SB Nation User Blog: BruinAl

It's not the X's and O's, It's the Jimmies and Joes

BruinAl — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:51:11 -0000

It is shocking how little talent is on this offense. Whether it is throwing, catching, blocking or running; it is all being performed at a less than Pac-10 level. If you have seen any of the other Pac-10 games this weekend, you can see clearly that other than Franklin, these kids don't play on a Pac-10 level. Why are there so may penalties? It's because they know their overmatched. Mostly it's the fact that were shockingly slow. We can't make the blocks and execute the plays. Let's face it, we have guys on schlarship that would be walk-ons at SC. If you are waiting for this group to win games in this conference, you are waiting in vain.

I'm not going to absolve the coaching in this either. Some of these guys played last year and appeared to have potential. Many (the receiving corps) seem to have actually regressed. These people aren't making junior high plays. Some have been calling out the defense. 5 turnovers = 0 offensive touchdowns. That's not a defensive issue. They are average but at least they are Pac-10 worthy.

Once again we are treated to the airshow crash, that is our once again bowl-less season. It's not entertaining, it's not progressing, and it is not winning. Maybe these guys just can't be coached up, but Neuheisel's got to know that this seasons pass expires after we get worked over in the Coliseum. Bruin Nation will not take this abuse of our athletic tradition next season. The pressure is on.

Tomorrow...and all the days after

BruinAl — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:37:29 -0000

I waited a few days to post, because a game like Saturday's can make one um, emotional. I want to look ahead at the big picture. The Desperation Bowl, or Cal game as some may refer to it, may be a watershed moment for the CRN regime. If we lose, we will be on the road as an underdog the next two games. In fact depending on how things go right now we may only be favored in one more game this year. It suddenly becomes difficult to see where six wins and a bowl game fit in here. Cal will be even more desperate. It could be that the wheels coming off is a Tedford trademark that he can't shake. Their hair will be on fire. Going on the road with a three game losing streak could be a huge toilet swirl swoon for this team. We will see what the staff and team are made of now.

So what progress have we made this season? Well, last season we scored 96 points in our first five games. This year 105. 9 points, not too impressive. If there is a playmaker on offense I must have missed him. People are quick to pile on Prince for having a bad game. Can you think of one time this year someone has made a big play for him? Why aren't we throwing it deep? Um, because nobodies open. Perhaps it's the scheme's or maybe it's the receivers. Either way it seems to me it's on the coaches to get something out of these guys. IMO Prince is a good leader, he's tough and has a lot of upside and I'm sure he will be better in his next game. The defense seems to playing pretty well, but I think the offense's struggles put a lot of pressure on them to be perfect. The return game and the kick-off coverage is weak and is hurting us weekly. Our kicker, unfortunately is the MVP for this team. The bottom line is they got to the end of three games with a lead. Which will have to serve as progress. More after the jump.

What concerns me is the future. There is a lot of talk about how great the future will be but consider this: We had a fantastic home schedule this year in conference. Next year Cal, Oregon, Washington are all on the road. I expect all three of these teams to be better. Check the standings, there is only one team in our conference with a losing record this season. The Pac-10, IMO, is the strongest conference top to bottom. Of course that won't get any run in the SECPN world. The point I'm making is there are a lot of good young QB's in this league who are all going to be better next year. So if you get better and your competitors get better right along with you how do you make progress in the conference standings? That's got to be keeping CRN awake nights. At least I hope it does.

Go Bruins! Beat the Bears!

Upon Further Review...

BruinAl — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:59:25 -0000

It sure is good to hear some bellyachin' about the team after a WIN! This tells me that expectations are ratcheting up. Example, why can't the defense be more consistent? K-State scored 9 points. At the beginning of the game if someone said we would hold them to nine we all would have taken it. We had a gameplan that wouldn't expose our young corner to big plays and...it worked! Example 2, The offense operates in fits and bursts. There is a plan here Bruin Fans. CNC gameplans for his offense to create opportunities with a low risk/reward because A) He knows his personnel and what their strengths and limitations are, B) He knows that it is the efficiency of his offense that is important. Defense and Special teams can win games if you don't turn the ball over.

College football is an emotional game and we have a very young team. I think the coaches did a great job of getting the win against an inferior opponent after a highly emotional road game. This could have been the type of trap game that felled $UC's team. Instead were 3-0 going into a bye-week. Our next opponent will be occupied with the media and the great Jake Locker and the chance to lead the conference. If they beat Washington our team will be sky high for this game, rested and rearmed.

I would like to give a shout out to a couple of players; Nelson Rosarios' catch on the sidelines with one hand almost made me drop the binoculars. ATV was money all game and let's not forget J. Franklin; the only thing that puzzles me about him is why he hasn't got to the house with a real long gainer yet. He has that kind of speed.

In conclusion, it was a take care of business game that, in the past, may have been a problem. This year, not so much...

Why not us? Why not now?

GO BRUINS!

Impressions of a scrimmage

BruinAl — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:59:16 -0000

I'll let others give you guys the statistical breakdowns. I want to set the stage first for those not in attendance. The campus view from the Drake Stadium bleachers was breathtaking, the weather perfect, the sun shining on Royce Hall in the distance, the crowd a blend of blues and smiles.

At least as far as I could see with my six year old's pom poms on top of my head.

My first impression was that our defense is on top of the offense like a blanket. Secondarily, Brian Price blows up a play like no one is even trying to block him. My other impression of the defense is speed to the ball. There is no room for the first team offense. I'm a little disappointed that the offense is struggling so much on the ground.

The six year old is now sitting on my lap and asking me again," which team is UCLA daddy?" While I'm being poked by the foam finger, Damien Thigpen is putting on a show. The first good impression of the offense is our young backs. They are absolutely flying. This team has real playmakers if they get into space.

My special teams impression is that Jeff Locke could bounce punts off the ceiling of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium and that the coverage team better adapt to a guy who can boom it 60. His punting and kicking are nothing short of spectacular.

My best impression of Kevin Prince is his arm; He has a true D1 arm. My second impression is that he made a couple of real bad decisions; one picked and one that should have been picked.

Overall, the picture was blurred by speed, speed and more speed on both sides of the ball. CRN has definately seen what teams like FL have done. They will put up big plays on you because they have so many playmakers. We are headed in that direction (in a hurry).

My players to watch this season; on offense, Franklin and Thigpen and Knox. on defense, never take your eyes off Brian Price if you want to see something spectacular. My last player to watch is Jeff Locke. This guy could be a real special punter. Can't wait for this campaign to get under way.

Oh BTW, Petros was there and he obviously has been hitting out of his league.

Go Bruins!