UCLA Basketball: The Ben Howland Conundrum

To be very, very mellow, its been a strange season.

First off, to those who thought that this UCLA team would not improve and wouldn't gain some momentum (I was among them), you should have known better. Ben Howland might be stubborn, and it might take a while for his players to get what he's saying, but he knows what he's doing. Anybody who questions Ben Howland's basketball coaching abilities are mistaken. He did not take a stupid pill overnight.

Howland's teams always improve as the season goes on. Even the last three years, after miserable starts, the team has gained momentum and has put itself in a position to salvage the season, only to then fail. This year the talent level is far higher than it has been for some time, so the improvement is greater. So where does that leave us?

No idea.

2012 UCLA Basketball: Season Preview

UCLA Head Coach Ben Howland


When you go 19-14 at UCLA, you're going to feel the pressure.

When you miss the NCAA tournament two out of the last three years, there's a red hot flame under your chair.

Ben Howland took the Bruins to three straight final fours from 2005-2007, and six total NCAA tournaments in the last eight years, but UCLA is a unique place. UCLA is unique in that it is only one of two schools, Kentucky being the other, that does not hang banners for final fours. There are too many national championship banners.

When it comes to the school, the basketball tradition, the support from the alumni, the success of former players in the pros, and now the facilities, everything is in place for UCLA basketball to be in the national title discussion year in and year out, and there's no reason to shoot for less. This is one of the premier programs in America, and 43 losses and a lone second round exit in the last three years isn't acceptable for a place that lost 26 games from 2005-2009 and made three final fours.

Week 7: UCLA vs. Utah Game Recap

What I thought would happen:

Now we slowly start to see who UCLA really is. 

The offensive line will have few answers to Star Lotuleilei and the Utah d-line, but the offense will eek out enough drives to make a difference. The Bruin front seven will have a tough time stopping the run, but will use the bend-not-break model for much of the afternoon. Hundley will have a solid bounce back game, while Franklin will carry the load and pull the Bruins through...UCLA 28, Utah 24

What did happen:

The offensive line held up for the most part, and UCLA was able to put together some drives. But once again, as has been the theme for much of the season, the Bruins couldn't always finish. Yet another Stephen Manfro miscue on special teams kept the Utes in the game, but the Bruin defense was able to get enough stops and enough pressure to keep the game at bay. Hundley had a nice day, and while the running game wasn't flashy, it was enough to keep the offense moving.

Week 5: UCLA vs. California Game Recap

What I thought would happen:

The Bears wan't this one badly, but so does UCLA.

Cal will come out with a sense of purpose on offense, with big plays from Allen and Harper. The ground game however will be all but absent. Meanwhile, Franklin will have another big day, and Hundley will keep the chains moving, keeping the ball away from Maynard and co. A couple of late stops will give the Bruins a chance to put the game away. They'll squander a couple chances before capitalizing on a Cal turnover to end this one for good...UCLA 30, California 21

What did happen?

UCLA started fast on offense, capitalizing on a Cal turnover for a 7-0 lead. Then, driving with a 7-3 lead and the game in control, Devin Fuller dropped a backwards pass that oppened up the floodgates. UCLA couldn't stop the run a lick, while Hester and Price were Hester and Price, allowing countless big plays and comitting numerous mind-blowing penalties. UCLA stayed in it and moved the ball with decently well but could not finish drives, ending too many crucial trips in turnovers. Hundley had a season high four interceptions, his final one all but sealing the game.

Week 5: UCLA vs. California Game Preview

Now the real season begins.

Somehow, a blowout win over Colorado was enough to remove any negative feelings surrounding the program after a loss to Oregon State. Of course, that might have something to do with the Beavers actually looking like their for real as well, but now, its time to show what all the fuss was about.

For however much better UCLA has looked thus far, it'll all be for naught if the Bruins lose this one. Remember, Neuheisel's biggest flaw was his absolute inability to beat a single conference opponent with half a pulse on the road.  Two years ago, the Bruins throttled Texas, beat Washington State, and then got blitzed at Cal, a game that looked like a potential turning point for the program. Cal might be 1-4, but it probably should have beaten Ohio State, and it nearly beat a really good Nevada team. The other two losses weren't anything to sulk over. About 100 other teams would probably lose to USC by more than 18 points, while Arizona State looks to be a solid squad that'll finish with a winning record.

Both these two programs seem to be on opposite trends. UCLA has a new head coach that at the moment appears to be bringing the team back, while Cal is 1-4 in what might be the beginning of the end for Jeff Tedford. That's exactly why so much is at stake for both teams. For UCLA, this might be an elimination game in the south race with USC, Stanford, and Arizona State still to come, while for Cal, this game is all but a must win for postseason considerations.To add to the fire, UCLA hasn't won in Berkeley in over a decade.

Week 5: USC vs. Utah Preview

The USC Trojans head into a crucial month of football with a 3-1 record. The four October games will set the tone for the rest of the season. USC  must use these ensuing tests as preparation for the showdown with Oregon. Now that frustration with Lane Kiffin and his Trojans program has settled, USC must move on with its goal of a PAC-12 championship. A successful season is still there for the taking and the Trojans must do everything in their power to execute to their best ability.

Week 4: UCLA vs Oregon State Recap

What I thought would happen:


This is Oregon State's big chance, and they know it. They'll come out with a sense of urgency and purpose, on defense. Franklin for the first time won't have much room for a couple quarters, while Brett Hundley will gut out a couple of scoring drives in the first half. The Beavers however won't have much fire power to keep up. Oregon State will look to establish a run early, and when that fails, Mannion will be forced to go to the air more than 35 plus times, resulting in him getting a good view of the Arroyo Seco Mountains on his backside. In the second half, Franklin will pull out a couple big runs, and the Bruins will put the game away in the fourth quarter with a late stop...UCLA 31, Oregon State 20

What did happen:

The UCLA offense couldn't move a lick in the first half, with nothing of substance outside of two big plays. Oregon State meanwhile took advantage of its two big plays, and had a long drive to start the game.To start the second half the Bruin defense forced two turnovers, only to see them result in zero points. Sean Mannion stayed poised while the Beavers were able to successfully run the ball and control the clock in the second half. Brett Hundley and the passing game got going eventually, but it was too late. A missed Kai'mi Fairbairns field goal just about put the game away for good.