Bluebook Notes #6: Cardiac Bruins

In every college football season, there is always one team that no one predicted to make some noise that ends up sounding off a thunderclap. The 2005 UCLA Bruins were picked by many to come in fourth or fifth in the Pac-10 by most pundits, but have greatly exceeded expectations.

One of the main reasons why UCLA is undefeated, and ranked ninth in the BCS is because of the stellar play of Maurice Drew. Drew, the Bruin junior running back, has flat-out made plays when needed. He can score on the ground, as a receiver, and has cast his biggest dagger on special teams.

Another reason for Bruin success has been the emergence of Drew Olson at quarterback. Two years ago, this guy was fighting for his job, and most fans in Westwood preferred Matt Moore, his former teammate and current adversary. He had a decent junior season, but has really cranked it up in 2005. His touchdown to interception ratio (15:3) is one of the best in the nation, and he is a finalist for the Unitas Award given to the top senior quarterback. Olson has fought off injuries and competition to become the man at UCLA.

The final reason for the resurfacing of UCLA football has been the coaching of Karl Dorrell. There were many insiders who thought that this could be his final season at the helm if the Bruins didn't win at least eight games. Many fans questioned Dorrell leadership and coaching ability and thought that he was unqualified to lead the program. He has proven all of his detractors wrong, and made key decision to win games.

One major call that Dorrell made was a brilliant punt-fake against California. He bucked his conservative playcalling trend with a superb decision that ended up winning the game for the Bruins. His focus on patience and execution has paid off in Westwood — the Bruins are flat-out kickin' tail. Of course, if Bruin success is to continue, they will have to improve their consistency on defense.

The reason why the Bruins are this year's "Cardiac Kids," are because they have made the improbable fourth quarter comeback almost ubiquitous. They have won their last three game in the final period and have done so with a style that even Hollywood would admire. However, the reason for the comebacks has been because their defense has gotten beat up on the ground in the first three quarters. If the Bruins wish to play USC with an undefeated record, they will have to clamp down against the run for four quarters.

To say that this has been an entertaining season for Bruin fans would be an understatement. This year's team has played well and has shown a determination and heart that had been sorely lacking from previous UCLA teams. They will be the favorite up until they meet USC in the Coliseum. If that scenario plays out, and UCLA is within striking distance in the fourth quarter, watch out, Trojan fans, because this year's team aren't just "gutty little Bruins" — they're heart-breakers.

The HeisDAQ

The race for the Heisman Trophy fluctuates week by week. The HeisDAQ will let you know whose Heisman "stock" is rising and falling.

1) Reggie Bush, RB/KR/PR USC (strong buy) — Bush showed last Saturday in South Bend exactly why he is the best player in the country. His performance against Notre Dame was unbelievable and it showed to a national audience why I picked him to take home the hardware in my preseason Heisman preview. His three touchdowns were special, but his best play was his "assistance" in getting Matt Leinart in for the winning touchdown against the Irish.

2) Matt Leinart, QB USC (buy) — Leinart's season has become somewhat ordinary for him, but he has still played exceptionally well when needed. His audible on 4th-and-9 was gutsy and his pass to Dwayne Jarrett was even better as he led the Trojans to victory on one of the best final drives in college football history. Leinart once gaudy statistics have dropped somewhat, but he is still one of top three quarterbacks in college football.

3) Vince Young, QB Texas (strong buy) — It is official — Vince Young can throw. V.Y. has closed the gap between himself and his two Trojan counterparts with superb performances against Oklahoma and Missouri. He is quickly evolving as a solid quarterback as he is making exceptional strides in dissecting the opponent's defensive schemes. He may just overtake Leinart with a superb game against Texas Tech this weekend.

4) Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame (buy) — "Oh, the humanity!" Quinn was ever so close to leading the Irish to the upset victory against USC last weekend. His amazing scant to the endzone put Notre Dame on top, and almost sealed one of the biggest victories in school history. If Notre Dame had one, Quinn would have vaulted to No. 2, but he's still in the top five and still lurks in the shadows.

5) Maurice Drew, RB UCLA (strong buy) — Maurice Drew is riding up the Heisman chart like a freight train this year. Why? It is because he has been this year's human highlight film. He has basically done what we all thought Ted Ginn would do, and that's why Drew is now in the top five. Drew has a chance as long as the Bruins stay undefeated, and watch out if they beat USC.

6) Brodie Croyle, QB Alabama (hold) — Croyle has been one of the best offensive players this year in the surprisingly anemic SEC. He has slim Heisman hopes for two reasons. He has received relatively small publicity outside of Tuscaloosa, and his star receiver, Tyrone Prothro, has been lost for the year due to injuries. I don't see him going much higher in my list than where he is now.

7) Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota (hold) — Minnesota had their collective hearts ripped out and stomped upon by Wisconsin last weekend. Wisconsin's unbelievable comeback has basically destroyed any chances of Maroney winning the Heisman this year. The "deuce deuce" has had a superb year by putting up great numbers, but his team might not even be in the top five in the Big 10 this year. Unfortunately, that's not going to do.

8) Marcus Vick, QB Virginia Tech (buy) — Marcus Vick has been the steadying force on a Virginia Tech team that just might end up in Pasadena. Normally, when a team is ranked No. 3 in the nation, their quarterback is almost guaranteed a spot in the Heisman top five if he is any good. Vick is good, it's just that he hasn't done too much for voters to get excited about. That could change, as he is playing better and better each week, but he just has too far to go in order to pose a serious challenge to the top contenders.

9) D.J. Shockley, QB Georgia (speculative buy) — Shockley has been another guy that has been lost in the shuffle that is the SEC this year. He is a dual-threat assassin at quarterback and makes plays when he has to. He's doing what we all thought Reggie McNeal would do (boy, did he flop) and has led the Bulldogs to an undefeated record. He suffers from the same problem as Vick, though, he just has too much ground to make up.

10) Brian Calhoun, RB Wisconsin (speculative buy) — Calhoun's three-touchdown performance against Minnesota set the stage for an unbelievable Badger comeback last Saturday. He seems to touch the ball on every play, and has carried this team on his back. His small frame doesn't seem to pose a problem, as he doesn't take square hits, thus keeping him fresh. He really should be higher on the list, but he just suffers from too much anonymity.

Games to Watch/Picks to Click

Season Record: 9-7 ATS; Last Week 2-1 ATS

Tennessee (+3.5) @ Alabama

Here is another one of those difficult to predict games. Tennessee has looked awful on offense, but their defense will be more than adequate to stop the Crimson Tide. The over/under on this game is 38, and I agree with that assessment, as it will be a defensive struggle. Alabama is still reeling from the loss of Tyrone Prothro, and I'm going with my gut as this will be an upset special.

Bleach 20, Tide 17

Texas Tech (+16) @ Texas

Texas Tech will most likely be the stiffest opposition that Vince Young, and the Longhorns will face this season. Cody Hodges and the Red Raider offense have played very well, and they will give Texas' defense all they want.

Young and Co. 45, Hodges and Filani 31

Auburn (+6.5) @ LSU

This has been the benchmark game in the SEC West for the last two seasons, and it will be no exception this year. The winner of this game controls their destiny in the West division, and has the inside track to the conference championship in Atlanta. The Tigers have played very well on defense, but have been tormented by a bunch of needless penalties. Auburn has played well on both sides of the ball, but has not really had much of a challenge since their opening season defeat against Georgia Tech. I think that LSU wins this game, and covers.

Destiny's Child Still Alive 24, Declawed Tigers 7

The Mailbag

This week's comes from Joel in Berkeley:

What the hell happened to Cal?

Joel, that's a really good question. The Bears are struggling after dropping two winnable games against UCLA and Oregon State. It looks like Joe Ayoob has been exposed as far as his passing abilities, so defenses will load up the box to stop Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett. Therefore, the Bears will only have success once Ayoob matures at the quarterback position, and that might be too late unless you want the Bears to end up in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Bowl) or El Paso (Sun Bowl).

Do you think that I'm "off my rocker," or did I hit the proverbial "nail on the head?" Let me know! Send an e-mail to [email protected] and include your name and hometown. I'll do my best to include it in the next week's column.