Answers, Part XIX

Who backs up Jake Dean this week?
Nick Ekbatani, then Jess Ward.

Even with all the tinkering with the Oline, seems like the starters for the BYU game will be starting again. What type of performance do you expect from the Oline for the Arizona game?
I don't think that is accurate. I believe Scott Glicksberg will start at right guard in place of Sonny Tevaga. And I expect another below average performance, but the question is how below average? Will it be enough to get a win against a much-less-talented Arizona team?

Have you had a chance to check out the basketball players recently? Do you see any improvement in physique or skill among any? Who do you expect to break through other than the obvious Collison, Ship and Holiday this year?
Sorry, I have not. When I do check them out I will post something about it so folks don't have to ask every week.

What are your thoughts on current basketball recruits? Do you think any one of them will be a 3-4 year player for the program?
Yes, I think all of them will be.

In your opinion, what do you think is the reason for UCLA's inconsistency in football?
Too many mentally weak players and not nearly enough talent.

How is the recruitment of Micheal Phillip and John Martinez going? Does your gut tell you if either will be Bruins?
From my understanding, UCLA feels good about both. Going with my guy, I think Philipp has a better chance of winding up at UCLA. Right now, I think that will happen, but we shall see.

If Eric Scott was so crucial in bringing a highly rated class last year, why dont Neuheisel get a coach like Scott that can bond with the big time recruits to focus more on recruiting? Is there anyone on the current staff that can be as effective as Scott?
One of the reasons Scott had so much success recruiting is he was a former assistant at Crenshaw High and knew a bunch of the kids from coaching Pop Warner. The kids knew him for years upon years, and built a relationship. It takes time for those relationships to be built. DeWayne Walker has some of them, but not to the level Scott had them.

What can we expect more of this season? something closer to Tennessee (UCLA doing just enough to stay in games until 4th quarter) or BYU (blowout by 2nd quarter)?
I think more of Tennessee because that is the way UCLA is planning on playing this season. It doesn't mean UCLA will win all of those games that are close in the fourth quarter, but the idea is to keep it close. However, I think there will be a few more games where the outcome is known by halftime.

One of the weaknesses exposed during the BYU game was the play of our cornerbacks especially Verner. Do you think Verner will be able to hold his own against PAC10 receivers? I think the without solid cornerback play our defense will be in big trouble. Agree?
First of all, tell me one team in the nation that is not in trouble without solid play from the corners. If you don't have that, look out. Second, Verner is fine. He had an awful game, but he remains UCLA's best player in the secondary, and has experience to fall back on.

Do you think RN has a realistic shot of delivering a P-10 title as long as Pete Carroll is at sc?
Yeah, I think the shot exists. Whether it happens or not is another matter. Heck, UCLA went into the last game of the regular season with Pac-10 title hopes in two of the last three years, but was beaten soundly by USC.