Every so often, there is just an overwhelming number of hot topics enveloping the UCLA sports scene. We’re opening the floor to every sport, from football to women’s soccer, in this edition of the weekly showdown between Daily Bruin Sports senior staffers.
Do you think Arizona head coach Mike Stoops deserved to be fired after a 1-5 start?
The terminology “deserved” is a harsh word in itself but placing that aside, I do not believe he should have been fired midseason. He led a team last season that started 7-1 and was ranked in the AP Poll’s top 15. I understand Arizona has had a horrific start, but a little bit of courtesy to let Stoops finish out the season would have been nice.
Is Utah still a contender in the Pac-12 South with starting quarterback Jordan Wynn going down for the season?
I hate to write off any team, but Utah is in quite a bit of trouble. They already had problems putting points up, and losing the heart and soul of that offense can only hurt. That being said, the Utes have the easier part of their Pac-12 schedule coming up, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are still in it in November.
With these two major events in Pac-12 football, where do you think UCLA will end up?
It’s hard to say at this point that UCLA won’t finish in the top half of the Pac-12 South. Arizona, Colorado and Utah all have yet to win a Pac-12 game and USC is ineligible so that leaves No. 18 Arizona State and UCLA. With a 2-1 record to start the season, it’ll be hard to say that they aren’t on track to finish second in the Pac-12 South and maybe even contend for the title.
Which current competing Bruin team has the best chance to win a national championship?
Women’s soccer recently lost to No. 1 Stanford in Palo Alto, but I still feel like the team is on path to have quite the season. The Bruins are 10-1-2 and have a solid team built around a great crop of freshmen and senior striker Sydney Leroux. It will be tough to knock off the Cardinal, but I believe they’ll have a shot at it later this season.
Men’s basketball media day is this weekend. What are you most looking forward to this season?
Most people will be concerned about Jerime Anderson’s status on the team and Joshua Smith’s physique, but I only care about Ben Howland’s tone. Two years ago, he seemed discouraged, last year was hopeful, and this year, I think he should be quite pleased with where the team is at.