Bruins Nation Predicts a W Against the Longhorns

I'm a UCLA fan and we marked Texas down as a win in a very close game in 2011. Personally, I think we're a fair amount better than last year. What are you guys expecting from Texas and your game against UCLA this coming season?

As an aside, I was at the game in Texas last season, and you guys were great hosts. You have an amazing fan base, and were very gracious to this rabid UCLA fan. If you have any questions about watching a game at the Rose Bowl, let me know and I'll do my best to assist.

12 months ago captainqtp 24 comments 0 recs |

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This depends entirely on whether Texas has ironed out what ailed the team last year

There was a long list of problems, not the least of which were some players who are still going to be on the depth chart (particularly Gilbert, M. Williams, the running backs, the OL). Other problems have been addressed, although it’s unclear whether they constitute upgrades or changes for the sake of making changes (OC, OL, etc.). Some team “strengths” are gone (three corners, despite a disappointing year from all three).

I think it’s going to take more than one off-season to correct those issues, and UCLA is way ahead in the rebuilding process, but not really on the same level when it comes to talent. I’m hopeful the changes will be enough to result in a winning season, and a win over UCLA would be pivotal in that, but I actually am thinking UCLA in a close one as well at this point. I guess we’ll see how camps progress, although the sunshine-pumping is rarely a good indicator (see 2010).

This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby, and named it "This Exact Situation."

by burntorangehorn on Jun 14, 2011 9:28 AM CDT reply actions

"I think it’s going to take more than one off-season to correct those issues, and UCLA is way ahead in the rebuilding process"

Isn’t UCLA’s coach on the hot-seat? Is it possible for them to be ahead in the rebuilding process, but also behind in the rebuilding process (because they appear likely to have to rebuild again in a year)?

by Texas Wahoo on Jun 14, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

If Neuheisel isn't in fact turning the corner, that's absolutely correct

I don’t really like the guy, but I think they’ll turn that corner. Of course, I completely expected Hawkins to eventually turn the corner at Colorado, but he obviously lost that program entirely.

This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby, and named it "This Exact Situation."

by burntorangehorn on Jun 14, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions

I think we're in a similar place

We replaced both coordinators and many of our assistants in the offseason. That said, we are welcoming back many more experienced players this year and I don’t think we have a ton of weaknesses especially on the defensive side of the ball.

We’ll have to see how we’re able to execute this year….I don’t think we are way less talented. Except for this past off season, our recruiting classes have been pretty good the last few years. We’re going to have some mature(ish) talent out there.

On offense, our running game should actually be a bit better, since our O-line is more talented and just as experienced this season and our main running back is going into his 3rd season as a starter. Our passing game… I have no idea at this point. The receivers look talented on paper but they tend to drop everything in sight. Our QBs have been horribly injury prone and inconsistent. The injury Kevin Prince got when playing you guys never really healed and it ended up taking him out of the season. Brehaut has a better arm, but is just missing that “it” factor that Prince seems to have.

by captainqtp on Jun 14, 2011 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Coaching and attitude

I disagree. Coaching counts for a lot and not just X’s and O’s. They instill an attitude and work ethic on game day, during practice, and how they carry themselves in the classroom and in life. Take Nebraska for instance. In its prime under Tom Osbourne, you can’t tell me they had the better talent or scheme than their opponents when they weren’t playing Bowling Green. I’d say the same for OU when the Stoops brothers first arrived on the scene. Now take Texas last year in the reverse case. MB’s biggest issue with the team was it’s sense of entitlement and selfish play.

The pride and winning tradition of The University of Texas will not be entrusted to the weak or the timid.

Hook'em

by longhorns1 on Jun 16, 2011 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Our front seven will be saltier than an extra value meal.

Thus, I thnk we’ll look much better than last year against UCLA’S running game.

It’s the passing teams that scare me with our nubile secondary and Diaz adjusting to Big 12 play.

"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.

by HookTech on Jun 14, 2011 10:21 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

And that's the Big 12 (-2) for you: passing teams

Other than KU and KSU, I suppose.

The linebackers are definitely salty, and of course they’re talented as well. Acho shall be missed, but Randall’s the strength and anchor of the defense now. While Jones also is gone, I really think Okafor, Wilson, and Jeffcoat are ready for a great rotation at end, so if they can just get a Ben Alexander-esque effort from someone at the under spot, that front seven will be the most solid part of the entire team.

This is like O. Henry and Alanis Morrisette had a baby, and named it "This Exact Situation."

by burntorangehorn on Jun 14, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

"And that's the Big 12 (-2) for you: passing teams"

Salt in wound.

"The only sport that should be cried over is tee ball."
- don't remember who said it, but I like it.

by HookTech on Jun 14, 2011 12:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Problem with the front 7 is

It’s still built for pass coverage, not run stuffing. Which is what killed us against UCLA last year. At least we’ve got Oak back at DE which should help our run defense a good deal, but I’m definitely worried about having three OLB’s against a rushing style like UCLA’s.

Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90

by GoHornsGo90 on Jun 14, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions

We're a big question mark. Please put us down as an "overlook" team on your schedule.

Oh, and make sure you tell ESPN to spend a lot of time on the telecast screening the Bruin Cheerleaders. K, thanks.

Burnt Orange Nation
Follow Along on Twitter @TXStampede

by TXStampede on Jun 14, 2011 11:26 AM CDT reply actions

I think your players

are actually going to have to stand behind our cheerleaders and will need to run past them to get on the field. It is part of our strategery.

by captainqtp on Jun 14, 2011 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions

If you would change that to "fans" stand behind the cheerleaders

I think you would make MOST of BON very happy and the outcome of the game would be pretty much irrelevant.

There is not a situation or individual that cannot be improved by the addition of chocolate.

by OnMySignal on Jun 14, 2011 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions

no im sure we'd all still love to see a Texas team beat UCLA for once in our lifetimes

formerly "Horns102591"

by horns1025 on Jun 14, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, that would make most of the BONers come out & enjoy themselves.

by robthecob on Jun 15, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

personally id say Texas by late 4th quarter TD or field goal. i think early in this season the defense will have to carry the team. thankfully this Defense looks like it has the talent to do so until our offense starts clicking. gonna be a close game either way but i think Texas will pull it out

formerly "Horns102591"

by horns1025 on Jun 14, 2011 11:39 AM CDT reply actions

1997 66-3 in Austin

I sat through the whole game until the very last play. It was the worst beating I have ever witnessed, and I still have no doubt that we had the more talented team. I don’t know why, but UCLA has a formula to beat Texas and has our number.

I think we have more talent and should win, but we probably won’t. My money will be on UCLA.

Our team is a mystery this year since nobody knows what the Harsinwhite Offense will look like. Our OLine is our biggest problem, coupled with a lack of true leadership at Q.

We're Texas.

by Wrangler86 on Jun 14, 2011 12:38 PM CDT reply actions