2008 OUTLOOK: UCLA was supposed to make its big push up the Pac-10 standings a year ago with more than 20 starters returning. Half as many are back this year, and there is a serious question at quarterback with recent injuries to Pat Cowan and Ben Olson.

The Bruins have a difficult schedule with an opener against Tennessee and then seven teams that won at least nine games a year ago. There is optimism, as there always is with coach Rick Neuheisel, but replacing three starters in the secondary and not having a proven game-breaking back to go along with issues at quarterbacks leaves plenty of questions.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Quarterback injuries and exchange issues make for a troublesome combination. It might not matter what kind of magic offensive coordinator Norm Chow can bring to Westwood. Somebody has to throw the ball, and somebody has to run the ball to spread the field. Ben Olson, when healthy, can get the job done, but injuries are an issue. Tailback Kahlil Bell rushed for 795 yards and five touchdowns a year ago, and he's back with Chane Moline trying to take over some of the carries. Three offensive linemen return, but not at center. Receivers Dominique Johnson and Terrence Austin give the Bruins some down-the-field weapons. Everything starts at quarterback, however.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
UCLA shut down the middle of the field a year ago with the likes of defensive end Bruce Davis and a talented and experienced secondary. Davis is gone, and so are three starters in the defensive backfield. Middle linebacker Reggie Carter and right cornerback Alterraun Verner are as talented as there is. Michael Norris and Verner nailed down the starting corner spots this spring, with Aaron Ware and Bret Lockett getting a s,trong leg up at safety. Solid play up front can make up for a lot of deficiencies and the Bruins have plenty to work with -- end Tom Blake and tackles Brigham Harwell and Brian Price help make up one of the tougher front lines in the Pac-10.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bruins return the strong legs of placekicker Kai Forbath and punter Aaron Perez. Forbath was phenomenal his freshman season, converting 25 of 30 field goals, including all five attempts from beyond 50. Perez averaged 42.3 yards per boot. Terrence Austin (punts) and Michael Norris (kickoffs) appear to have won over the primary return duties.

ROSTER REPORT

--Quarterback Kevin Prince of Crespi High in Encini, Calif., was not expected to enroll until the 2009 season after reconstructive knee surgery, but because of injury situations on the current Bruin roster he has been asked if he wants to report earlier. That decision still has not been made.

--LB John Hale suffered one of the many injuries the Bruins had, and not just to quarterbacks, this spring. Hale tore cartilage in his right knee and needed surgery. Linebacker Shawn Oatis retired from football after suffering another neck injury; he cracked his vertebra last season. Tailback Ryen Carew torn the ACL in his right knee.

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