UCLA @ Kansas State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 19, 2009 ) Kansas State 9, UCLA 23

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After years of playing in the shadow of crosstown rival USC, UCLA has a chance to grab the spotlight. The Trojans are on probation as the Bruins, coming off their first winning season (7-6) since 2006, travel to Manhattan, Kansas, for the season opener against Kansas State.

UCLA beat the Wildcats 23-9 last year in the teams’ first-ever meeting. The Bruins are counting on redshirt sophomore quarterback Kevin Prince to spark an offense that returns seven starters, including its top two rushers and receivers. Third-year coach Rick Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow hope that experience leads to more points, as the Bruins averaged just 22 last season. Prince threw as many interceptions as he did touchdowns: eight.

Prince had a rough camp and was limited due to injuries. If he’s not ready for the opener, promising sophomore Richard Brehaut will start.

Coach Bill Snyder begins the second season of his second tour with the Wildcats. He guided the team to a 6-6 mark last season, just the second .500-or-better mark in the last six. Snyder will rely heavily on senior running back Daniel Thomas, a potential first-round draft pick who averaged 105.4 yards a game last year to lead the Big 12.

The Wildcats hope a quarterback emerges who can take pressure off Thomas. Senior Carson Coffman has the most experience, while junior Sammuel Lamur and sophomore Collin Klein also will vie for snaps.

Amazingly, Klein is the team’s top returning receiver after catching six balls last year.

Despite being the opener, this game could go a long way toward determining each team’s bowl fate. The Bruins face non-conference games against high-flying Houston and at No. 5 Texas, plus a Pac-10 schedule that includes three ranked opponents. The Wildcats, meanwhile, play only three conference home games, and two of those are against No. 8 Nebraska and Texas.

If the game is close, give the edge to UCLA and its fabulous kicker, Kai Forbath. An All-American and Lou Groza Award winner last season, Forbath has converted 41 of his last 44 field goals (.932). He’s made 37 straight inside 50 yards.