"A year ago, UCLA was on the verge of Hawaiian humiliation in its season opener. The offense plodded. The defense was a blooper reel, committing three penalties on the same play. The special teams failed to put enough players on the field, leading to a busted punt coverage. Shakiest of all might have been the coach. Having starred as a running back and assistant coach, DeShaun Foster stumbled in his head coaching debut. Appearing as disorganized and unprepared as his team, Foster didn't know the proper way to address reporters after his team rallied to beat Hawaii, asking a media relations staff member for help."
""Oh, I was scared, you know?" Foster said this week. "And I've never been scared on the football field. It was a nervous feeling just because it was brand new and I'd never been in that position.""
"The coach and his team will need to be at their best Saturday night at the Rose Bowl when they open the season against Utah, a trendy pick to become a College Football Playoff contender. UCLA's roster features 57 new players - including two who arrived after the start of training camp - and eight new assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri."
UCLA stumbled through a chaotic season opener a year ago with offensive sluggishness, defensive breakdowns and special teams miscues. DeShaun Foster struggled in his head coaching debut, appearing disorganized and inexperienced. Foster acknowledged fear during that early period and now reports greater confidence entering his second season. The Bruins open against Utah at the Rose Bowl and face expectations against a preseason playoff contender. The roster underwent heavy turnover with 57 new players and eight new assistants, including offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri. The arrival of quarterback Nico Iamaleava has generated significant attention and added optimism around the program.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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