Every so often, there is just an overwhelming number of hot topics enveloping the UCLA sports scene. There is a lot going on in the sports world and so we decided to discuss a hodgepodge of topics for the latest showdown between the Daily Bruin Sports senior staffers.
Where do you think Stanford football deserves to be ranked?
Ruffman: There is no question that LSU is the best team in college football but I feel like the No. 2 spot is debatable. Oklahoma State is having its best season in a long time and deserve a top 3 spot, but I have a hard time not believing Stanford should be No. 2. Now, I will put my foot straight in my mouth if it loses to Oregon this weekend, but for now, Stanford should be second.
Peck: Stanford has definitely earned its high spot in the AP rankings this season, but it’s not at the same level as LSU or Alabama. However, it has dominated its Pac-12 opponents and its triple-overtime win over USC was one of the most exciting games I’ve watched all year. Stanford and Oregon face off this week in a likely preview of the Pac-12 North Championship game. I’m expecting fireworks and four overtimes.
How far do you see the No. 2 women’s soccer team going in the playoffs?
Ruffman: The women’s soccer team has the talented youth and the experienced upperclassmen, led by superstar senior forward Sydney Leroux, to win it all. This should take them as far as the title game, but there has been one heck of a roadblock in No. 1 Stanford. If they can get over the mental hump of facing the only team to beat them this year then I wouldn’t be surprised if they came away with the title.
Peck: I have high hopes for this team to make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. The team is a No. 2 seed in the tournament, and very few opponents have been able to match UCLA’s level of play. Sydney Leroux is one of the best scorers in the country, and this team has shown every sign of being able to win the big games on the road that you have to win in the postseason.
What is the key for the women’s volleyball team to win the national title?
Ruffman: They have had an amazing year so far, and they have clearly deserved their No. 1 ranking. Once the playoffs come around, though, rankings don’t matter. UCLA will need to ride its stud outside hitters: Kelly Reeves, Rachael Kidder and Bojana Todorovic. With the right leadership and a steady dose of hitting opportunities for the outside hitters, I could see them bringing home No. 108.
Peck: This team has been getting better every game this season, and, at this point, they’re pretty tough to beat. UCLA has swept both Cal and Stanford this year, and Rachael Kidder and Kelly Reeves have been absolutely killing it. The team is so deep that anyone on the floor at any time is a serious threat. Props to freshmen Priscilla Duke-Ezeji and Zoë Nightingale as well: They can come off the bench and change the game.
What’s your guess for Joshua Smith’s season averages at season’s end?
Ruffman: Smith is a year older and a year wiser, so no matter what his physique is like, I see him having a big year, barring injuries. I don’t think it would be out of hand to predict 17 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game, with three of them being offensive. The biggest stat may be his free-throw percentage, though ““ if that’s good, then UCLA is in great shape.
Peck: I’d like to see Mr. Smith average a double-double this year. I’m not worried about him scoring or getting enough looks at the basket, because I know he will. If he can stay out of foul trouble, he should easily be able to grab 10 boards every game. I’ll say he averages 18 points and 10 rebounds, and I really want to see him take charges, because guards are going to want to attack him.
What are you most looking forward to about Thanksgiving: turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin pie or football?
Ruffman: There used to be a tradition where the Denver Broncos would play on Thanksgiving, and that would always be exciting, but that got cut, so I’m going with cranberry sauce. Homemade, by the can, I don’t care ““ just give me some cranberry sauce.
Peck: It’s always a hard choice between pumpkin pie and the Chargers, but I’ll have to go with the pie for now. My team has been letting me down the past few weeks, but maybe a holiday is just what they need to shake the monkey off its back. That being said, the Bruins have won two in a row, and I’m optimistic about their chances to get to a bowl game this year.