The HLS Totally Non-Homer Top 25 – Preseason Edition: #8 – UCLA

First, let's just absorb this for a moment.  Because any Irish fan's thoughts on UCLA should be framed within the context of this...

Good.  Everyone got Europe's finest work firmly implanted in their consciousness?  Yes?  Ok.  Now that we're in this place together, we can continue...

The UCLA bruins suffered thru a year that, all else being equal, should have placed head coach Karl Dorrell on the hottest of seats after the 2006 season.  In fact, watching the scene above in a live setting, one could almost feel Karl's "signature win" turn into "career terminator" over the course of a few minutes.  But then Karl and the gang did the unthinkable, and went on to defeat then #2 Southern Cal in their cross-town rivalry game to end the season, and suddenly Karl's beginning to feel pretty comfy.

The real reason for optimism for UCLA in 2007 is their defensive coordinator, DeWayne Walker.  He took a fairly miserable defensive group and turned them into an absolute power.  In 2005, before Walker's tenure, the Bruins gave up 34.2 points a game.  Last year they gave up just 19.9.

Offense:  Return 10 starters.  They also get a brand new offensive coordinator.  What might get interesting is that both of the QBs that played in the starter role last year are back for more this year.  The coaches will need to find a way to pick one guy and stick with him, though that should be helped if both guys can remain healthy thru the year.

Defense:  Also returning 10 starters.  This is a really solid group.  Last year's defensive line recorded 40 sacks and allowed just 90 yards rushing per game.  This year they lose All Nightmare Team Defensive End, Justin Hickman.

Special Teams: They lose a guy with an absolute monster leg, but then bring in a kid who's rumored to be even better.  With the speed on the return teams, this group should be a real strength and help level some of the playing field against top competition, so long as their frosh kicker is as good as advertised.

Facts:

• When UCLA beat Southern Cal last year, it was the end of a 7 game win streak in the series for the Trojans.  Prior to that, UCLA had won the last 8.
• Last year, UCLA lost to Washington.  Consider that for a moment.
• The Bruins also managed to lose to FSU in the Emerald Bowl last year.  The score?  27-44.  In a game they led by 4 heading into the 4th.

HLS Top 25 Meta:

• Highest spot on a HLS Ballot: 2
• Lowest spot on a HLS Ballot: 15
• Average ranking on HLS Ballots: 8.5

Why Alex Trebek Loves Them:

• A "Bruin" is a large, ferocious bear.  The term apparently originated in a story called "Reynard the Fox."

Around the Web:

• Bruins Nation
• Trojan Haters Club

HLS Tracker 10 Forecast Technology Says:

Wait and see.  Their early schedule is Stanford, BYU, Utah, and Washington.  If they tear thru that like The Shark thru a Bruin Backfield with less than a minute to go, then look out. Here come the Bruins.  But if they struggle even a little bit, and I mean they win all 4 games but with an average margin of under 10, then I'd look for Karl Dorrell's head on the chopping block come Christmas.