UCLA Loses Star Defensive Lineman Eddie Vanderdoes for the Season

And just like that, the glow from the amazing start is gone.

Chris Foster of the LA Times is reporting tonight that junior defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in Saturday's 37-16 win over Virginia.

UCLA defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior-cruciate ligament in his knee Saturday during a 34-16 victory over Virginia, according to a person close to the situation but not authorized to speak about it.

Vanderdoes, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior, went to help up nose tackle Kenny Clark after Clark caught a touchdown pass in the third quarter. Vanderdoes collapsed and limped off the field. Coach Jim Mora said Vanderdoes' knee had "locked up on him" earlier in the game.

Vanderdoes led the Bruins on Saturday with 8 tackles, and he and Kenny Clark, who also had an outstanding game on Saturday, have been touted as one of the best defensive line tandems in the nation.

The Bruins will look to sophomores Matt Dickerson and Jacob Tuioti-Mariner to fill in for EVD. Freshman Rick Wade looked good in preseason camp and may get some playing time as well. Najee Toran and Carl Hulick, both former OL turned DL may also get an opportunity. It's a deep unit, but no one will be able to replace Eddie's strength and skill. DL Coach Angus McClure will have to find the right buttons to push.

I feel so bad for Eddie and his family. It sucks so much when college athletes get hurt. The injury is an immediate blow to their college career, but it also puts a big question mark on their future pro prospects, and a player of Eddie's stature stands to make a good living in the NFL.

But now that waits. Eddie will be able to redshirt this season. ACL injuries require surgery and several months of rehab, but he has a reasonable chance of returning to full speed by the start of next season. OLB Kene Orjioke suffered a torn ACL early last season and was on the field for the Bruins on Saturday.

Our sincerest good wishes to Eddie on a speedy recovery and rehab.Coach Alosi will be waiting for you.