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E-mail Allen at sallen@media.ucla.edu</center>
Monday’s game will certainly be remembered for its remarkable storylines- coach Rick Neuheisel’s debut, quarterback Kevin Craft’s stunning resilience, and the Bruin’s 27-24, overtime victory over a very talented Tennessee team. But there were a few other things last night that are very significant:
– As stunning as Craft’s performance was, the most remarkable part of this win might be the injuries UCLA played through. Based on the spring depth chart, UCLA played with a significant injury to every position other than fullback and center. A majority of the UCLA offensive players had never seen the field before Monday night, and yet the Bruins beat one of the better defenses in the best conference in college football. It’s still hard to believe.
– Taylor Embree is the freshman wideout who will make the biggest difference this season. Embree enrolled early, played well during spring practices, and then caught four balls for 53 yards, including two huge grabs in the final minutes of the fourth quarter in last night’s win. Embree wasn’t the most touted of the freshmen wideouts, but it looks like he will contribute more than fellow first-years Nelson Rosario, Antwon Moutra and Jerry Johnson.
– Offensive coordinator Norm Chow knows how to use a tight-end. Tight end Logan Paulsen had one big catch last night before going down with a foot injury. Ryan Moya replaced him and quickly became Craft’s go-to-guy. Moya caught seven balls, and caught a late touchdown to put the Bruins ahead, 24-21. That’s eight completions and one touchdown to tight ends in Chow’s first game as UCLA’s play-caller. Paulsen caught just 12 balls and one touchdown all of last season.
– Cornerback Courtney Viney and linebacker Akeem Ayers will be difference-makers on special teams and defense this season. Neither of these redshirt freshmen start, but each found a way to impact Monday’s game. Viney saved a touchdown will an ankle tackle on Tennessee punt-returner Greg Jones. Ayers blocked a Volunteers’ punt, which UCLA recovered and took back for a score.
– Kai Forbath could be a Groza Award finalist this year. His two field-goals last night were flawless. How strange is it, then, that Jimmy Rotstein still has the kick-off duties?
– Anyone who forgot how good defensive tackle Brigham Harwell is got a loud and clear reminder last night. Case-in-point, when Volunteers’ runningback Arrian Foster shook UCLA safety Rahim Moore, it was the 280-pound Harwell who made the tackle, 41-yards downfield.
– Reggie Carter’s strip of Foster near the goal line was the most important play of the first three quarters. The strip- and Rahim Moore’s recovery- saved UCLA from falling into a 21-7 hole.
– This is a well-coached team. Despite all the inexperience, and the chaos of an opening game, the Bruins committed just two penalties. UCLA did not loose its poise in overtime, either, even after surrendering a late field goal to Tennessee.
Most encouraging statistic: 25-43. Kevin Craft completed 25 of 43 passes (59%), even after a dismal first half. If Craft can keep his completion percentage near 60%, or higher, the Bruins will compete.
Most worrisome stat: 0.9. The Bruin runners averaged under a yard per carry in the win. Tennessee does have great linebackers- and an experienced defense overall. Plus the Bruins lost starter Khalil Bell. A lot of it boils down to the offensive line creating very little push at the line of scrimmage. Obviously, that unit and this statistic need to improve.
Be sure to read Jason Feder’s game recap, Andrew Howard’s sidebar, and Ben Taylor’s column.
<hr>Related Daily Bruin sports stories<br>
UCLA beats Tennessee in overtime| Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Craft brings back game in second half| Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hold your highest hopes for next year | Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Starting off anew| Monday, August 25, 2008
Freshman Rahim Moore on secondary| Monday, August 25, 2008
Gators likely to take national championship| Monday, August 25, 2008
Reggie Carter is ready to rumble| Monday, August 25, 2008
Kahlil Bell’s new knee is crucial to Bruin running game| Monday, August 25, 2008
Who’s who on this year’s team?| Monday, August 25, 2008
Kevin Craft named starting quarterback| Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Quarterbacks vie for starting spot| Monday, August 18, 2008
Scrimmage shows strong defense| Monday, August 18, 2008<hr>