UCLA Bruins Football: Previewing the Texas Game

When the Texas Longhorns and UCLA Bruins face off this Saturday, it will be for the second time in as many seasons.

The game features two eventual Hall of Fame coaches in Mack Brown (Texas) and Rick Neuheisel (UCLA). With conference bragging rights and bowl placements on the line, this game will have all the makings of an instant classic.

Here are the keys to the game for both teams, as well as a score prediction on the final slide.

Bruins Offense vs. Longhorns Defense

Key Bruin: Johnathan Franklin

Franklin (209 rushing yards, two TDs) is one of the top running backs in the Pac-12 and he’s continued his production into the 2011 season. With UCLA’s troubles at quarterback, the run game will be key for the Bruins’ success against the Longhorns.

Key Longhorn: Kheeston Randall

Randall has totaled four tackles (three assisted, one unassisted) so far in 2011, and he is the primary defensive lineman for the Longhorns. In order to stop UCLA’s run game, Randall will need to plug up the center of the line and have a monster game.

Advantage: Texas

The slight advantage goes to Longhorns. With the inconsistency at quarterback for UCLA, and Texas’ stout defense, I expect the game to be low scoring. UCLA will try to pound the ball against the Longhorns’ front seven, but it will be to no avail.

Longhorns Offense vs. Bruins Defense

Key Longhorn: Malcolm Brown

The Texas Longhorns are HORRIBLE at quarterback. They are just plain bad. Garrett Gilbert, who took over for Colt McCoy, was the starter last season and has been fighting to keep his starting job over Case McCoy (Colt’s younger brother). True freshman running back Malcolm Brown has been a beacon of light on offense, rushing for 154 yards on 31 carries. Like the Bruins, Texas will lean heavily on the run game.

Key Bruin: Sean Westgate

Westgate is one of the most overlooked linebackers in the Pac-12.  With Texas running for the majority of its offensive production, Westgate will have the responsibility of handling the tight ends in coverage and locking down the middle of the defense on run plays.

Advantage: UCLA

This is more to do with how bad Texas is offensively. Both units have their weaknesses, but UCLA clearly has the better unit.

Bruins Special Teams vs. Longhorns Special Teams

Key Bruin: Jeff Locke

UCLA’s Jeff Locke is one of the top four or five punters in the entire country. Locke’s ability to control field position will be crucial to putting points on the scoreboard. Locke hasn’t had the best 2011 season (only averaging 37.4 yards a punt), but I expect that to turn around quickly.

Key Longhorn: Justin Tucker

Tucker has played the role as punter and field goal kicker for the Longhorns in 2011. On the year, Tucker has converted all three of his field goal attempts and has nine punts for a 38.7-yard average.

Advantage: UCLA

The slight advantage goes to the Bruins, but it is so close that it’s hardly important.

Overall Advantage

Both teams are incredibly evenly matched, but there are a few keys to the game that shouldn’t go overlooked. Last season, the Bruins defeated then No. 7 Texas 34 to 12 in front of a shocked Longhorns crowd.

The game be played in Pasadena, with UCLA having the home field advantage. What will be the bigger impact, UCLA’s home field advantage or Texas’ longing for vengeance? Both teams will be incredibly motivated.

Final Score:

UCLA 24

Texas 21