UCLA and FOX Off To Winning Start!

Gus Johnson Makes Any Game Exciting

Erin Andrews Gets Everyone Excited!

Brett Hundley: Finally The Bruins Found Their QB!

Johnathan Franklin Is A Running/Receiving Double Threat

    Did you see the UCLA Bruins beat Nebraska 36-30 at the Rose Bowl? If you watched the FOX broadcast it was hard to tell what was more exciting: the new-look, new-attitude Bruins or the TV announcer Gus Johnson.  The latter was best known for his enthusiastic play-by-play calling on the CBS March Madness NCAA basketball tournament.  That network foolishly let him go to FOX who's given him the Saturday showcase NCAA football game and Johnson is already a huge success after two games.  This guy can talk about paint drying and make it sound like the Super Bowl.  Sometimes he goes overboard but that's fine because he keeps his focus on the action.  I'm looking forward to watching all the Saturday games no matter who is playing as long as Johnson is behind the mike.
    The other big hire by FOX was former ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews.  I've never known what to think about this blond bombshell who first turned up at TBS in 2002.  I remember watching her during a Braves game and thinking she would soon be moving on to a national network.  At ESPN she looked much too glamorous to be roaming the sidelines.  I think she's found a perfect spot in the FOX College Football studio doing interviews and half-time updates.  She's still gorgeous but she's not as distracting as she was on the field in high-heels and skirts.  Congrats to FOX on two big hirings that's given their college football telecasts immediate impact and popularity.
    After their second win of the season UCLA has finally cracked the AP Top 25 poll with a #22 ranking.  It's been a long time since the Bruins have been relevant.  It's been even longer since the Bruins fans have had anything to get excited about and it all starts with new coach Jim Mora.  He raised eyebrows by moving his summer drills to hot and smoggy San Bernardino during one of the worst heat waves in memory.  He now looks like a genius after UCLA beat Rice 49-24 in hot and humid Houston and then the big win over Nebraska.  For the last few seasons the Bruins have been plagued by a lack of leadership, especially at quarterback.  That's been resolved by Freshman QB Brett Hundley who scored on a 72-yard rushing touchdown on his very first play from scrimmage.  Since then he's gone on to throw for over 500 yards and score 6 TDS.  Instant Heisman candidate running back Johnathan Franklin has rushed for over 400 yards and scored 4 TDS, giving the Bruins the one-two punch they've been lacking for a decade.
    Another thing caught my eye during the FOX broadcast: UCLA's new uniforms.  For their first home game the Bruins ditched the traditional powder-blue for the traditional darker blue worn by most UC schools.  I know some of the fans grumbled about the change but as long as they keep winning, they sure looked good to me!