Here are a few thoughts and feeling after the UCLA game. 

I want to feel good after a completive game but I don’t, I can’t describe it. For the first time against a Pac-10 opponent we were competitive and had a lead in the 2nd half. Our offense had 311 yards through the air and Jeff Tuel was 20 for 37.  Our 3rd down conversion rate was a little less than 50%. We had flashes of a running game, which was nice to see. Our defense was abysmal again, UCLA had 437 yards of rushing. I don’t care who your playing against giving up that many rushing yards is UNACCPETABLE! Seeing the opposing team’s half-back breaking through our line and into the secondary is becoming quite old. My family was probably horrified to hear me belt out various unrepeatable words at the television. It was that kind of day defensively. I would feel optimistic, but unfortunately we have Oregon next week. The quack attack will abuse us and make us look foolish. I’m excited with the progression of Jeff Tuel and our offense, but our defense really puts a damper on this Coug’s enthusiasm.  The one bright spot for me as far as the D is concerned, it our young secondary. They are young but they are quick and look to have a bright future. 

I Listened to the game on the radio and turned the TV volume off, Jim Walden was right on about the penalties. I don’t mean to sound like a homer, but c’mon! When the game ended I was thinking what does UCLA have to celebrate? They had to go down to the wire against a rebuilding football team, that might not win another game this year. They blew a lead and they are a pretty one dimensional offensively. That’s not going to work against the likes or Oregon, USC,  and Arizona. So what if they beat Texas, the Longhorns are not the same Longhorns that went the BCS National Title game last year. Overall I’m glad we had a competitive ball game, but I guess I’m not satisfied because I’m tired of losses.  We get a whiff of a “W” and some how we come up empty handed, that’s what made me feel angry and empty. 

GO COUGS!