QB, who hasn't previously thrown a pass in a game, it's probably not a good idea to throw the ball all over the field. And, after the 2nd or 3rd interception, you might want to consider focusing on the running game or maybe take out your rattled, inexperienced 3rd stringer an put in someone else. However, conventional wisdom is not a trait that Karl Dorrell seems to possess.
There were a few decisions and plays that proved to be fatal against the Irish:
First, the fact that UCLA was playing a walk-on QB made absolutely no sense, considering it had two scholarship QBs on the roster; Osaar Rashan (a mobile, gifted athlete with over two years experience in the system) and Chris Forcier (a highly-touted freshman with excellent athleticism and mobility as well). Knowing that Olson and Cowan were both injured or coming off recent injuries, KD should have had the other two QBs ready to go on a moment's notice. Instead though, Karl said he didn't "anticipate" losing Olson and thought Bethel-Thompson was capable of getting the job done. But, what about Plan B, in the event that MBT plays poorly or is injured too? Karl went without a Plan B and hung his freshman quarterback out to dry. Again, conventional wisdom wasn't part of the game plan.
Second, on two potentially game-changing 4th and 1 situations, UCLA inexplicably calls pass plays instead of pounding the ball with Chane Moline, the bruising back who has done nothing but excel in such situations. Conventional wisdom would tell you that the chances of converting on a pass play with an inexperienced and shaken QB are not very high, but Karl Dorrell chose to go against the odds and failed both times. Inexplicable, but not unexpected. In fact Karl "forgetting about Chane Moline" is eerily reminiscent of the legendary "I forgot about Manny White" fiasco against Colorado a few years ago.
Well, it's just another year and another embarrassing loss in the Karl Dorrell era. However, this one was particularly painful considering the Bruins had 20 returning starters and were playing at home against one of the worst teams in college football. Conventional wisdom would tell you that after five years, the Karl Dorrell experiment isn't working and it's time for a change. Here's to hoping that Dan Guerrero has the wisdom and the will to do the right thing.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Is Notre Dame a trap game?
All the talk in the media and among UCLA fans is that the Bruins will smoke Notre Dame, and handily, no ifs ands or buts about it. Vegas is on board too, spotting the Bruins 20+ points. And, from the interviews I've seen with the players, it looks like they are pretty "confident" that they'll beat ND.
Confidence is great, but with such "easy" games in the Dorrell era, we've seen more often than not that UCLA finds a way to lose them. It's usually because they underestimate a team or don't "get up" for the game. We've seen it with Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Fresno State and Florida State in recent years. How many excuses have we heard from the players after such games that they just weren't "prepared" or didn't play up to their potential?
While I agree with the majority and can't imagine UCLA losing this game, I still wouldn't put it past them to drop the ball on this one. After what I experienced at the Utah game, I don't think I'll ever chalk up any game as a guaranteed UCLA win before it actually happens, unless they schedule a high school team.
Confidence is great, but with such "easy" games in the Dorrell era, we've seen more often than not that UCLA finds a way to lose them. It's usually because they underestimate a team or don't "get up" for the game. We've seen it with Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Fresno State and Florida State in recent years. How many excuses have we heard from the players after such games that they just weren't "prepared" or didn't play up to their potential?
While I agree with the majority and can't imagine UCLA losing this game, I still wouldn't put it past them to drop the ball on this one. After what I experienced at the Utah game, I don't think I'll ever chalk up any game as a guaranteed UCLA win before it actually happens, unless they schedule a high school team.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Why is Curious Karl Still Coaching at UCLA?
It's been 5 years of mediocrity, inconsistency, and sometimes just dumbfounding decision making and flat out blunders that have cost UCLA games and ruined seasons, yet Karl is still running the show.
The west coast offense has been a failure, besides the one year with Tom Cable calling the plays and Drew Olson (took him three years to get the offense), Maurice Drew and Marcedes Lewis executing them. We went 10-2, but also had the obligatory meltdown game against a doormat team (Arizona) and another thrashing at the Coliseum, where we haven't been competitive in years.
While the 2008 recruiting class may be Karl's best yet, he's had 4 others in the past that weren't exactly slouches, but have yet to yield the expected results. With 20+ seniors that have been in the fold for four years or more, the 2007 season is quickly proving that players just don't develop well under Dorrell. By now, these players should have developed discipline, a hunger to win, the ability to play with consistency, and a mean streak that all great football players should have.
Bruin fans are losing patience with Dorrell, yet the AD doesn't seem to notice or care. If the 2007 season doesn't produce at least 10 wins, it's definitely time for a change. Otherwise, many loyal fans and boosters might just get fed up and jump ship, sending the program spiraling towards irrelevance in the college football universe.
The west coast offense has been a failure, besides the one year with Tom Cable calling the plays and Drew Olson (took him three years to get the offense), Maurice Drew and Marcedes Lewis executing them. We went 10-2, but also had the obligatory meltdown game against a doormat team (Arizona) and another thrashing at the Coliseum, where we haven't been competitive in years.
While the 2008 recruiting class may be Karl's best yet, he's had 4 others in the past that weren't exactly slouches, but have yet to yield the expected results. With 20+ seniors that have been in the fold for four years or more, the 2007 season is quickly proving that players just don't develop well under Dorrell. By now, these players should have developed discipline, a hunger to win, the ability to play with consistency, and a mean streak that all great football players should have.
Bruin fans are losing patience with Dorrell, yet the AD doesn't seem to notice or care. If the 2007 season doesn't produce at least 10 wins, it's definitely time for a change. Otherwise, many loyal fans and boosters might just get fed up and jump ship, sending the program spiraling towards irrelevance in the college football universe.
Is the 2007 UCLA Football Season Cursed?
It's obvious that the 2007 UCLA football season is not going as expected. First, the team blows what should have been a guaranteed win to Utah. Then, they bounce back thanks to a rusty but effective Patrick Cowan, who then goes down to a potentially season-ending injury against Washington. Now, it's back to big Ben Olson, who hasn't lived up to expectations despite some sporadic flashes of brilliance (see the 2006 and 2007 season openers).
It's also obvious that coaching is not playing a definitive part in the wins or losses, which is not necessarily a good thing. It seems that the players themselves are either fired up or uninspired, and fans never know which team will show up. One can only hope that this senior-laden team will get it together and realize that this is their last chance to leave a mark on the UCLA history books, and make the most of their own athletic careers, which will soon be coming to an end for all but a few of these seniors.
Is it too much to ask for to have a well-coached, well-disciplined, motivated and inspired football team taking the field week in and week out? I for one think the season is cursed and don't know what to expect from week to week. I'm hoping to be proved wrong, starting with the game against the Beaves this Saturday.
It's also obvious that coaching is not playing a definitive part in the wins or losses, which is not necessarily a good thing. It seems that the players themselves are either fired up or uninspired, and fans never know which team will show up. One can only hope that this senior-laden team will get it together and realize that this is their last chance to leave a mark on the UCLA history books, and make the most of their own athletic careers, which will soon be coming to an end for all but a few of these seniors.
Is it too much to ask for to have a well-coached, well-disciplined, motivated and inspired football team taking the field week in and week out? I for one think the season is cursed and don't know what to expect from week to week. I'm hoping to be proved wrong, starting with the game against the Beaves this Saturday.
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