Sports: 2 days to go until U$C vs. UCLA

Last year, the Bruins weren't expected to give USC much of a fight.

It turned into a contest.

I watched the game with some friends. We channel surfed between ABC and CBS which had an SEC game going as one of my friends is an SEC partisan.

UCLA's defense put up a better fight then expected. Bush got his yardage and then some but the USC passing game was slowed up and UCLA stayed close.

In fact, UCLA had a possession late in the 4th quarter down by only 5. But Olsen like many times that season couldn't make the big play and threw the INT.

Olsen is certainly one big difference this year. I don't think physically he is that much better than last year. But he is making better decisions which for a QB is where you can make a quantum leap in effectiveness. Look for USC to try to rough him up and shake his confidence.

USC is the college version of the Indy Colts. Manning given time to sit in the pocket can dissect a defense. Leinart is the same way. When people try to cover the Colt receivers, James can run it. If USC's passing is off, Bush can run around people and White can run over people.

As a Bruin fan, I hope they will put up a good fight and have a shot at winning. I'm realistic enough to know their chances of actually winning are pretty low. But as a fan, I want to believe!

As I see it, as a clear-headed sports fan, USC, at its best, is unbeatable.

But USC having an off day and UCLA at its best means the game will be close.

And if comes down to the fourth quarter in a one possession game, UCLA has the big play makers that could pull off the upset. If you doubt, take a look at the stats and notice how many different receivers have gotten TDs. And notice Maurice Drew: 12 rushing TDs, 4 receiving TDs and 3 return TDs. But, of course, the key is to be in that position to have that lightening strike.

In too many games this season, UCLA got behind in the first quarter or the first half. UCLA must not fall behind by too much to have the "puncher's chance" in the fourth quarter.

Clap - Clap - Clap - Clap - Clap - Clap - Clap - Clap - U - C - L - A - fight - fight - fight!