(Very) Brief UCLA Pregame Thoughts

Sorry folks. On the road this week and weekend, and I'll be at the game, so no time for a preview, except the following thoughts:

1. The Cal defense needs to do two things: (1) attack, and (2) be ready to defend the TE pass, bubble screen, and dump offs to the RBs. That is the key to this game on defense. They are good enough to lock this offense down and force punts and turnovers, and they need to go into this game with that mentality. Anything short of that on the road, and the home team will eventually find its way on offense.

2. The Cal offense does not need to panic. Keep sticking with the game plans, be patient with the run, and finish blocks. The difference this week is just get Riley in rhythm. That is the difference between a balanced offense and a stagnant one. If gets comfortable, Cal will be fine offensively. If he doesn't, again, start drinking.

3. I said I'd hold off on making a judgment as to how good this team was until after this weekend. We'll learn something about this team this weekend.

4. I am not in the business of predictions, but I will say this: Tedford and his staff are usually well prepared, and get the team to play pretty well, after a bye when the expectations are not high. I don't know what we'll see, but I will be surprised if the team looks unprepared.

5. For a different perspective, watch some different players than the RBs and QB for a change. On offense, watch the guards for a whole series. Then watch the WRs run routes and block. On defense, watch the LBs for a whole series. It'll give you a good insight into how well guys are actually playing, regardless of how the play turns out.

Check links to the right for video streams of the game. Between JustinTV and the other sites, you'll find a link somewhere on one of those sites if you poke around long enough. Sorry the quick preview, but I'll have plenty of thoughts after the game.