Rick Neuheisel earned the nickname Slick Rick for his recruiting improprieties at Colorado and Washington, leaving both schools on probation after his departure, but that name wouldn't entirely fit if he wasn't a hell of a football coach.
With the help of Norm Chow, Slick Rick is back on top of the college football world and loving every minute of it. Neuheisel was as fired up as the fueled up students section after the game, telling the world,"It's good to be back at UCLA, baby."
Neuheisel's opening act would have impressed had the Bruins gone on to lose in overtime to No. 18 Tennessee. He somehow gave his third string quarterback the confidence to overcome four terrible first half interceptions, and lead UCLA back to two clutch fourth quarter touchdowns. Only a former walk-on quarterback who has been on this very stage before can offer that wisdom.
Pete Carroll has dominated the recruiting landscape because of his energy and cool, calm nature. Rick was as slick as they come last night, going so far as the stand up on a sideline bench and address the Rose Bowl crowd afterwards.
He looks like a presidential candidate, does he not. You could tell he didn't want this night to end, returning to the microphone to offer a few final words.
A great way to kick off this first week of football, and making us already look forward to the final week vs USC.