Fan Breakdown of UCLA

This week we will be addressing the 2nd game of the 2007 season: UCLA on September 8th. No word yet on what network will carry the game, but it will be one of BYU's few opportunities to shine on a national level against a highly regarded team.

A special thanks to Bob Wilson for this report:

Offense:

QBs:

Ben Olson has been handed the starting job this spring. He is learning his third offense in the last three years, although this year’s O should be similar to last year’s. Olson needs to make better decisions and make them quicker. Last season, he held on to the ball too long and often forced throws into coverage. For the Bruin passing game to be successful, Olson needs to think less and let his athletic abilities take over. Pat Cowen is a strong back-up and could see action if Olson falters. Cowen is a better scrambler than Olson, but doesn’t possess the arm strength of the starter.

RB: Chris Markey is a very good back, but not an elite talent. He led the Bruins in rushing (topping 1,000 yards) and receiving last season. He doesn’t have great speed, but he sees the holes well and doesn’t waste a lot of time dancing around. Markey is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Michael Pitre is a good blocking back who rarely carries the rock. The x-factor could be sophomore Chane Moline. He is a 250 pound power back with good feet and vision. Look for Moline to be used as the goal-line back.

TE: Logan Paulson should emerge as the top tight end. He is the most athletically gifted player on the roster at the position and could be a great red-zone weapon.

O-line: The o-line is a big question mark. It is supposed to be a strength, but was embarrassed in the Spring game. If the o-line can’t open holes for the runners and give Olson time to throw – it will be a long year. Once the line gets used to the new offense and gets comfortable they should, once again, be the strength of the offense.

WR: The wideouts are solid, but not spectacular. Joe Cowan returns from injury and should lead the group. Brandon Breazell is small, but plays much bigger than his 160-pound frame should allow. Sophomore Terrence Austin could emerge as the best of the bunch.

Defense

DL: This is the strength of the team. Bruce Davis just might lead the nation in sacks this year if Nikola Dragovic can return from injury and play up to his potential. Davis had 12.5 sacks last year and is looking to improve on that impressive number. The defensive tackles aren’t household names, but they are tough and will stuff the run.

LB: Reggie Carter came out of nowhere last year and should be all Pac-10 this season. He is strong and fast and plays with a nasty streak. Chris Taylor, John Hale and Aaron Whittington are all solid backers. Brian Bosworth’s nephews provide depth.

DB: Trey Brown is a good coverage corner and Alterraun Verner burst onto the scene with two pick sixes as a true freshman. The safeties are athletic and really improved their tackling last year. Defensive back had been a weak spot for several years until last season. The DBs should be solid again.

5 Reasons the Bruins will beat BYU:

1: Ben Olson will have a breakout game against his former school. Emotions will be running high, but the coaches will put him in position to succeed.
2: The Bruin defense returns 9 starters from the team that held USC to 9 points.
3: BYU will be breaking in a new quarterback against said defense.
4: The Bruin running backs will be healthy and fresh and too much of a load to bring down.
5: The Bruins are looking for a 10 win season and will be too focused to be derailed early in the season.