This is my first post here so hi everyone and...
I have to agree with sjt18 especially on 2 counts.
1. The "big 3" on our schedule are not lost causes. The difference with this team from last years is the mindset that "we are here to win, and that's the only reason we're here". It felt weird the last few years of the Fulmer regime...it didn't have a victory spirit about it, even before the games, let alone after the losses.
2. Coaching is a HUGE factor. I like Lane, he seems to be doing fine, but this thing is gonna rock and roll because of the STAFF, Coach O and his drive being a key component. IMO, if this staff got wind that a number of players (even if it were Crompton, Brown, and Jones) felt we couldn't win going into a game, then they would sit them.
Also, this staff actually MAKES ADJUSTMENTS during the game and at halftime. How many times was I screaming at the TV in the 2nd half of a Fulmer/Chavis game because no adjustment was made on easily seen holes in the gameplan...
I think we win fairly big against UCLA. We are at 8.6 yards per play and they are at 5.2 ypp, both against sub-standard opponents. Our secondary shouldn't give up as many big plays as theirs AND we will be more pumped than them (Imagine Coach O pumping up Tennessee vs. Chow or Neuheisel pumping up the ucclaw beer roosters).
Again, that's just my opinion and it's my first post so go easy on me...
:matrix: