UCLA Prepares for Saturday's Texas-Sized Test at the Rose Bowl

In one of last season's unforeseeable upsets, UCLA stormed into Austin in late September and proceeded to smack the highly-touted Texas Longhorns in the snout in a comprehensive 34-12 victory.

It was the first loss of the season for the then-ranked No. 7 team in the nation and would spark a harrowing 2-7 finish on the year.

Apparently everything is bigger in Texas. Especially the negative reactions to tough losses. When they go on benders, they make darn sure to go out with a bang.

UCLA is no stranger to beating the Big 12's big guns, with their victory over an Adrian Peterson-led Oklahoma team in 2006 at the Rose Bowl still a glittering memory in what has been a trying recent stretch for the once-proud program.

That game in Austin a year ago was one of the finest displays of the Pistol offense employed by the Bruins.

UCLA racked up 264 rushing yards against what was perceived to be a smash mouth and ballyhooed defense.

After two games this year, UCLA is once again among the nation's best in rushing yards, averaging 252 yards a game, good for 15th in the nation.

A disappointing opening week loss on the road to a tough Houston team (38-34), followed by a dreary, unconvincing win over San Jose State last Saturday at the Rose Bowl (27-17) has done little to instill confidence in embattled coach Rick Neuheisel, who is in desperate need of a confidence boost.

Should things fail to improve, and UCLA stutter to another losing record on the season, Neuheisel could be packing his bags for his next job in December.

The passing game has been decent, with quarterback Richard Brehaut stepping in for the (again) injured Kevin Prince.

The junior is 29-for-49 on the season, throwing for 409 yards and three touchdowns. Big target Nelson Rosario could play a major role at wide receiver, where his length and athleticism will be a boon for Brehaut.

The quarterback has developed a good partnership with tight end Joseph Fauria as well, connecting with him on a 14-yard touchdown pass against San Jose State.

Fauria had six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown against Houston.

Whoever Brehaut ends up throwing to matters little. What is important is that the Bruins implement a strong passing game early to prevent Texas from trying to crowd the box and stem UCLA's running game.

After last season's tidal wave of rushing yards, the Longhorns will be looking to prevent a repeat performance.

Prince is back from injury, and could feature in the game. His toughness and heady play-calling in the raucous environment of Royal Texas Memorial Stadium last season played a key role in helping UCLA to that rollicking victory.

Texas had its own narrow victory last weekend, managing to beat BYU 17-16 at home. Case McCoy, younger brother of current Cleveland Browns starter and Longhorns legend Colt, looks ready to get the nod over David Ash under center.

Coach Mack Brown has intimated that the two quarterbacks will both get snaps, with McCoy getting the bulk of the looks.

Former 5-star recruit Garrett Gilbert has thrown himself out of the starting discussion after yet another poor performance against BYU, where he went 2-of-8 with two interceptions.

True freshman running back Malcolm Brown is a handful charging out of the backfield and the Bruins defense, which certainly has a talented front seven, will need to be at its best to prevent a big day.

They certainly can't allow more game-breaking runs like the 65-yarder SJSU running back Brandon Rutley enjoyed a week ago.

The pass defense, which was scythed open against Houston (Case Keenum passed for 310 yards) will need to be much better against Texas' talented playmakers.

Texas and UCLA are both programs in dire need of a major victory.

For the Longhorns, a tumultuous offseason saw defensive coordinator and head-coach-in-waiting Will Muschamp bolt for the Florida head coaching vacancy. A win in Pasadena would really boost morale.

Rick Neuheisel is embroiled in his own fight to save his job in Westwood. A difficult Pac-12 season will look even more formidable if he loses Saturday.

Suffice it to say, both these teams have a lot riding on the outcome.