Texas @ UCLA preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2010 ) UCLA 34, Texas 12

THE STORY: Last season, UCLA knocked off then-No. 7 Texas 34-12 in Austin in what Longhorns’ coach Mack Brown called “a rear-end kicking.” This year, No. 21 Texas will try to return the favor as these two storied programs conclude a home-and-home series. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is 3-1 all-time against the Longhorns, who have dropped three straight against the Bruins since 1971. Both schools had disappointing 2010 seasons and weren’t bowl eligible.

TV: ABC. Line: Texas -3.5

ABOUT TEXAS (2-0): After starting quarterback Garrett Gilbert went 2 of 8 for 8 yards and two interceptions as the Longhorns dug themselves a 13-0 hole against BYU, Brown went with a new QB tandem the rest of the way in Texas’ 17-16 comeback victory. Brown announced this week he’ll stick with David Ash and Case McCoy, the younger brother of Longhorns legend Colt McCoy. The Longhorns rank 15th nationally in total defense, giving up just 229.5 yards per game.

ABOUT UCLA (1-1): It’s only mid-September, but Neuheisel could be facing his first make-or-break game of the season. The fourth-year UCLA coach was questioned repeatedly this week about his job status and the direction of the program after his sluggish Bruins escaped with a 27-17 victory over San Jose State in the home opener. Neuheisel didn’t provide many answers on that front, and also didn’t reveal who will start at quarterback against the Longhorns. For now, it appears that Kevin Prince and Richard Brehaut will split snaps, provided Prince — who suffered a concussion and a shoulder injury in the opener — is ready to go.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is the fourth time in the last eight seasons Texas will play in the Rose Bowl, including the national championship victory in 2005 and the national championship loss in 2009.

2. The Longhorns have won 10 straight road openers by an average of 20 points.

3. UCLA allowed 28 sacks in 2010, but hasn’t allowed any this season.

PREDICTION: UCLA 27, Texas 21. Both teams, even in victories, have underperformed so far this season, but Neuheisel seems to have the Longhorns’ number and is desperate for a win.