Intersting Game Stat:
The Utes did not convert one third down all game. That was pretty impressive to me, and yes, there was actual tackling.

Can't wait for next weeks game, I will be in attendance.

GO BRUINS!!!

I created a postgame diary because I figured you'd be celebrating.

My mistake.

Kudos to your football sense.

I grant all rights to Southpaw Jesus to you.  I'm happy making money as a teacher.  I'm happy teaching history, hanging out at the beach, and loving UCLA.  

Sell Southpaw Jesus shirts, and donate the money to the March of Dimes, St. Jude, or whatever charity you like.

It's funny to go to a game then come home and see the reaction from all the people who were wacthing at home, who actually have a better idea of what happened after all the instant replays and seeing the plays from up-close instead of from the opposite side of the field.

I must say that I liked the Utah fans a lot.  I didn't hear anyting in the way of trash talk (except maybe from me, on the way through the gates) and they cheered their team on well.

From our corner of the Rose Bowl, there never felt like there was any way we were going to lose this game from the first time we had the ball.

And I don't see it here, and I wasn't on this site during the last season, so I'm curious as to whether or not the out-of-towners know about the tradition Karl Dorrell has set of addressing the fans after many (all the ones we win?) games.  Watching the whole team gather in the middle of the field after the games end (I assume they were singing the fight song, as they do the UCLA fans at away games) then follow Karl over to speak is something that helps give me the impression that the players believe in Dorrell, which leads me to believe that great things are possible.

Like I said, though, people at home have a better idea of what really happens during the game (until I watch the replay in the next couple days) and we'll have to see if Utah was for real, and if this UCLA team can maintain this for a long 12-game season.

For this week, though, it's good to be a Bruin!

I felt the overall intensity was there and steady throughout the entire game, which will hopefully alleviate the need for miraculous comebacks against inferior teams like last year.  I was most encouraged by the tackling, which was VASTLY improved over last year.  Sure, they missed a couple wrapups, but every team does, even in the NFL, but it wasn't the 3 or 4 blown tackles in the same play variety we were so used to seeing last year.

In other notes:  to those (myself included) who are bitter at Florida for our Championship game defeat, our Women's Volleyball team swept theirs in straight sets this afternoon (I believe they are/were ranked higher).  A little revenge is always a good thing.

So where does UCLA end up after this week?  The Bruins showed themselves to be the real deal, but who do we replace?  Problem is that every team ranked from #18-25 won pretty well.  The ONE thing that the BCS does well is that it doesn't generate a poll until week 5 of the season.  

Ben Olson looked like a polished veteran in his first start. I think this guy is gonna be something special. I can't wait to see him carve out the RICE secondary next week in much more agreeable weather.
One thing I thought was very impressive about this game was the consistency of the team. We got off to a good start and then we really never let up. Last year, we seemed to turn it on in the 4th quarter and that was the only period of time when we played good football. This team had an all around good game (except for rushing), and that all around consistency has been something that has seriously been lacking in the Dorrell Era.
I also really appreciate Dorrell calling on all Bruin fans to wear BLUE. The Rose Bowl was the bluest that I have ever seen. Another thing that I like about Dorrell is his post game speeches to the fans.
With what I saw tonight, I have no doubt that 9 wins is possible.

When USC plays UCLA this year, for the 5th year in a row, the best QB in the Pac-10 will be on the field. For the first time in that period, he will be wearing blue and gold.

South Paw lived up to the hype and looked very poised throughtout. I was more pleased however with the tackling. Yes TACKLING. I have not seen us tackle like that since the late 90's! Question... Why did the Utes keep attacking one side of our defense through the air?

Hopefully a great omen for the season. GO BRUINS!!!!

Keep it up Southpaw Jesus!

The biggest improvement in a football team is between their first and second games.  Improve on this performance, and we could be well on our way to meeting minimum expectations around here (I won't say more, I don't want to jinx anything).