The spread has dropped from -11 to -7.5, Bruins. People are starting to wise up.

If Banker could stop mobile QBs, I'd probably take the Beavs today. UCLA is on a high and patting themselves on the back; the have USC next weekend and likely are thinking about that game. Beavs seem to have some confidence and swagger.

That darn mobile QB, though.

If Banker can somehow figure out a way to stop him, I think the Beavs take this one. Maybe we'll see Trent Bray's influence on the LB corp again and they'll play fast and make the tackles. I am torn because I like the Beav's chances yet I have no faith in Banker stopping Hundley or the read option formations. I do have faith in Bray, but how much influence does he have? Tough call this early in the season. I'm changing my pick from UCLA to a pick 'em/FG game. Team with the ball last wins.

Edit: Beavs redzone offense has been bad for several years, and almost killed them in week 2. That will be another key.

Ah, the difference between playing in the Rose Bowl and playing in The Rose Bowl.

Hey, as Beavs we're taught to settle.

Anyhoo.

I've tuned into UCLA each week, and what impresses me most is the QB and overall intensity. In the past, UCLA slacked off. They relied on "out-athleting" teams like OSU. But now they seem more disciplined. Mora Jr is acerbic, but with that comes focus and determination (see his quote on not even knowing OSU beat Wisconsin) the last few Bruin coaches lacked.

Franklin is averaging 8.2 yards per carry, and UCLA is second in the nation in total yards. This with a decent OOC schedule of Rice, Nebraska (#16), and Houston. For those who didn't see, Franklin put up 300+ yards and 4Tds vs Nebraska, and Franklin ran for over 200 yards. Now, is Nebraska any good? Who knows. Does the transitive property relate to football? Nope.

So, who knows what to take away from three games, other than UCLA seems to finally have a QB, some intensity, and look like an improved squad. Beavs look improved, too. But with Wisconsin likely being terrible this year, some wind came out of the home opener's sail.

I'm not sure what to make of this game. Beavs rarely play well vs UCLA. UCLA likely isn't as good as their record or offensive stats. Both Beav's lines looked good in week 2, and as we know, that's where games are won. So taking everything into consideration I see this being a close game. My biggest concern is UCLA running read option. That combined with them being at home gives them the edge, but I don't think it's +11 like Vegas does. Until Banker shuts down decent read option teams consistently I can't even think about picking the Beavs, even though I'm willing to concede they have a decent shot to win this game.

UCLA 27, Beavs 21

The other thread was getting too long.

Discuss the weekend's results. Who impressed you?

UCLA impressed me most. Beavs are going to have their hand's full. Oregon put up a ton of points and looked good at times, but they also look a little weaker than in past years. Even in victory Stanford didn't impress me. QB is not good. USC played a horrible game, and their OC didn't try to slow the pass rush (screens, draws etc). Watching the Utah game now…no thoughts on it yet.

Defense was the huge surprise today.

Is the defense really that good (I thought they'd be weak up the middle and have no depth), Wisconsin bad, or a combination of both (likely). Loved the swagger and intensity of the D. I credit Bray for that, since he's been preaching playing fast, intense, etc. Rod Perry's coaching was apparent–saw the DBs (and Welch on his bogus-PI call) looking back for the ball perfectly.

Offense should have scored 24 points, but Mannion didn't convert critical third downs. The passing game became too horizontal late in the game, and they should drop the trips/bunch formation because it never works, but overall the play calling was good (especially the first half) compared to the last few years. I liked the two back approach–both guys look like they can do things.

Welch was the defensive MVP, Mannion the offensive. Isaac S. got great push–the improved o-line is going to make life easier for all. Riley finally gets a big September win (even a blind squirrel finds an acorn!)

Beavs should be ranked 25ish come Monday. Wisconsin doesn't look like a dynamic team and will likely struggle all year, so the Beav's ranking is tenuous, especially with a bye next week.