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UCLA v. Tennessee - a Cal fan's perspective

Woof - that was one ugly win for our brethren down south! A win's a win, however, and for a brand-new Pac-10 team to beat a solid SEC team is good for the conference. Here are some thoughts from this game to consider as we enter Week Two of the football season

The Game - Reason for optimism or worry for Bruins Nation?

If I'm a Bruins fan (which I'm not, Captain Obvious), I'm happy with the win and see what the next two games bring. UCLA travels to BYU to take on the Cougars and then take on an Arizona team that just put up 70+ points on the Vandals. I'd be "cautiously optimistic" rather than drunken-stupor-optimistic as the win may also be indicative of a Tennessee team in a down-year.

I would be, however, excited about the defense. UCLA's solid defensive unit kept them in the game, maintaining solid pressure on Crompton and somewhat containing their run game. You may even kinda sorta be excited about Craft (second half Craft)!

What does it mean for Cal and the rest of the conference:

A marquee win by UCLA over a traditional SEC power is good for the conference, period, end of discussion; however, you have to think as a Big _____ voter. That was an Ugly Betty type of game (also see: Fresno State vs. Rutgers) and I'm 100% supa dupa sure that SEC voters will play down the Bruins' W and play up the fact that the game was Tennessee's to lose. UCLA struggled like you would not believe offensively in the first half - and yet, Tennessee could not capitalize on 4 interceptions - against any Pac-10 team, that would have been an L for UCLA. But if the Vols go on to win against other SEC teams, THIS is the year that the SEC should lose its vaunted top dog status.

Call me crazy but I see this as a down year for the SEC and think the Pac-10 is fielding the toughest teams this year. We (Cal) cannot overlook any team in this conference, 'cuz clearly we can throw down with anyone from any conference (also see Cal vs. MSU, Virginia vs. USC). Am I crazy? Your thoughts

Be nice. You can find the original CGB team at WriteForCalifornia.com.

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