UCLA football: Bruins get ready for wild night in Tennessee

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Playing Tennessee in Knoxville poses a few more obstacle than not knowing the second verse to ‘Rocky Top.’ UCLA’s young football team will find that out this week.

The Bruins, who defeated San Diego State, 33-14, Saturday, go from the library quiet of the Rose Bowl to the raucous frat party-like atmosphere in Knoxville. Neyland Stadium has a capacity of 100,011, and rarely is there an empty seat.

Dealing with the noise is a concern.

“It all depends on your concentration,” Coach Rick Neuheisel said. “If your concentration level is strong, it’s added energy. There is nothing like playing in front of a big crowd.”

And it the concentration level is not strong?

“It can be a distraction,” Neuheisel said. “If you’re distracted, you’re not paying attention, you might miss one of the nonverbal communications we use and end up missing a call.”

The Bruins will prepare by “turning up the volume at practice this week.” Coaches come and go in Knoxville, the insanity stays.

--Chris Foster