Q&A with UCLA fansite GoJoeBruin

(September 21, 2012 - Source: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America)

We're a day away from gameday and despite any negativity some may feeling, it's freaking homecoming. The way I sees it, we're almost halfway through the see, and I'll be damned if I don't try to enjoy every game that I can. Part of being a good fan is making sure you're edjumucated on the opposition.

For this reason, we've got a Q&A with GoJoeBruin.com. You can check 'em out for any other extra info on our baby sisters like Brett Hundley's favorite ice cream flavors or Jim Mora's wife's thoughts on our defense (I'm actually not kidding on that last one).

1. Are you completely sold on Jim Mora as a coach? Do you see him as the answer to UCLA’s past coaching woes?

UCLA fans have a hard-on for this guy. I did a poll recently, and with nearly 100 voters, almost 60% give the guy an "A" so far, and the other 40% gave him a "B." No one -- absolutely no one -- gave him a D or F. Personally? He looks fantastic and he's made even the worst UCLA games seem like an improvement. He could win 10 games this year, but we know coaches have ceilings and there never is really an answer. A good example is Jeff Tedford, who is a fantastic coach that may have hit his ceiling up there in Berkeley. So I'm not totally sold, but he's done incredibly well.

2. QB Brett Hundley has somehow managed to meet even the highest of Bruins fans’ expectations. His maturity and poise has been impressive to watch for a freshman. What are the areas that he needs to improve upon to take his game to the next level?

He needs to stay more poised in the pocket, and that's something he actually does kind of well. He can get antsy, though. He also needs to learn to not stare down his receivers and continue to look down field. Also, sliding is a major thing, because he tends to do so awkwardly, and he's hurt his ankle that way against Nebraska. Other than continuing to develop, this dude looks like the real deal and possibly quite easily the best UCLA QB since Cade McNown.

3. What should we know about UCLA’s defense? And honestly, does Cal’s offensive line have a chance at giving Maynard some time to get a play off?

UCLA's strength is the entire front-seven. They're really damn aggressive up front and the Bruins have some serious playmakers out there. Datone Jones has been fantastic on the defensive line (finally) and Anthony Barr and Damien Holmes -- both linebackers -- have looked great. If there's one player you're going to see in Cal's backfield a lot, it's Barr, who looks like the fastest guy on the field at all times, and he hits as hard as you'd love any linebacker to hit. What's impressive is that he was a running back last year and knew nothing about playing on defense prior to getting switched.

If that offensive line gets it together and Maynard starts to become a better thrower? Cal's scoring some serious points, because our secondary is subpar at the very damn best.

4. Bruins fans can clearly empathize with a Cal fan base that’s frustrated with their coach. What would you tell Cal fans who are clearly discontent with the current direction of their program? What are your personal views of Jeff Tedford and the Cal program?

I tend to be more moderate and reasonable. I'm not a "FIRE [someone], FIRE THE F*** OUT OF HIM RIGHT NOW" type of fan and most UCLA fans are not (unless you frequent with the crazies at BruinsNation). That said, first-year head coaches in the Pac-12 have been fantastic, save for the most high-profile one (Mike Leach). Rich Rod, Jim Mora and Todd Graham have all been terrific hires so far, so maybe it's time to move on from Jeff Tedford. Lord knows he'll get another shot somewhere else, because he's really great.

5. If you could trade Dan Guerrero for any player on the Cal team, who’d you take?

Zach Maynard. Dan Guerrero is basically Maynard with a few thousand ice cream sandwiches in him.

6. UCLA will win if....

They put pressure on Maynard and if they play at a fast-pace on offense. UCLA averages 84 plays a game and ran 98 and 94 plays against Houston and Nebraska respectively. When OC Noel Mazzone slows down the offense, our guys on that side of the ball stall quite a bit.

7. Cal will win if...

Cal's offensive line can stop the aggressive pass rush from the UCLA defensive line and linebackers, and can take advantage of the UCLA corners. They also need to exploit the UCLA o-line, which is super talented but wya, way young.