Road to Success

written by: Sean

With Arizona done in the past, the Bruins have the ability to win out in PAC-12 play. As the second best team after a big win against CAL, UCLA should have no trouble with the rest of the games at Pauley Pavillion. However, there are a few tough road tests ahead, especially back up in the Bay Area to visit Stanford and CAL on February 19th & 22nd. The Bruins have proven they can compete with anyone in the country the first 20 minutes of a given game. The scoring can come from Anderson, Adams, the Wear twins, LaVine, or really anyone for that matter. Multiple players have had double digit points in the first half. It's the second half that complacency sets in and double digit leads become nail-biters. Whether its on the offensive or defensive end, second half leads never grow, but rather shrink. The Bruins offense is a rhythm. When the ball is moving and players are getting separation, there's no stopping it. But when opposing coaches make adjustments or when the ball just stops moving, the Bruins can go chunks of time without a field goal. The way to counter this is to play tougher on defense. When on the road, it becomes even more vital to get stops and make buckets in transition to keep the offense going. It's the best/quickest way to break out of scoring slumps. Oregon and Oregon St. are teams that are both hungry and will be hosting the Bruins this weekend. Whatever the first half score is, it will be important for UCLA to win the second half by double digits from a mentality standpoint. Don't let the crowd be a factor, take them out so they're driving out of the parking lot after the last TV timeout.

Go Bruins

Andy Enfield, meet Kyle "Slow-Mo" Anderson

Andy Enfield came to sc and made some comments to UCLA that probably were not made to reach the public. However they did and it sparked the Bruin fan base to dislike the new trojan coach right away. The rivalry may not be what it is on the football field, but its still sc vs UCLA. The Bruins came out strong and never looked back. An outstanding shooting performance by every guard fueled by a  10-14 shooting night by Kyle Anderson. The slogan shouldn't be "if you want to play slow, go to UCLA." It should be "If you want to get beat by Slo-Mo, go to Pauley Pavilion." Anderson had a mid-range game from 12 to 18 feet that could not be stopped. It was the most confident he has ever looked shooting the ball. He also finished with 12 boards and five assists.
Coach's son Bryce Alford also shot the ball extremely well as he went 4-6 from down town and 6-9 on the game with a few drives in the lane. He will not miss too many open shots throughout the year.
Then there was Jordan Adams. The man who is supposed to be the scoring leader on the team. What I saw from Adams in the first half was what I was waiting for this year under new coach Steve Alford, a leader with some fire. After finishing a 20-6 run with 5 minutes left in the half, Adams gave a big Tiger Woods fist pump, chest bumped his coach and started yelling "lets go!" with his teammates. This is the first player to show some mean energy and ferocious attitude. Exactly what they were missing in their two losses. The Bruins need an emotional leader and Adams would be the perfect player for that role. A consistent fire-eyed Adams mixed with a mid-range draining Anderson is dangerous.

The supporting cast has been filling the roles and playing well. Shooting ability and getting into positions to make plays has been a strength. The defense is slowly getting better but weak side offensive rebounding on zone defense still lingers as a missing piece. 

It's going to be awhile before Enfield catches up to Alford if at all. But Arizona is next and they are the #1 team I the country. Can Alford make the second half adjustments to propel the team in the 2nd half? Also can Adams be the emotional leader and push his comrades? 

The Wildcats will bring it and will be bullies on the boards. UCLA will need to match their toughness to have a chance.

HUNDLEY'S BACK!

written by: SEAN

Why not be excited... Just like the Texas-Mora situation, our gut says he won't leave, but you just never know. What Hundley was able to do this year was fun to watch. He has grown since his first year starting, but the jump from his sophomore to his junior season will be even better. The expectations will be through the roof, however it's hard to doubt his potential with this team and coaching staff. The offensive line will be more experienced even with Su'a Filo gone, both James and Perkins are coming back in the backfield, and most of the receiving core is returning with the addition of three four-star commits. The offense is one which will be better come Fall 2014.  As Bruin fans, we think Hundley made the right choice. Obviously he thinks so too. Beating sc for a 3rd time for your last home game is something every UCLA quarterback dreams of right?
Just a thought, but is there a better coach/quarterback combination in college football for 2014? (think unbiasedly)... Makes you smile doesn't it?

Su'a Filo leaves for draft

written by SEAN

23 year old junior offensive lineman Xavier Su'a Filo has decided to leave UCLA for the NFL draft. The best offensive lineman UCLA has will be missed but will not be irreplaceable. A lot of young lineman had playing time this year, and knowing its a need, Mora and his staff have made sure to sign lineman both years thus far. Simon Goines, John Lopez, and Caleb Benenoch are all taller than 6'5 and weigh more than 325lbs. Simon is the oldest out of the three being a sophomore while both John and Caleb are freshman guards.
We wish Xavier the best of luck in the future, still hoping Hundley doesn't follow him. Su'a Filo is considered the 3rd best offensive guard by CBS Sports, projected to be drafted by the 2nd round.

Bad interview questions for Alford

Written by SEAN: 

Anytime coaches have extensive interviews that are easily accessible online, followers get intrigued by answers that have meaning to the team performance. The Alford interview today on uclabruins.com today was very disappointing. 

The reporters failed to ask what halftime changes will be made after UCLA dropped two games by double digits after bring tied at half. Sure Duke and Mizzou are very tough games that would be nice to win, but to be competitive for 20 minutes and fall flat the next 20 is an Alford answer I am interested in. 

I believe in Alford and I really like the team  chemistry he has built. I would love to play for him. There's a mental toughness by our Bruins that seems beneath that of the top tier teams like Duke and Mizzou. Youth cannot be an excuse with players not staying past their GE classes.

Instead the few reporters asked questions about his high school rivalries and if the UCLA sc rivalry is worth more than another game. Of course it's not, it's one game! It's not like football. What about Mr. Bail and if he's going to get more playing time. Alford interviews don't come out very often but when they do, I hope in the future they focus on what's been happening and what matters leading up to this game. Not what the sc coach said before the season about UCLA being a slow team.

The Bruins should win Sunday's game against sc with Kyle Anderson working around the rim on both ends while getting his teammates involved. The offense is working for the Bruins and I don't think sc has the defense to slow them down. Protect Pauley, hit some threes, and get the crowd involved. Students should be back and ready to go.

Commitment to UCLA Football

Written by SEAN

Although the rumors of Mora leaving for Texas seemed ridiculous, there was still that small terrifying feeling that it was possible. Those were all put to rest when Mora announced today that he was committed to UCLA and withdrew from the Texas head coaching position. Its not too often you see a coach with such compassion and spirit, flaunt his love and loyalty for the school, and stick to his word. Too often do we see coaches and players from all sports jump ship for bigger contracts. We like Mora for his winning culture, but we love him for these characteristics that you just don't find anywhere else. As UCLA fans we are very fortunate to have hired him. Fingers crossed that he will be here for a LONG time...now time for Brett Hundley to match that commitment and loyalty.

Hundley could be a top 3 quarterback in the NFL draft. We know he has the potential to be good, but those who have watched him closely know he still has a lot of work cut out as far as looking off defenders to hit his 2nd & 3rd option, pocket presence, and put more air on the long ball. These are things he can be taught at the NFL, and being a smart guy, could learn pretty quickly. But why not come back for another season where you have the chance to be a Heisman, play Oregon, Stanford, and sc at home, and be the first overall draft the following year. Another factor could be his sister with her medical condition. He stays at UCLA, he's close to home, whereas he could get drafted by a team on the east coast. However, the money could help her out even if he can't always be around her.

I have never seen a Bruin football team as tightly knitted as this group from the coaches down to the players, there is a lot of love in that locker room. You only get one shot at college, to be the big man on campus, go to college events and parties, play in rivalries, and live it up. Why not make it last one more year. Brett Hundley will have a chance to be in the NFL for longer than 3-4 years.