Offseason edition looking back on the 2009 season

The 2009 Bruins were the second season in the Rick Neuheisel era. After a rough 2008 season that saw them struggle on both offense and defense. The 2009 team would take a step in the right direction on defense. As many good players would arise from that defense and go on to the NFL. Those names were Rahim Moore, Brian Price, Akeem Ayers, Alterraun Verner and Datone Jones. Their talent led to the team going 7-6 on the season and winning the EagleBank Bowl over Temple.

For a second straight season the offense struggled mightily again. Not being able to generate much in terms of yards and points. The team only put up 22 points per game which was good for 94th in the nation. Kevin Prince and Kevin Craft rotated at quarterback and were not able to generate much or get the offense moving. The positive was freshman Johnathan Franklin looked good on the ground in limited carries. He had 126 carries for 566 yards and five touchdowns on the season.

The concerning part was the second straight season of having a rough offense. There was no direction at quarterback, and the offense was just hitting a wall every single game. They had trouble breaking 20 points on many occasions. Ultimately seeing the defense win low scoring games. 7-6 final record was tremendous for the imbalance that the team had on each side of the ball. Rahim Moore broke onto the scene with 10 interceptions on the season. Alterraun Verner was also one of the best cornerbacks in all of the nation.

Fans were growing a bit restless after this season. As they knew quite a few of the defenders were going on to the NFL. So it was bound to see the defense drop off a bit. So now there wasn’t that cushion knowing they could win games on the defensive side of the football. As year three was on the horizon they needed to be some sort of offense coming. Neuheisel was an offensive guru and it was time to show that he could put the offense together.