Top 10 reasons to bet on UA

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Mike Jenkins

No. 10

Mark McDonald- I know, I know. He's had a rough year kicking, including at Washington last week where I almost shot him through the TV. But as my brother Scott always says, "Get off McDonald's back, he'll come through in the clutch." Here's your chance Mark. Prove all those who doubt your skills wrong, like I know you can.

No. 9

The offensive line - Every week these guys improve. They faced a blitzkrieg last week and gave up only one sack. This line's depth is its strength. Yusuf Scott and the boys will handle everything UCLA throws at them on pass attempts and truck right over them leading Trung Canidate, Leon Callen and Kelvin Eafon to the promised land.

No. 8

Peter Hansen - You are probably asking yourself "Who the hell is Peter Hansen?" Let me tell you. Hansen is the third string quarterback who is also used on special teams to block field goals and point-after attempts. What makes him so special? The guy is 6-foot-7-inches with a wingspan like a jumbo jet and a 36 inch vertical leap. He is going to effect, if not block, all of UCLA's field goals and PATs.

No. 7

Dino Babers - He has done an excellent job in replacing Homer Smith as offensive coordinator. That final drive against Washington was pure genius. Babers will incorporate a little bit of trickery into the scheme this week to throw the overrated UCLA defense off track. If you get a chance Dino, run up the score on these chumps, because they do it to everyone else.

No. 6

The defensive line - This unit led by Daniel Greer is steadily improving. Greer's annihilation of Brock Huard last week was great. Joe Tafoya, Anthony Thomas, Eli Wnek, Keoni Fraser and others are going to be key in wrapping up that little munchkin, RB Jermaine Lewis, and putting the hurt on Heisman hopeful Cade McNown. McNown, you're next.

No. 5

The wide receivers - Dennis Northcutt and Jeremy McDaniel are solid, although McDaniel is hampered by a groin injury that might keep him from playing in this game. If that is the case, it means that Brad Brennan, who is returning to action this week, Brandon Nash and Malosi Leonard will have to step it up another level and expose UCLA's poor defensive backfield.

No. 4

The running backs - SPEED. Canidate is fast, no, really fast. Ask UCLA about him last year. Callen is not a real drop-off either. Wendler and Shields are good blockers that will lead either of these two speed burners to the end zone. Which brings me to the man, the true warrior of the backfield: Eafon. This guy can run away from you, this guy can run you over, this guy can block, this guy can catch. The only thing we haven't seen him do is throw, but I bet he could.

No. 3

The two-headed monster - This two quarterback system is the most effective one that I have ever seen. Gee, 3rd and 10. What do you do? Do you go with Smith, the runner who can throw very well, or Jenkins, Mr. Missile Arm, who flies around the field with reckless abandon (ask Washington)? Whatcha gonna do Bob Toledo, when the two-headed monster comes for you?

No. 2

Chris McAlister - Chris, you got jobbed last week by the NCAA. I know you did nothing wrong. I would have gotten the loan, too. I have been fronting you for the Heisman all year, and you have played well up to this point. This is your coming out game. The rumor is that Cade is not afraid to throw your direction. Make that arrogant chump pay for his mistake, like I know you will.

And the No. 1 reason that the Wildcats will beat UCLA Bruins is...

The drunken, ludicrous crowd - Parents and students will be a little sauced before the game begins. Keeping it a 7 p.m. start was a big mistake, because that gives us students and our parents from noon on to commence our activities. This crowd is going to be the loudest I will have ever heard. It's not every day that you get two top 10 teams playing in Tucson. If we win, expect a national championship-type celebration on Fourth Avenue.

Final Score: Arizona 32, UCLA 24

Mike Jenkins is a sophomore majoring in journalism and can be reached via e-mail at Mike.Jenkins@wildcat.arizona.edu.