College Sports 101

By Chris Foster, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

The image was poignant.

There was UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft, surrounded by the media, talking about remaining calm. There, on the Rose Bowl's giant video screen, was Bruins Coach Rick Neuheisel being anything but sedate, whipping fans into a frenzy.

The reason for both photo ops could be seen in the faces of the Tennessee players as the 18th-ranked Volunteers trudged off the field following UCLA's 27-24 victory in overtime.

"Look at Coach Neuheisel," Craft said. "He's driving them nuts."

The emotion of the moment was oozing from Neuheisel, with a fireworks display as a backdrop, moments after Tennessee's Daniel Lincoln hooked a 34-yard field-goal attempt wide left. It gave Neuheisel his first victory as head coach of his alma mater, with a soda pop bath from players a gooey reminder of the sticky situation his team had survived.


Yet, the level pulse Craft displayed in describing the game in monotone voice was just as symbolic.

Through the first half, Craft would drop back to pass and the Volunteers band would cue up "Rocky Top." Four of his passes in the half were intercepted, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

Kevin Craft rallies UCLA past Tennessee....