UCLA PICK ‘EM over Oklahoma State
The Bruins of UCLA look to get their 2004 campaign off to a good start with a victory on Saturday when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys in a non-conference matchup at the Rose Bowl. Head coach Les Miles has turned OSU into one of the better programs in the Big 12 over the past few seasons, and guided the Cowboys to an impressive 9-4 overall mark in 2003. They did come up short in the Cotton Bowl against Ole Miss last season, falling by a score of 31-28. Meanwhile, the Bruins finished their 2003 season with an overall mark of only 6-7 after losing to Fresno State 17-9 in the Silicon Valley Bowl. Head coach Karl Dorrell had some problems in his first year guiding the program, but this season he hopes to get things turned around with a young and athletic squad that could surprise some people in the conference.
The Cowboys ranked 11th in the nation in rushing offense last season, averaging an impressive 218 ypg. They did so behind the strong running of Tatum Bell, who will be playing on Sundays this year for the Denver Broncos. Vernand Morency now takes over at tailback for the Cowboys and should do a very good job. He nearly rushed for 1000 yards last year as the back up to Bell. Morency and his back up, Seymore Shaw are both questionable for this contest, battling leg injuries, which certainly won’t help the Cowboys cause. The bigger loss on offense for OSU came under center, where the team was left without the services of talented quarterback Josh Fields. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball's amateur draft this past offseason and will not be returning to Stillwater. Redshirt freshman Donovan Woods, who is the younger brother of former OSU standout wide receiver Rashaun Woods and current Cowboys' wideout D'Juan Woods will be the starter. The Cowboys struggled on defense in 2003, ranking 66th against the run and 86th versus the pass. They do return nine starters from last year's unit and with another year of experience under their belts, things should improve, although not dramatically.
Saying that the Bruins struggled on offense last season would be a major understatement. UCLA mustered just 92 ypg on the ground, 203 ypg through the air, and just 19 ppg. Things should be greatly improved, as there is more certainty and experience on this year's team, which returns eight starters from 2003. QB Drew Olson had to split the snaps last year, but is the sole leader of the offense this year, and we look for him to respond accordingly. He does have the luxury of throwing to one of the best wideouts in the nation in Craig Bragg, who had over 1000 receiving yards in 2003. Playing time at tailback will again be split up for the Bruins, with Manuel White and Maurice Drew both getting plenty of carries. The Bruins will sorely miss defensive linemen Dave Ball and Rodney Leslie this season, but they look for terrific play from their linebackers to solidify the “Dâ€. Linebacker's Justin London and Spencer Havner are outstanding for the Bruins.
UCLA should be an improved team from a year ago, especially on offense. Having all five starters return for the Bruin offensive front wall should certainly help. After splitting time last year, the quarterback job is all Drew Olson's and he should be able to take advantage of his speedy receiving corps. OK State’s Woods has the talent and athleticism to be a star, but he's still raw. The Cowboys could be another pleasant surprise in 2004, but it's not going to happen right away. The Cowboys usually take a little while to jell, and we see this season as no exception. UCLA will come out pumped up in its home park, where they are a nifty 9-1 ATS in openers. Asking the young Cowboys to win this game on the road is simply too much at this and on this stage. They will fight hard, but the Bruins should prevail in the end with a SU & ATS victory.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: UCLA 28 OKLAHOMA STATE 23