UCLA Football Preview - A Tough Test in Tennessee

Offense:

Keep Kevin Standing - The Vols are going to bring a heavy rush at Kevin Prince. The offensive line must be able to keep that pressure away from the young quarterback. Having some success running the ball would also help with that pressure... Mentally and physically. If the line can be a neutralizing agent against an aggressive and speedy Vols defense, it could go a long way to not making this game a "Florida pep rally".

Defense:

Bring the "D" Early - Last week the Bruins spotted SDSU 14 points before stabilizing and not allowing a point after the 1st quarter. They cannot afford to get behind like that against a sure to be energized Vols team. Tennessee will run the ball early and often and look to pick their spots passing the ball. Brian Price and the Bruin front seven must keep the Vols from running effectively while Alterraun Verner and the secondary try to corral the deep and speedy Vols receivers. Easier said than done.

Intangibles:

Take Out the 12th Man - Early success against the Vols will go a long way to helping quiet the 102,000+ at Neyland Stadium. Even in their blowout win last week, the Vols were scoreless in the first quarter. Solid special teams play will be key. Return specialist Terrence Austin and field goal king Kai Forbath must not only continue to be solid but provide some game swinging plays.

What They're Saying:

"UCLA is dealing with a long flight, a noisy stadium and a lot of inexperience, but none of those issues could be as difficult to manage as a veteran Tennessee defensive line."
- Austin Ward: Knoxville News Sentinel

"If the Bruin offense measured up to the defense, I'd give UCLA a good chance of survival in Neyland Stadium."
- Mike Strange: Knoxville News Sentinel

And So...

A lot of the pressure should be on the Volunteers. They are favored (if only by 10 points). They are at home with the huge crowd behind them. Their next game is a huge conference opener against their hated rival and defending national champions the Florida Gators. However, with UCLA’s upset win last season, it is unlikely that this team is looking past the Bruins. UCLA will have their work cut out for them and should be quite the experience for Prince and the young team. The defense and special teams will keep it close, but expect the young Bruins to struggle offensively and fall to a hyped Volunteers team at a geeked Neyland Stadium.

Kickoff: 1:00pm TV: ESPN Radio: 570AM KLAC