BN Gameday: U.C.L.A. Bruins vs. Rice Owls Game Thread

TWEET!! TWEET!! TWEEEEEEEEET!!!!! IS THIS A FOOTBALL?!?!

It's here! It's finally here!

The 2012 U.C.L.A. football season, and the Jim L Mora era, kick off this evening in Houston, and I am so ready for it. We have spent the last 7+ months talking about the new coaching staff and recruiting and spring camp and positions and individual players and summer camp in San Bernadino and every other facet of the program. Tonight, all the talking ends and we'll finally get to see the team go at it for real. Kickoff will be at 4:30 pm Pacific, and the good guys are favored by 14.5.

For the Bruins, tonight is all about new beginnings.

We will see the new spread offense and its high speed tempo directed by OC Noel Mazzone. We will see the debut of redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley. We will see the new 3-4 defensive scheme guided by DC Lou Spanos. We will see the effect of Coach Mora's philosophy and leadership on a new season of Bruin football. And we'll see if our annual return of hope for our football team is finally justified.

Two quick thoughts for everyone...first, we do not tolerate any personal attacks on our players. Don't do it. Say what you want about the play, but support the players. Second, on paper at least, the Bruins should dominate this game. Let's enjoy the evening, but keep the big picture in perspective. We have a program to rebuild. Tonight is one game.

The game is televised tonight on CBS Sports Network. You can find the channel in your area by going here and entering your location and provider. Radio coverage is on KTLK 1150 AM in the Los Angeles area and on Sirius XM Channel 138. You can also follow the game via GameTracker on the Official UCLA Site.

Here's your open thread, gang. Let's go!

Here's to new beginnings, Bruins. Especially to a new culture of winning football in Westwood.

GO BRUINS!!