Ranking the Pac-10: UCLA

8. UCLA

I struggled to place UCLA ahead of ASU because I figure that the Bruins will have more injuries this year that keep them from playing at full speed. The coaching staff in LA is able to hype their offense year after year, but they are always able to fall back on "We are not operating at full strength". I decided to rank UCLA ahead of ASU based on teams operating at full strength.

The new offensive experiment this year is the "Pistol offense", made popular by Nevada. The Pistol is a mix between a short shotgun and a single back rushing attack. The running back lines up directly behind the quarterback that is 2-3 yards behind the line of scrimmage. This allows the RB to get a head of steam before taking the ball. This formation also allows the QB the ability to survey the Defense with a shorter drop than a QB playing under center. This offense works wonders for nearly every one that uses it, but those teams typically have terrible defenses. UCLA has a formidable defense year in and year out, so this new offense is a reason for them to be excited.

The problems: 1) Young talent. Neuheisel has a bunch of young/highly regarded players that lack maturity. This team will be dangerous in a year, but this year figures to be a building block. 2) Norm Chow. This man has been called an offensive guru in the past. That title needs to be taken away until he can form an offense that ranks in the top 50 in any offensive category. Only 22 points per game is a joke in a conference that is known only for offense.

Season outlook: This season can be magical, but my prediction is that Neuheisel and Co. will be hitting the recruiting trail early as no LA team plays past December 4th. I wish every team could schedule like UCLA has this year. They open at Kansas St and go to Texas, with Stanford and Houston sandwiched in between. UCLA will be able to make it past Kansas State to open the season. Then I see 3 straight losses to 2 elite QBs and and elite team in Texas. UCLA will beat Washington State and steal one vs. Oregon State or @Cal. The upset for UCLA will be on the road against Washington.

Final Prediction: 4-8 (3-5)
Homer Prediction: 9-3 (7-2)

8. UCLA
9. Arizona State
10. Washington State