:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8021676/20120724_ajw_aj4_078.jpg)
The first top 25 poll from the Associated Press was released on Saturday. The UCLA Bruins were not ranked (as expected), but quite a few of their schedule opponents for this upcoming season were. Let's take a look at UCLA's schedule and which games will make or break their season.
Here is the full schedule, including dates and if that team was ranked to begin the year.
8/30 - @ Rice
9/8 - #17 Nebraska
9/15 - Houston
9/22 - Oregon State
9/29 - @ Colorado
10/6 - @ California
10/13 - Utah
10/27 - @ Arizona State
11/3 - Arizona
11/10 - @ Washington State
11/17 - #1 USC
11/24 - #21 Stanford
The big out-of-conference game has to be the showdown at home with Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are expected to compete for a Big 10 title this season and feature a talented quarterback in Taylor Martinez.
The schedule does not look too bad until the end of the season. The Bruins will see two new head coaches when Rich Rodriguez and Arizona come to town during the first week of November, followed by a road trip to see Mike Leach and the Washington St. Cougars the following week.
UCLA then returns home against No. 1 ranked USC and No. 21 Stanford, two schools expected to battle in their respective divisions for the title. These two games could have huge BCS implications.
For more on UCLA football, check out Bruins Nation.