In keeping with what has become a bit of a yearly ritual, I made it to the bookstore today (maybe my only trip to a physical bookstore per year) to pick up this year's Phil Steele's 2008 Collegel Football Preview.  As I've said before, Steele is a college football machine, who puts together -- by far -- the most comprehensive pre-season preview on the market. 

So, while there are a lot of good reasons to be fired up about UCLA football, Steele's 2008 Pac-10 Forecast also helps put things back in perspective.  Steele has the Bruins tied for 6th in the Pac-10, behind USC, Cal , Oregon, Arizona St., Arizona and Oregon St.:

6.  UCLA - The Bruins have just 9 returning starters and maybe less than that if OB Ben Olson does not return from an injury suffered in the spring.  They do have an inexperienced O-line but were an injury ravaged team last year so they have more experience than you would think.  UCLA gets five Pac-10 HG's [home games] but still needs and upset or two to land a bowl bid.

As much as I'd like to, I can't say that I disagree too much.  And Steele seems to have zeroed in on our weaknesses, including the OL and DB's, which he's ranked as 9th and 7th in the Pac-10, respectively (our ST's are #1).

I won't say much more.  Steele's mag is a must have for stat hounds and reality based football fans.  You should buy a copy and read it for youself.

Sorry to be a kill joy.  Unfortunately, Neuheisel, Chow and Walker have a lot of work to do.  And I'm confident that it will happen.  But, I also know that this year will just be the start.

GO BRUINS.