UCLA Saftey Suspended for Opener

With just nine returning starters, it’s fairly likely that UCLA’s inexperience will might be tough to overcome in non-conference showdowns against SEC powerhouse Tennessee and highly ranked BYU. In fact, considering their inexperience, it’s fairly likely that the Bruins could start the season 0-4 and not even become bowl eligible in 2008. To make matters even more difficult for the Gutty Little Bruins, Rick Neuheisel is suddenly getting tough on his young team.

Neuheisel suspended starting strong safety Bret Lockett for one game, according to sources.

The decision came after Lockett, a senior, violated the team’s academic policy.

He will be allowed to participate in training camp, and he is expected back when the Bruins travel to BYU on Sept. 13 for their second game of the season.

While on the surface the loss of an experienced senior may seem to be quite detrimental to a young Bruins team, it is also possible that Lockett’s absence may give incoming hyped recruit Rahim Moore a chance to shine in the opener against Tennessee. Moore was heavily recruited nationally and nearly went USC before choosing the rival Bruins. They may lose Lockett, but Moore could show fans what the hype is all about.