Football Monopoly Over?

Call Rick Neuheisel a fool for his newspaper ad in the Los Angeles Times, but it is hard to argue with his results. In arguably the biggest upset in college football’s first week, Neuheisel led the depleted UCLA Bruins past the 18th ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

In the 27-24 overtime victory, UCLA’s on-field play showed the nation exactly what the Bruins were capable of doing.

Kevin Craft, California junior college quarterback of the year, displayed the poise and talent to lead a D-1 team to victory. UCLA’s defense played solidly as they kept Tennessee’s touted quarterback, Jonathan Crompton, to an abysmal 19-41 passing (46.3%). And UCLA’s special teams shined as they blocked a punt for a touchdown, averaged 46.8 yards per punt, and hit every kick between the uprights (3XP, 2 FG).

But then again, does UCLA deserve to be ranked 23rd in the nation after a performance that reeked of mediocrity (at best)?

Kevin Craft played like the third-string quarterback that he was, throwing for 4 interceptions (in the first half; HALF!!). If UCLA was playing a legitimate opposing team with a competent offense, the game would have been over at half time; but the lead was only seven and Tennessee is no longer ranked.

UCLA ran the ball 31 times and managed to gain a whopping 29 yards. 0.9 yards a carry. After focusing so heavily on the run last season, you would imagine that the Bruins would have retained some of that ability. Even more surprising is that this came underneath the play calling of Norm Chow, that USC offensive coordinator that called plays for Reggie Bush and LenDale White. And if you cannot run the ball, you cannot control the clock, you put more pressure on third-string Kevin Craft, and then all hell breaks loose. Unless by some outside chance, Kevin Craft is as legendary as his fourth quarter drives.

On the other side of the ball, UCLA’s defense was effective except when it mattered. After only allowing 7 points through the first three quarters (7 were from a defensive touchdown), UCLA allowed the Vols to score twice in the final 6 minutes.

Despite the long-list of weaknesses that were exposed, UCLA deserves to be ranked in the top 25. Coach Neuheisel and his “mantra of relentless optimism” have inspired his athletes to exceed their low expectations and perform at championship levels. UCLA may not have the star power often associated with championship teams, but with a top-notch coaching staff led by Norm Chow and DeWayne Walker, UCLA can more than make-up for their short comings and potentially setup camp in the top 25.

The mantra might be spreading throughout the blue and gold nation (including myself), but UCLA still faces one of the toughest schedules in college football. The Bruins must face (18) Oregon, (15) Arizona St., and a rising Cal team on the road, while also playing (1) USC in what can be considered a mutual home game. UCLA will also be forced to take on (21) Fresno St. and at (15) BYU.

So as much as I want to put my heart into Neuheisel’s mantra of relentless optimism and say that the Los Angeles football monopoly is officially over, I will reserve judgment until this week’s BYU game. The Mormons from Utah have managed to screw over Ben Olson’s talent and potential, their team might do the same to UCLA football.

So until Saturday my Bruin friends! Go Kevin Craft!
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