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There may be many good things about beginning the Bob Chesney era at UCLA. But the tough early Big Ten trip to play Maryland could be the first thing that makes people question the Bruins' chances.
Obviously, nobody expects UCLA to be a contender right from the start in Chesney's first season. However, the schedule offers a real opportunity for the Bruins to boost their confidence before conference play begins.
That's why the CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford says that Maryland is the perfect trap for UCLA. Everything is in place for UCLA to fall into a trap: cross-country travel, growing expectations, a motivated opponent, and the well-known trap of a relatively young team falling victim to its own hype too quickly.
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As Crawford says, "The Bruins have a legitimate shot at a 3-0 start, but any early-season momentum could vanish if they waste a cross-country chance at Maryland."
Chance—this is what is really in the air here. The win for UCLA against Maryland won't put the Bruins into the race for the Big Ten crown. But it will show that Chesney's system and approach to football are transferable. Besides, it will also provide the team with a conference victory while things are still relatively easy.
But this part of the schedule is tricky. Don't assume that Maryland's struggles in the Big Ten make this game any easier for the Bruins.
The Terrapins haven't shown any consistency, but this fact makes them even more dangerous. There is pressure on their coaching staff, the fans are desperate for anything, and it is a Big Ten opener with zero expectations and nothing to lose for Maryland.
This is everything that can make the situation messy for a relatively inexperienced visiting team.
As Crawford emphasizes, "The Terrapins enter the season with their backs against the wall under a coach facing significant pressure, and this marks Maryland's Big Ten opener after winning just two of its last 18 conference games."
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For UCLA, this statement is a warning, not a statistic that could provide some comfort. The Terrapins want to start their Big Ten campaign on the right foot. The Bruins want to prove that they are for real. The need for both teams will make things very complicated if UCLA starts poorly coming from such a long trip.
This first UCLA team of the new coaching staff has a lot to prove. It needs to show that it can handle success.
Wins in expected games, and especially wins on the road, help build trust with the new coaching staff. Losing the game in College Park means that all the 3-0 optimism will be gone in a flash. That is exactly how the Big Ten works: brutally every week.
But there are other factors to consider. Cross-country trips are new for UCLA, and the team will face awkward kickoffs and other minor issues due to the time change. The Bruins cannot use any of these things as an excuse for the loss.
Overall, Maryland isn't just another road game for UCLA. In fact, it is a test of a certain sort for the new UCLA team.
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