MARQUEE MASCOT MATCHUP - SEPTEMBER 10, 2005

Rice Owls (0-0)	AT	UCLA Bruins (1-0)

Preview:

Ladies and gentlemen, first a bit of history. The original University of California opened in Berkeley in 1873, following a brief stint at the old College of California in Oakland. In 1895 this university, today known as Cal, selected a golden grizzly bear as their mascot, in honor of the state's symbol (also found on the flag - grizzlies were once relatively common in the state). The school's colors, blue and gold, honor the background of the University's founders (Yale alumni) and the "Golden State" of California. Excellent choices indeed. Fast forward to 1919, when the state decided to open a "southern branch" of the University in Los Angeles. This daughter school, henceforth known as UCLA, followed the traditions set forth by its parent university, adopting the grizzly bear as its formal mascot in 1925. To distinguish themselves from the Cal Bears, UCLA teams began using the Bruin name, Bruin being a common synonym for bear. In the early years, UCLA Bruins were thought of as Bear cubs, in reference to their association with Cal. Though they shared blue and gold school colors, UCLA likewise used a lighter shade of blue (some may call it "baby blue"). Through the years, UCLA students, alums, and fans have conveniently forgotten selected portions of this history, and evolved the mascot into an adult grizzly, like that of Cal. No doubt this is due in part to the realization that a baby bear, while cute and endearing, doesn't quite inspire the fear and respect of its full grown kin. Regardless, UCLA has retained the lighter blue school color, and despite the denial, is most properly represented by a juvenile grizzly bear mascot. This is in fact no reason for shame, as a juvenile grizzly is quite formidable in itself. That history being mentioned, we can move on to the battle at hand. This is a good one. Brains vs. braun, youthful exuberance vs. wisdom, feathers vs. fur, yes indeed - Owls vs. Bruins. Bruins are bigger. Bruins are stronger. We must assume that these Bruins, though not full grown grizzlies, are beyond the cute little cuddly stage and into adolescence. After all, they decimated a crew of Aztecs last week. The Bruins will look to leverage their size on the offensive end of the ball and open a running game through the Owl line. This will force the Owls to gamble with corner and safety blitzes, opening room downfield for the Bruins to lumber into. Defensively, the Bruins want to keep the Owls on the ground. This is a tough coverage assignment, given that Owls can fly. Though Bruins are adept at tree climbing, there are no trees to be found in the Rose Bowl. The Bruins must get to the Owl offense before it has a chance to take off. The Owls, quite simply, must fly. Have you ever seen an Owl bumbling its way around on the ground? It's not pretty. The Owls' advantage is in the sky, where they're graceful, powerful, and able to jovially cruise over the Bruins while dropping shit on their head. To enable the passing game, the undersized Owl offensive line will need to buy time for the QB and receivers by distracting the Bruins. Wild wing flapping and screeching (think of the pelican in "Finding Nemo") are well advised moves. On defense the Owls must utilize their superior speed to penetrate the backfield and get in the Bruins' face. Pecking, clawing, that sort of thing. Watch those wings though. Throughout the game, look for the Owls to take advantage of their well-known wisdom to keep the Bruins guessing. The opening stages of this game are critical. The youthful Bruins want to get off to a quick start and build momentum, ruffling the Owls' feathers, and ideally tearing wings off with their sharp teeth. If these rowdy teenagers are allowed to build confidence in the opening quarters, watch out. The Owls will look to counter exuberance of youth with measured patience, taking advantage of their superior experience and wisdom. It's the Iceman strategy. With a 7pm kickoff, the nocturnal Owls must hang with the Bruins until after sunset, when they gain a distinct advantage.

Outlook:

Overconfident/zealous Bruins overlook a wise, scrappy opponent, and watch the Owls soar over them. Owls, 27-24.

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