UCLA has been trying to convince fans of the importance of head coach Rick Neuheisel to the Bruins football program ever since he took over. Although Neuheisel has a losing record as Bruins head coach, UCLA has a chance to clinch a spot in the Pac-12 championship game if they can secure a win over rival USC on Saturday. USC has won 11 of the last 12 contests between the two teams, and UCLA fans aren't feeling terribly confident. Fortunately, Neuheisel seems have confidence enough for everyone.
According to Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times, Neuheisel and UCLA are looking toward the future and impressed by the team's progress...although that progress may not be readily apparent to most Bruins fans.
"Well, in my mind, from my vantage point, there has been lots of progress," Neuheisel said. "I understand the frustration of the fans out there. They may not be able to see it because they don't come to all the practices and they don't sit where I sit."
Bruins fans can take that however they like. The 2011 season has been full of ups and downs, with plenty of instances where it seemed Neuheisel was on the chopping block. The streaky Bruins team has at times looked fantastic and at other times looked completely lost. They have a huge opportunity on Saturday to make a statement at the expense of Southern California football powerhouse USC. Bruins fans will be hoping that the progress Neuheisel sees will be a bit more visible in that game.
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