How 'bout that Crystal Ball?

When I wrote on July 24 that Richard Brehaut would be UCLA's quarterback by the fourth game of the season, naturally I was only hoping. But now that looks like my prediction might come true, with a game to spare. Starting quarterback Kevin Prince's fractured jaw suffered against Tennessee Saturday will sideline him for three to four weeks, and Richard is preparing to take over the starting role this week against Kansas State -- in the team's third game of the season...

Remember, my prediction was that he'd take over by the fourth game -- not in the fourth game. So this counts.

No official announcement has been made yet, but sources (you know who you are) indicate Richard will get the nod over incumbent Kevin Craft, who tossed a school-record 20 interceptions for the Bruins last year, but has a year of experience under his belt. Actually, the reports that Richard will start have appeared in other blogs as well, and assuming they are true, the decision makes sense. I can't believe that Coach Rick Neuheisel didn't put Richard in the game against San Diego State just to have him hold the clipboard for Craft.

My next prediction is that Prince soon will be linked to Wally Pipp. If the name doesn't ring a bell, he was the first baseman for the New York Yankees who sat out a game because of a headache. A rookie named Lou Gehrig took his place and kept the job for the next 2,130 straight games. Richard won't play that many games, but, as a true freshman, he has a long and promising career ahead as the UCLA quarterback...

It's worth noting, however, that my predictions aren't always on the mark. While I nailed a few other forecasts in that July blog, my standing as a fantasy football draft expert may have taken a serious hit this year. I had one of my absolute worst weeks ever in 26 previous years of doing this, and I don't hold out a lot of hope for the rest of the season. It's going to be a long and painful year (a prediction I hope is completely wrong)...

Lastly, happy 50th on Thursday to my good friend Jim Moore ... and right on his heels with 50th birthdays of their own are Danny Brehaut, Judy Devens-Seligman and Andi Moore. Remember, 50 is the new 18. Cheers!