2009 UCLA Bruins College Football Predictions

2009 UCLA Bruins Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 3-6)
Coach: Rick Neuheisel, 2nd year (4-8 at UCLA, 70-38 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Norm Chow (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Chuck Bullough (1st year)
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense, 6 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: Rick Neuheisel has his work cut out from him, as he must replace most of his offensive line and a quarterback off a 4-8 team. Redshirt freshman QB Kevin Prince (6-2, 226) gets the nod after beating out Kevin Craft, last year’s starter. Craft was very erratic last season, tossing for 20 interceptions. At running back, they turn to junior Christian Ramirez (6-2, 220), who was academically ineligible last season. They have their most talent at receiver and tight end. Sophomore Taylor Embree (531 yards receiving), senior Terrence Austin (53 catches) and TE Robert Moya (38 catches) are quality players, but they lack a downfield threat, which has been an issue for years. Watch out for true freshman TE Morrell Presley, who was the consensus No. 1 tight end recruit in the country. The offensive line returns LT Jeff Baca (6-4, 305)- the line’s lone returning starter – who might end up at guard. Colorado transfer Kai Maiava (6-1, 322) is settled in at center.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed 29ppg (85th in the nation) and just 167.7 yards per game in the air (8th in the nation). First-year coordinator Chuck Bullough takes over for DeWayne Walker. The key is the defensive line, where they return senior DE Korey Bosworth (6-1, 244), who led the team with 7.5 sacks. Junior DT Brian Price (6-2, 295) should be a force. They’ll need help at the other tackle and end spot. At linebacker, this should be a strength as senior Kyle Bosworth (6-1, 236) returns from a knee injury to join senior Reggie Carter (83 tackles). Sophomore Rahim Moore returns at free safety, after picking off three passes as a true freshman. Finding another corner to complement senior Alterraun Verner is important.

Outlook: The non-conference schedule features San Diego State and Kansas State at home, and then they face a rematch against Tennessee on the road with their second game of the season. They also host Cal and Oregon and play USC on the road. This is a program that is still rebuilding, with some good players on both sides of the ball, but they need more impact players who can change the game.

This PAC 10 conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com