2012 UCLA Bruins

I've got to say that so far this year the 2012 UCLA football team has been a pleasant surprise.  New offense, new head coach, new starting quarterback, it's all new in the land of Westwood and the results (so far) seem to be indicative of a college football program that is (finally!) heading in the right direction.

As I write this post the Bruins are 6-2 (3-2 Pac-12) and are hosting Arizona at teh Rose Bowl this coming Saturday.  Aside from showing up in another potential Bowl game this year the UCLA Bruins are also on course to potentially represent the Pac-12 South in the Pac-12 Championship game which at this point looks to be a rematch from last year, against a surging Oregon Ducks team.  However, the mood (if UCLA makes it to the championship game again this year) will be in stark contrast to last years Oregon v. UCLA Pac-12 championship game in which the Bruins "limped" into the game by being the best team score wise in the Pac-12 south (USC had the best record last year in the Pac-12 Southern Division but was not bowl eligible due to the NCAA sanctions imposed on the school by the Trojans supposed shady dealings with student athletes and money).

Being a fan of a football team that has (in my opinion) underperformed for so many years is indeed a roller coaster ride of emotions.  However, we finally have an offense that produces TDs and first downs (I'm looking at you Neuheisel, and Mr. Pistol Offense).  We finally have a quarterback that can make short, intermediate, and long passes.  We finally have a head coach that at least looks like he knows what he's doing.  And to top it all off, we look like a team that could finally upset USC in the storied cross-town rivalry game in which the Bruins have not won since 2006.

Football is something that I can relate to easily in my life at the moment.  There will always be bumps in the road but you have got to move on.  Change can and will happen in your life.  Teamwork is a must in crucial moments.  Accountability is key to the blossoming of a relationship with others.  While life and football will not always be easy, the lessons that I have learned from both have made me a better man and a better person.  Being a Bruin fan has not always been easy but the lessons I have learned from being on this journey are well worth the momentary feelings of defeat and loss.

Alright Bruins, lets show college football that we are not just known as a basketball school!