UCLA looks for improvement under Neuheisel
NCAA Football Betting Lines
08/12/2010 -
LOS ANGELES (AP) -UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel insists he takes no pleasure in his crosstown rivals' troubles.
He wants the Bruins to win the Race for Los Angeles because they're better than Southern California, not because the Trojans were tripped up by Reggie Bush and the NCAA.
Yet Neuheisel also realizes USC's woes have put UCLA in prime position to make Southland football competitive again - and in the third year of the coach's tenure, he knows it's high time to start seeing results from his rebuilding project. As an alumnus, that's exactly what he would demand of anybody in charge of the once-powerful program.
``We can't take any time to worry about SC,'' Neuheisel said during a preseason interview at the Rose Bowl. ``But is there a window of opportunity? Certainly, and we want to take advantage of that and play on this field in January.''
UCLA has been picked to finish near the bottom of the Pac-10 for another season, ranking eighth in the conference media poll. Neuheisel said expectations sometimes lag behind results: After making a bowl game while going 7-6 last season despite an inept running game and offensive line, he believes the Bruins' weaknesses are closer to strengths after a third straight year of solid recruiting made possible by everything that makes UCLA special.
``UCLA can be back in the national conversation immediately,'' Neuheisel said. ``UCLA's brand is as good as any in the nation. If we get back to that level and get back to the Rose Bowl, we'll be right back on people's minds immediately, and for years to come. I know football has been on hiatus for a long time, but we have the ability to get it right back on top.''
Most people who are paid to have such opinions don't think the Bruins will do it quite yet. But where others see flaws in a defense that lost two of its best players, Neuheisel sees an opportunity for young players - and where experts see perhaps too many returnees from a sub-par offense that managed just 22 points per game last season, Neuheisel sees the lessons of experience.
Neuheisel and coordinator Norm Chow also spent the offseason installing a new offensive look, dubbed the Revolver.
After the Bruins' profound struggles while rushing for just 114.6 yards per game last season, ranking 97th in the country, Neuheisel decided he needed to try something unorthodox to get them moving. The UCLA coaches consulted with Nevada coach Chris Ault, who uses an offense called the Pistol - a modified shotgun formation with the quarterback standing a few yards behind the center, and the tailback a few yards behind that.
The scheme is designed to make the defense worry about runs by Kevin Prince, the athletic Bruins quarterback who didn't get much chance to show off his elusiveness last season. Neuheisel is no stranger to unorthodox offenses after installing the Veer for quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo at Washington several years ago - and this change could hardly make the Bruins' offense any less potent.
Prince is the presumptive starter after his up-and-down 2009, while tailbacks Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman also are back. Receivers Taylor Embree and Nelson Rosario return, as does most of the offensive line that gave up 29 sacks and struggled to open running room last season.
Neuheisel sees those returnees as a good thing.
``On our offensive line, finally we've got some level of experience for the first time since we've been here,'' Neuheisel said. ``You feel like you're going to be a little bit better off. I just believe we're further along at the start, and because of that, I think we've given ourselves a better chance to move the ball.''
The defense lost cornerback Alterraun Verner and defensive lineman Brian Price, but returns a solid group led by safety Rahim Moore, who led the nation with 10 interceptions last season. Defense wasn't usually the Bruins' problem last season, and Moore believes they have a chance to be solid again.
``It's not about topping last year,'' Moore said. ``If I could, I would take away the 10 picks to get 10 wins. It's about getting me better and getting everyone around me better. This is our chance to show ourselves on the biggest stage against great teams like Kansas State, Texas and Houston.''
Ah, the early-season schedule: UCLA has a visit from Stanford mixed into those three tough September nonconference games, minimizing the Bruins' chance at a strong early-season start. If UCLA stumbles early, Neuheisel's task will be tougher - and don't forget, the Bruins went 0-5 last October, repeatedly falling short of wins that could have kept them rolling.
Neuheisel's optimism doesn't waver even when thinking about his rough September schedule. He's banking on the Bruins moving forward with confidence.
``For the first time since I've been here, we have an experienced team,'' Neuheisel said. ``There's confidence in the locker room, confidence in the coaching staff, and now we just have to find results on the field to justify that confidence.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -When Oregon's season ended in Pasadena on New Year's Day, it appeared all but certain that the Pacific-10 champions would lead the conference again this fall. But after a tumultuous offseason, the Ducks' outlook in the league is f
<< Lifelong Vikings fan Al Franken visits camp
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -Vacationing Sen. Al Franken has a few things to say about his beloved Minnesota Vikings.Franken says he expects Brett Favre to be the quarterback again this season. He believes the team should have a new stadium built. Oh, and h
<< Mets place Rodriguez on restricted list
Flushing, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Mets placed closer Francisco
Rodriguez on the restricted list on Thursday following an incident with a
family member on Wednesday night.
Rodriguez will miss the next two games without pa
<< Team Canada's Pierce hoping for success south of the border
Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Joel Pierce can breath easy now that he's
landed a summer job.
The 17-year-old found a minute somewhere between competing against the best
18-and-under baseball players at the Worlds and signing a c
<< Reds' Cueto suspended seven games; Baker, La Russa also penalized
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto was
suspended seven games by Major League Baseball for his role in the August 10
benches-clearing melee with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Managers Dusty Baker of Cinc
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -When it comes to replacing Toby Gerhart and his 28 touchdowns, 1,871 rushing yards and countless big plays, Stanford will have a hard time finding one person to fill the job.Gerhart's running duties will likely be shared by Je
Cal hopes lower expectations lead to more success >>
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -The talk of the Heisman Trophy, a Rose Bowl and BCS bids that was so prevalent around California last year feels as far away as the Golden Bears' last outright Pac-10 title more than a half-century ago.After yet another promis
Rangers sale approved by MLB >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Major League Baseball has approved the sale of
the Texas Rangers from Tom Hicks to a group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan
Ryan.
The lengthy process finally came to a close Thursday after the Greenberg-Rya
Trail Blazers hire pair of assistant GMs >>
Portland, OR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Portland Trail Blazers rounded out their
front office staff on Thursday by hiring Bill Branch and Steve Rosenberry as
assistant general managers.
Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
"I've ha
UConn G Doty to miss 2010-11 season with ACL tear >>
Storrs, CT (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Connecticut junior guard Caroline Doty will
miss the entire 2010-11 season with a torn ACL in her left knee.
Doty started 38 of 39 games and averaged 6.8 points this past season as the
Huskies went undef
Problem with Bears?
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
Mysportsbook.com online online sportsbook accepts Visa & Mastercard
Football Betting
NFL Football Betting OnlineThe San Francisco 49ers (5-11 SU, 5-10-1 ATS in 2007; 1-1 SU & ATS in pre-season) found some offensive life last week, and they will try to build some momentum on Thursday night as they travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears (7-9 SU & ATS in 2007; 0-2 SU, 0-1-1 ATS in pre-season) in an NFL matchup that is set to get underway at 8 PM ET at Soldier Field (natural turf) in Chicago.
Thursday, August 21
NFL betting odds: CHICAGO -3 (-120), Total 37
NOTABLE STAT: San Francisco was last in points, last in total offense in 2007
KEY NFL BETTING TREND: SF has lost its last seven SU on pre-season road
In the BetUS NFL pre-season football betting odds, the Bears are listed as a three-point favorite (laying -120), with the total posted at 37 points.
Here are some NFL football betting trends as they relate to this matchup (reflecting numbers going into the 2008 season):
* SF has lost 11 of its last 14 games SU
* SF has covered three of its last 11 games
* SF has lost six of its last seven road games SU
* SF has covered one of its last seven road games
* CHI has covered five of its last eight games
* CHI has played five of its last seven games OVER the total
* CHI has covered four of its last 13 home games
* SF has lost its last seven pre-season road games SU
* CHI has covered two of its last seven home pre-season games
Well, I guess we should congratulate the Bears on making their quarterback choice for the season's opening game, as they have designated Kyle Orton the starter against Indianapolis. The Bears obviously have lost patience with Rex Grossman, and what they do with him at this point is anybody's guess. But suffice it to say that there isn't a quarterback competition anymore, at least in training camp.
Meanwhile, the quarterback competition may also be settled in San Francisco, where the Niners bounced back from a lackluster 18-6 loss to the Raiders, in which they turned the ball over four times, to execute a 34-6 rout of the Packers last Saturday. However, coach Mike Nolan has stopped short of saying that, insisting that the job is still open. But J.T. O'Sullivan, the longshot of the trio of Niner signal-callers who opened camp, will start his third straight pre-season game here. Against Green Bay, O'Sullivan was only 8-for-17, and was intercepted, but he also threw for 9.1 yards an attempt, which included a 59-yard TD pass to Josh Morgan. The others struggled.
Some offensive cohesion is badly needed, in light of the Niners' dismal 2007 campaign, in which they were dead last in the NFL in scoring, with just 13.7 points a game. And O'Sullivan is the guy who is most familiar with offensive coordinator Mike Martz's exacting system, because he learned it last year in Detroit. O'Sullivan will go at least the entire first half and may even last longer. He'll be relieved by Alex Smith, with Shawn Hill doing the mop-up work. Three receivers who were out last week - Bryant Johnson, Ashley Lelie and Arnaz Battle - will miss this game too.
That may hurt a little here, especially since the Bears will be using a lot of their defensive starters. And it's the defense that has been keeping the Bears in games thus far. In fact, the defense and special teams were responsible for the first 19 points Chicago scored against Seattle last time out, as the offense really struggled with Grossman at the controls. But maybe the first-team offense has a chance to settle a little bit as it works more with Orton at the helm.
Certainly we have concerns about the Bears' offensive line, but we like the scenario for them here, especially if O'Sullivan doesn't make some bis plays. The Niners may have nowhere else to turn right now, and they have lost seven straight road games in the pre-season. Let's take Chicago, the three-point favorite in the NFL football betting odds.
CHICAGO -3 (-120) **
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)
The 2008 NFL betting lines season is almost upon us! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join sportbook today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLIII and beyond!
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting odds .