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Updated: August 20, 11:08 AM ET Bruins talented enough to battle for title By Ted Miller Special to ESPN.com |
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UCLA Bruins
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Coach: Karl Dorrell (1st season) 2002 overall record: 8-5 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 7 Defense: 7 Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Tyler Ebell* (858 yds) Passing: Cory Paus (1,647 yds) Receiving: Craig Bragg* (738 yds) Tackles: Spencer Havner* (78) Sacks: Dave Ball* (10.5) Interceptions: Ricky Manning (4) Outlook: UCLA is operating under the radar right now, but this is a talented team that might makes some noise if it unites under new coach Karl Dorrell and shows more spine than it did under former coach Bob Toledo. The key preseason battle is at quarterback between a pair of sophomores, Drew Olson and Matt Moore, who gained valuable experience last year filling in for injured starter Cory Paus. The task of breaking in an eventual starter wasn't helped by the loss of senior receiver Tab Perry to academic woes, but Craig Bragg caught 55 passes last year with eight touchdowns and sophomore Junior Taylor is explosive. Tailback Tyler Ebell burst onto the scene last year, and he'll be running behind three returning starters on the offensive line. Fullback Manuel White probably will get a lot of touches catching the ball out of the backfield. While tight end Mike Seidman is gone, Keith Carter and Marcedes Lewis won't miss a beat. Breaking in a new kicker and punter could be a concern. The defense could become one of the best units in the Pac-10. End Dave Ball had 11.5 sacks last year, while tackle Rodney Leisle is back after missing last season with a foot injury. Linebacker Spencer Havner had 97 tackles and three interceptions as a true freshman, while three-fourths of the secondary is back, led by 6-foot-3 corner Matt Ware. Sophomore strong safety Jarrad Page is a budding star. UCLA will be tested early by a rugged non-conference schedule that includes visits to Colorado and Oklahoma. Under Toledo, the Bruins often started quickly, however, and faltered late. Dorrell's task is making sure they retain the first part and avoid the second portion of that pattern. Key game: Washington visits on Oct. 4. UCLA has won three of four against the Huskies. The Pac-10 opener for Dorrell should reveal how well the Bruins held together after a tough non-conference slate. Keep an eye on: Ebell rushed for 994 yards as a true freshman, despite his small size. He's gained a few pounds during the offseason and if he continues to slash through gaps, this veteran offense should do well, whoever plays quarterback. It's a good year if. . .: If the Bruins improve on last year's 8-5 finish and earn a respectable bowl berth. The schedule is very tough, but this team could surprise some people. Ted Miller covers the Pac-10 for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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