Not that Any of You Care...

I don't know of any UCLA fans who read this blog, so I guess I'm doing this for myself.

But, come to think of it, I know several readers who hate UT, so maybe they will enjoy a little post-game breakdown.

First of all, Sweet Niblets (this expression was new to me as well)! If you would have told me UCLA would win both of these games, I've had called you crazy. If you'd have told me UCLA would have won one of two, I'd have been giddy. Winning both games blew my mind.

Secondly, it was the perfect week to play UT. They were coming off a giant (only in point spread) win over Western Kentucky and probably thinking they were a little better than they really are. They were also a week away from playing Florida on the road. It was a classic trap game for the Vols. Going into the game, that trap was my only hope.

Then I remembered the Volunteer QB situation and hope came alive.

Then I remembered the Volunteer coaching situation and hope gave way to promise.

Rick Neuheisel is so good. A friend (a friend who is a ND fan and needs prayer today) told me he heard a reporter say that whenever Neuheisel walks into a room he thinks he's the smartest guy there. The reporter also said, "He's usually right." Meanwhile, the other sideline was filled by a guy who thinks the same thing and seems to usually be wrong. I watched Neuheisel coach all day. When his guys made mistakes, he taught them. When they succeeded, he kept them humble. I love watching him coach. Can't say the same for Kiffin. Maybe the cameras just didn't catch him doing those things, but I just didn't see him coaching. I saw his dad coaching, but never him. I read this morning that he got onto his players for finger pointing after the game. If players at that level are pointing fingers after a game, there's a lack of leadership. When Kiffin told the press his players were pointing fingers, there were three pointed back at himself.

Lastly, I met a young girl at a restaurant yesterday. She was wearing a lot of orange. My boys and I were all in our UCLA clothes. She and I talked a lot about the game and football in general. She walked out the door and said, "I hope both teams can win today." I must confess my response was not completely indicative of my true thoughts. I replied, "I hope your team plays well." I'm not going to put into print what I thought.

Anyway, I'm realizing I've taken this whole UT hatred thing a little too far. There is one little girl out there who likes the Vols and has genuine likability.

Maybe she'll rub off on the rest of them.

GO BRUINS!!!