A very small dose of perspective

Yes, the BYU game was ugly. Yes, it will be a long season.

But UCLA does have arguably the best coaching trio in the game. And Coach Rick Neuheisel is expected to be one heckuva' recruiter.

Remember Ben Howland's first year as the men's basketball coach? The Bruins went 7-12 in Pac-10 play and finished seventh in the conference — the worst result for a UCLA basketball team. Ever. Their 17 total losses was among the worst in the post-John Wooden era, second only to the previous year's team.

That was in 2003. The next year they were back in the tournament. Then they made the next three Final Fours. Now they look like a perennial threat for the national championship.

Sure, football has a longer rebuilding process. No, the monopoly is not over. But expect the prodigal son to rise — eventually.

—Adam Rose

Photo: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Scott B.]

Well said. This has been my perspective from Day 1. Most alums understand that it will take 3 years to turn the football program fully around. Kurt Streeter--shockingly--writes an article about clouds hanging over the Bruins after two games. Two games! Please tell Kurt and his bestest buddy Karl to sit back and watch the Howland-like progress.

[Joseph Chicas]

History will repeat itself in Westwood! Trial must come before triumph and right now UCLA is just getting started.

[bruinjoeb]

Do we really need to hear this from a Trojan?