October 2008 Archives

I wrote for Saturday's paper that defensive end Tom Blake had season-ending sports hernia surgery Wednesday, and also that the plan is to red-shirt linebacker Kyle Bosworth (knee).

Folks, this is the last set of answers for today. If anything breaks tonight, I will have it here. But I need to spend some time with Spider-man and Squirt, and see if I can "borrow" some of their Halloween candy.
I will have more answers Saturday. Now, here is the 15th set:

Here is the 14th set:

Here is No. 13:

Here is the 12th set of answers:

Here is the 11th set of answers:

Here is an update on UCLA's men's basketball players dealing with injuries, courtesy of UCLA:
UCLA Men's Basketball Injury Report (Oct. 31, 2008).

Alfred Aboya, C, Sr.
Has a sprained right ankle and will miss practice on Friday (Oct. 31) and Saturday (Nov. 1) but is probable for the Bruins' first exhibition game against Cal Baptist on Monday (Nov. 3).

Nikola Dragovic, F, Jr.
Still has a cyst in his left foot and ankle and practiced about 50% of the practice on Friday (Oct. 31). We will continue to increase his duration and intensity at practice and see how he responds. He is doubtful for the Bruins' first exhibition game against Cal Baptist on Monday (Nov. 3).

Malcolm Lee, G, Fr.
Has a strained right groin and has missed the last three practices (Oct. 29-31). He is likely to practice on Saturday (Nov. 1) and is probable for the Bruins' first exhibition game against Cal Baptist on Monday (Nov. 3).

Here is the 10th set:

Here is the ninth set:

I know a number of people asked what is going on with Lot H and the USC game at the Rose Bowl.
Well, UCLA tells me the only way to park in Lot H for THAT game is to pre-purchase a parking pass, and those passes are available only to season ticket holders. And the person whose name is on the account is the person who can purchase the pass.
Otherwise, if you do not have a Lot H tag, parking will be on the golf course.

Here is the eighth set:

X-rays on UCLA hoops center Alfred Aboya were negative, and he is diagnosed with a sprain. He will be held out of practice for the next two days, but he is expected to be ready for Monday's exhibition game against Cal Baptist.

Here is the seventh helping:

Here is the sixth set:

I am told UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel will again use a helicopter to traverse the Southland and avoid Friday traffic as he recruits today.
(As was the case last time, I am told a booster pays for the use of the helicopter)
*This post was edited

Here is the fifth set:

Here is the fourth set:

By the way, here is the football notebook from today's paper, which talks about Aundre Dean and a possible transfer:
Now, here is the third set of answers:

Here is the second set of answers:

Happy Halloween to all!!!
Folks, it may be an off week and UCLA is coming off a disappointing loss, but it hasn't stemmed the interest of the Q&A session. I will have at least 15 sets of answers today, and here is the first set:

Here is a story that ran in today's paper about the renovation project at Pauley Pavilion. I know some folks have asked questions about the cost and are speculating, but the current cost of the project is exactly as stated in the story $175-$185 million. And that is the estimate UCLA is receiving with current construction costs and doing every whistle and bell in the project.
And there is no hard and fast time-line for when the renovation will begin.
Also, here is a story I wrote about UCLA being the pick to four-peat as Pac-10 champions.

UCLA coaches will hit the recruiting road these next two days, taking a hard look at the high schools Friday and the junior college Saturday.
Here is what I've pieced together as far as where UCLA will be:
Head coach Rick Neuheisel -- Narbonne vs. Washington, Los Osos of Rancho Cucamonga vs. Rancho Cucamonga and Cajon of San Bernardino vs. Pacfic.
Among the other high school games UCLA coaches are expected to check in at are Hart of Newhall at Valencia, Lancaster at Highland, Cathedral of San Diego vs. Henry of San Diego, Escondido vs. Lacosta Canyon of Carlsbad, Serra of San Diego vs. Point Loma, Centennial of Corona vs. John North of Riverside, Colton vs. San Gorgonio, Birmingham vs. Cleveland and Redlands East Valley vs. Miller of Fontana.
On Saturday's JUCO docket are trips to Bakersfield vs. Ventura, Pierce vs. L.A. Valley, Mt. SAC vs. El Camino, Colllege of the Desert vs. Cerritos, Compton vs. L.A. Harbor, Riverside vs. Chaffey, Palomar vs. Fullerton and Foothill vs. Santa Rosa.

UCLA's administration has pledged $25 million for the Pauley Pavilion renovation project. I have some other numbers about the renovation in Friday's paper.

I talked to freshman tailback Aundre Dean, who was non-committal about returning to UCLA for the 2009 season. I have more in Friday's paper.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said he was pleased with the way practice went today, and said the staff will recruit high schools Friday and hit junior colleges Saturday as evaluation continues.
I'll post more information tomorrow on what schools I'm hearing UCLA may visit, but one interesting one is I'm hearing Neuheisel will be checking out former UCLA commit Marlon Pollard, a defensive back who is a Notre Dame commit playing at Cajon High of Sna Bernardino.
On the injury front, receiver Nelson Rosario was on crutches and in a walking boot after injuring his right ankle Wednesday, but Neuheisel said he still expected Rosario to be ready to practice Tuesday.
Also, offensive coordinator Norm Chow was not at practice because he was heading to Hawaii to recruit.

UCLA hoops coach Ben Howland said Alfred Aboya was the starting center, but if he was in the game with freshmen J'mison Morgan or Drew Gordon, he would play power forward while one of the freshmen played center.

I received an email from Yvonne Johnson, the mother of Pop Warner quarterback Ramon Johnson. She brought him to UCLA practice last week to chat with Derrick Coleman. Both wear hearing aids, and Yvonne Johnson thought if she could get Ramon to talk to Coleman, it might inspire him to wear them while he was playing football, which he previously wouldn't do.
It worked.
I'm told that Coleman was told Ramon wore his hearing aids during practice the day after they talked and during his game Saturday, and that Coleman smiled.
Ramon also sent a letter to Coach Nueheisel. I have that and I'm still trying to figure out how to post it so that you can see it in Ramon's handwriting. If not, I'll just copy it on a blog.
Here's an excerpt from Yvonne Johnson's email:

I planned on doing the light-hitting Q&A with receiver Nelson Rosario, until he left practice early with a sprained ankle and did not come back. Therefore, this week's subject is freshman tight end Cory Harkey

1.Facebook or my space?
My space
2. Favorite tunes before a game?
Rap. Fort Minor.
3. Favorite place to eat on campus or in Westwood?
In-n-Out. Double-Double.
4. What professional football player to you liken yourself to?
Jeremy Shockey.
5. Favorite class at UCLA?
Art and architecture.
6. Worst Halloween costume you've worn?
Spider-man.
7. At the goalline, fade or slant?
I'm going to have to go with fade.
8. Sarah Palin. Hot or not?
I'm going to go with not.
9. What's your nickname?
Back at high school they call me "Franchise."
10. Basketball or football?
I'm going to go with football.

Here is the audio of UCLA coach Ben Howland at Pac-10 media day:
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UCLA coach Ben Howland just spent his 10 minutes at the podium. The highlights:
He's not a fan of the 3-point line moving back a foot, saying it will cause more teams to play zone defense and "make the game boring" because offenses will be more deliberate.
The Pauley Pavilion project could go in front of the regents in the next few weeks, and fund-raising could become more public then. (He also hoped the stock market rises a few thousand points).
And re-iterating what he said yesterday, his starting lineup, while subject to change, is pretty set with C Alfred Aboya, PF James Keefe, SF Josh Shipp, SG Jrue Holiday and PG Darren Collison.

Arizona State coach Herb Sendek, USC coach Tim Floyd and Washington State coach Tony Bennett have each spent part of their media session speaking well of UCLA, and each said the Bruins deserve to be picked to win the Pacific-10.
"They're the measuring stick right now,'' Floyd said.

The first major men's basketball poll is out, and UCLA is ranked No. 4. It is the USA Today/ESPN poll, which has North Carolina as a unanimous No. 1. The poll is listed below:

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which has an injury update and also coach Rick Neuheisel's concern about practice. And, here is the audio of what Neuheisel said to the media after the practice.
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UCLA was picked by the media to win its fourth straight Pacific-10 conference title in the poll released today at media day. Here is the poll:
1. UCLA (37)
2. Arizona State (1)
3. USC
4. Arizona
5. Washington
6. Washington State
7. Oregon
8. California
9. Stanford
10. Oregon State
*First place votes in parentheses

Darren Collison, Alfred Aboya, Josh Shipp, James Keefe and Jrue Holiday would start, Ben Howland said.
This has been the expected starting lineup all along.

Forgot to mention that injured quarterback Patrick Cowan spoke to the players only after practice to tell them what a privilege it is to still play, so they need to make sure they give a complete effort.
The message was that Cowan cannot play, so the players that are healthy need to make sure they are giving their best effort.

Receiver Nelson Rosario left the field with a twisted ankle and was getting examined by doctors, but coach Rick Neuheisel said he didn't think it was serious.
LB Reggie Carter was in a no-hit jersey, but x-rays on his ribs were negative and he will play Nov. 8 against Oregon State.
Neuheisel said LT Jeff Baca (hamstring) would be back at practice Sunday and should play against Oregon State, and he added DE Reggie Stokes (knee surgery) could be available for a few plays against the Beavers.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel had some very interesting comments after practice today. I'll have the audio up tomorrow morning, but here is a taste.
"Still way too many mistakes of things that should be rock solid by now,'' he said. "We have to get our guys to understand this is a little bit more important than it is currently been treated. Until that happens, we're going to struggle to improve."

Malcolm Lee said he injured strained his right groin in practice yesterday. He wasn't sure how he did it, but he felt some tension when he was stretching. He could be back to practice as early as today.

Here are the 5-on-5 teams Ben Howland was using in today's practice.
Gold = Darren Collison, Drew Gordon, Mustafa Abdul-Hamid, Alfred Aboya and Jrue Holiday.
Blue = Jerime Anderson, James Keefe, Michael Roll, Josh Shipp and J'Mison ``Bobo'' Morgan.

Some observations so far...
Collison and Holiday have played well together. They were also able to break the fullcourt press with ease. After breaking the press on one possession, Collison had an open shot, although it was well behind the 3-point line, and he passed to an open Holiday, who drove and scored on a floater on the baseline.

Alfred Aboya fell and grabbed his left foot, which was a very brief scare for the Bruins, but he got up right away, walked around and returned to halfcourt defense.

Michael Roll made an open 3-point shot, prompting the yellow team to run sprints.

Morgan has made some nice plays - including an offensive rebound in halfcourt offense and he deflected a Collison shot in the lane. You can hear the name ''Bobo'' by Howland or assistant Donny Daniels nearly every play...whether it's for something good or bad.

Malcolm Lee sustained a strained right groin in today's practice and is out the rest of today and tomorrow. He's expected to return Friday.

Nikola Dragovic was expected to begin practicing last Thursday, but his left foot is still in a boot. Today is one of the rare days that UCLA basketball practice is open to the media and a few boosters and season ticket-holders, so I'll have more from practice later.

UCLA's coaching staff will use Friday and Saturday to go out recruiting, and one of the stops will be Hawaii. Offensive coordinator Norm Chow will see commits Stanley Hasiak of Kapolei (Hawaii) High and tailback Dalton Hilliard and receiver Roby Toma of Punahou of Honolulu.
And, yes, he will also see linebacker Manti Te'o of Punahou

Send in your questions, and I will have answers Friday.
By the way, here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which includes Reggie Carter's injury and the lack of movement on the quarterback situation.

The NBA season kicked off Tuesday and a bunch of former Bruins are in the league, but former center and fan favorite Lorenzo Mata-Real is plying his trade in Mexico. He is playing for Halcones de Xalapa.
However, Mata-Real broke his right leg (fibula) over the weekend and will out six to eight weeks. The team was 14-0 when he was injured.

A little late for some question suggestions, but this week I will do a getting to know ...segment with freshman receiver Nelson Rosario. So, send in one off-the-beaten-track question, and I will chose 10 and post the Q&A Thursday.

Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, Wash.) point guard Abdul Gaddy committed to Washington, and his father, Abdul Sr., said it came down to familiarity with the Huskies program.
"I'm glad we got it all over with,'' Abdul Sr. said. "It came down to location and being close to home with everything that went on with committing to Arizona, de-committing to Arizona, committing to Arizona again and de-committing again."
Abdul Jr. told Washington coach Lorenzo Romar last night, a few hours after UCLA coach Ben Howland was at Bellarmine to watch Abdul Jr. practice.
"I think it was location and the opportunity to play immediately,'' Abdul Sr. said. "And the (Washington) coaching staff, coach Romar has been watching Abdul since he was a freshman in high school, and saw all his games and went to all his (AAU) games. I think that played a big role also."

UCLA linebacker Reggie Carter will have x-rays Wednesday on his ribs. There is concern he suffered a cracked rib at Cal. I have more on it in Wednesday's paper.

Here is what UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel had to say after Tuesday's practice:
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UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel met with the media after practice and said he spoke with his team about the necessity to give great effort and mentioned it "would be criminal" if the team didn't come together and play its best football of the season in the final month in hopes of securing a bowl berth.
As for the quarterbacks, there really wasn't much change from the season. Kevin Craft took the majority of the reps, and Neuheisel said Craft looked good. Chris Forcier took the odd snap with the first unit, but wasn't impressive.
Meanwhile, Ben Olson did some jogging and could take some reps this week, but Neuheisel said it would be "very, very, very optimistic he'd be ready for the next game."
On the injury front, TB Kahlil Bell (ankle), OL Micah Reed (knee), OL Jeff Baca (hamstring) and LB John Hale all sat out practice with nagging injuries.

As many of you guys know, I am not big on on star rankings. From what I've heard, UCLA kept scouting Roby Toma's teammates, and every time they watched the tape, Toma kept cropping up and making plays.
He is also a kid that could go to West Point and play for Army, which is a huge deal. It is a very difficult place to get in to, and speaks of the high quality of an individual. UCLA is a program that needs more leadership, and Toma could be a guy like that.
In addition to playing receiver, he could excel on special teams. Sometimes, size and 40 times do not tell the whole story, and I believe that is what UCLA is thinking in recruiting Toma.

The Associated Press men's basketball poll was due today, and here are my selections:

Sorry, folks, was in a meeting, but just got word that Punahou (Honolulu) receiver Roby Toma called UCLA and gave his non-binding oral commitment, which was expected. I will have more on it later.

Pacific-10 men's basketball media day is Thursday, and here is my preseason ballot. By the way, I think this will be a down year for the league, and picking after my top three teams was not easy.
1. UCLA
2. Arizona State
3. USC
4. Washington State
5. Arizona
6. Washington
7. Stanford
8. Oregon
9. California
10. Oregon State

I am hearing UCLA men's basketball coach Ben Howland will be in Tacoma, Wash., today to watch Bellarmine Prep point guard Abdul Gaddy practice.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel talked this morning about the quarterback situation heading into this week's bye.
"We're going to continue to work with (starter) Kevin (Craft) but we're also going to work with (backup) Chris (Forcier), and see if we can find some way to make us a better offense,'' Neuheisel said.
Neuheisel also said left tackle Jeff Baca (hamstring) could be back for the next game (Nov. 8) against Oregon State.

Here is a Punahou (Honolulu) tailback Dalton Hilliard:

And receiver and teammate Roby Toma:

Here is a story I wrote today about UCLA recruiting Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, Wash.) point guard Abdul Gaddy, how the Bruins staff told Gaddy's family about Arizona coach Lute Olson retiring.
Also, here is a release from UCLA about watching the two exhibition games online:

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which includes UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel talking about bowl chances and changes to personnel, as well as the Bruins getting two more oral commitments.
Also, in talking to UCLA's two newest commits, Punahou (Honolulu) teammates tailback Dalton Hilliard and receiver Roby Toma, both said recruiting Punahoe linebacker Manti Te'o is a priority, and they will work hard on getting him to commit to UCLA.
It should be noted Bruins offensive coordinator Norm Chow is a Punahou alum.

Hearing that Punahou (Honolulu) High tailback Dalton Hilliard committed to UCLA tonight. He was trying to keep it quiet until tomorrow, but word is leaking out.
"I just did it," Hilliard said.
Also, teammate Roby Toma, a receiver, said he will commit to UCLA on Tuesday.

UCLA's offensive line continually has problems with their technique (stepping wrong, blocking the wrong guy) and quarterback Kevin Craft has not been consistent in his reads, or throwing the ball.
So I asked Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel how basic the offense is right now?
"I think it's pretty basic,'' Neuheisel said. "That doesn't mean it's vanilla or boring. I think the things we're asking, especially in the front, is not overly ambitious."

Here are some stats and statistical notes, courtesy of UCLA:

I spoke to Abdul Gaddy Sr. earlier today and asked him why his point guard son, Abdul Jr. of Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma (Wash.), was thinking about Washington. After all, before Abdul Jr. re-committed to Arizona a few weeks ago (he de-committed again over the weekend), his final two choices were Arizona and UCLA.
"How (Washington) got back involved was after the Arizona situation, I think he thought, 'You know what, maybe this is a sign I should stay close to home,' " Abdul Sr. said. "The University of Washington always stayed in contact with him."
Abdul Sr. said a decision could come in the next week, or in the next month, but he believed his son wanted to sign in November.

Washington football coach Ty Willingham announced today he is resigning after the season.

Here is the audio of UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel after Saturday's loss at Cal.
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UCLA vs. Oregon State on Nov. 8 at the Rose Bowl will kickoff at 3:07 p.m. and be televised locally by FSN Prime Ticket.

Here is my report card on UCLA's 41-20 loss to Cal. Feel free to grade the Bruins yourself:

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper.
One thing that is interesting is during Sunday's conference call with coach Rick Neuheisel, He continually said even though discussions will take place about changing personnel on the offensive side, those discussions may result in no changes. Neuheisel admitted such discussions took place in previous weeks, and very little change took place.

As was expected, Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma (Wash.) point guard Abdul Gaddy de-committed from Arizona. And, as I reported a few days ago, he is now deciding between Washington and UCLA.
And, there is a chance Gaddy waits until the spring signing period before inking a national letter of intent.

I asked UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is Osaar Rasshan would be involved in there was an open quarterback derby, and he said Rasshan is still experiencing discomfort in his surgically-repaired knee, and that could keep him from getting more reps at practice and being a factor.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said it was "possible" backup quarterback Chris Forcier could get more snaps this week in practice "but it's not a given." He added that would not be decided until after the coaching staff meets Monday.
Neuheisel also said more creativity may be needed to find a way to run the ball, and that discussions would take place about changing personnel on the offensive line again, but sometimes those discussions lead back to the players UCLA is already using.
Also, Neuheisel said the goal is winning the next game, Nov. 8 against Oregon State, to keep bowl hopes alive.

A turning point in the fourth quarter was UCLA's failed fake punt on a fourth-and-23 that gave Cal the ball on its own 47. Bruins punter Aaron Perez said it was his fault because he read Cal's defense and thought the option was to fake it.
But he later said the distance dictated he should have punted.
Cal scored on the next play, a 53-yard flea-flicker from QB Kevin Riley to to receiver Nyan Boateng.
"(UCLA) had a long way to go for the fake," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. "Thankfully, they came up a yard short and it was a perfect opportunity for us. They were very aggressive in the run game; the safeties were really getting up in there. I felt like that was a great opportunity for the flea flicker.
"Kevin did a great job on that because we had some penetration and he stepped to the side and threw a nice ball to Nyan. Nyan had nice concentration to catch the ball and get it in the end zone."

UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow talked about the offense's woes.
"Our inability to make adjustments hurt us,'' Chow said. "It wasn't a lack of effort. The guys are trying, doing the best they could."

After running for 16 yards on 22 carries, frustration with UCLA's rushing attack was a staple of the postgame discussion.
"This is unbelievably frustrating,'' UCLA guard Nick Ekbatani said. "Individually, that's one of my strengths. I like to run the ball. It's frustrating. We have see the film and see what's going on, but you have to run the ball and see what's going on.''

UCLA coaches told freshman quarterback Kevin Prince on Monday he would red-shirt this season.
"It's whatever will help the team out, so my role now is to play scout team quarterback and give (the defense) a good look," Prince said. "(Red-shirting) is really up to the coaches."
Does Prince have a preference?
"No, not really," he said.

Cal had 17 points through three quarters and led 20-13 with 10 minutes, which included a defensive touchdown by the Bears and good field position on numerous other drives.
I asked defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker is he came away from the game thinking the defense played well.
"There's no doubt in my mind,'' he said. "There's no question. I thought they played their (butts) off the whole game. I'm not (ticked) off one bit. There will be individual plays I criticize, but I thought collectively they played their (butts) off."

As UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel was conducting his post-game press conference underneath Memorial Stadium, a Cal fan started shouting and cursing at Neuheisel. The fan was about 25 feet away, and got to within 8 to 10 feet (there was separation of a shoulder-high wall).
The fan was apparently upset Neuheisel burned his time outs in the final minute, after the game was decided.
I asked Neuheisel if he was bothered by Cal throwing for a 10-yard touchdown with 1:55 to play and coach Jeff Tedford's Bears ahead 34-13.
"No comment,'' he said. "I mean, I think Jeff's a good guy, a good coach. I don't worry about that."

Here is my Harris Poll for this week:

After members of the coaching staff acknowledged UCLA's offensive line, as a whole, needed to improve it's strength, I asked Bruins guard Nick Ekbatani about it.
"I can only look at myself, and I don't think strength was a factor,'' UCLA right guard Nick Ekbatani said. "Technique, from what I've observed and heard, was a problem. It was guys not making the right blocks, guys stepping with the wrong feet.''

Here is the game story I wrote after UCLA's 41-20 loss to Cal, accompanied by the notebook that talks about the QB situation, the fake punt and more, and a side bar in which coach Rick Neuheisel acknowledges strength is an issue for the offensive line.
Also, below are a few player quotes on the game:

A little earlier than usual, but wanted to let everyone know that despite the talk of possibly changing quarterbacks for the next game UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow told me after the game "I don't think we do anything."
I'll have more on it in Sunday's paper.

I will have much more on this in Sunday's paper, but one issue that UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel talked about after the game was the Bruins' lack of strength across the offensive line.
It is something new strength coach Mike Linn knows has to change in the offseason.
"Our defensive line is as strong as anybody, and you saw that,'' Linn said. "The offensive line has to catch up to our defensive front for the game to be consistent.''

Here's some stats on UCLA receiver Terrence Austin, courtesy of UCLA:

82 yard kickoff return was the longest of his career. His 203 kickoff return yards is second highest in school history behind his 206 vs Fresno
State
His 32 returns and 802 yards on the season both rank second in school history behind Matthew Slater's 34 and 986 last year.
His 1383 all-purpose yards are already No. 13 on the UCLA season list with four regular-season games to go.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said the quarterbacks to get a look during the bye will be Kevin Craft, Chris Forcier and Osaar Rashaan.
Kevin Prince told me after the game he was sat down by the coaching staff Monday and told he was red-shirting.

The biggest two things from the postgame were UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel saying the offensive line needed to get stronger, and that is a big reason why the running game is pathetic. He also said he will look at the quarterback situation during the bye week.
Also, the fake punt was punter Aaron Perez's call, and Perez said he made a mistake because of the down and distance.

Give your thoughts on the game. Also, where does UCLA go from here?

Cal's Michael Mohamed just intercepted a pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to give Cal a 34-13 lead. It was UCLA QB Kevin Craft's fourth interception of the game, and second returned for a score.

Cal just scored on a 53-yard flea flicker pass with 10 minutes left. It came one play after UCLA's fake punt on fourth-and-23 was stopped after a 22-yard gain.

Cal kicked a 42-yard field goal to go ahead 20-13 with 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

UCLA just had a nice drive that began on its own 15 and converted three third downs before settling for a 38-yard field goal to pull within 17-13 of Cal with 2:11 left in the third quarter.

UCLA QB Kevin Craft has been picked three times and the offense didn't have a first down for 20 minutes, but somehow the Bruins are down only 17-10 going into the locker room after Kai Forbath's 23-yard field goal with eight seconds left in the half.

UCLA finally got a first down, with 10:10 left in the first half, but a few plays later QB Kevin Craft's poor throw behind a receiver resulted in a 69-yard TD interception return by Marcus Ezeff for a TD. It followed Jahvid Best's 34-yard TD run a few moments earlier.
Cal leads 17-7.

UCLA just blocked a punt on the first play of the second quarter and it was recovered by Glenn Love in the end zone to give the Bruins a 7-3 lead.
UCLA does not have a first down yet, but it is in the lead. Also, left guard Micah Reed is out with a leg injury and Darius Savage is playing.

Just got word that Cal coach Jeff Tedford tabbed sophomore Kevin Riley to start for the Bears at quarterback.

I was just told reserve receiver Ryan Graves is not here. He has been dealing with a strained hamstring. While it may not seem significant, Graves is UCLA's backup punt and kick returner. So, if anything happens to Terrence Austin, UCLA will drop to their third returner, who could be Michael Norris on kicks and Taylor Embree on punts.

Thanks for all the questions again. Remember, I will open a chat room at 12:15 p.m. today, plus have game information before, during and after on the blog.
Now, here is the last set of answers this week:

Morning, all. There will be two more sets of answers this morning, so let's get onto the first of the day (and 21st overall):

Here is the game preview and the notebook I wrote for today's paper, and below is the preview capsule:

I will have a few more sets of answers Saturday, as well as pre-game stuff and the in-game chat room open. Now, here is the 20th and final set of the answers today.

Here is the 19th set:

Here is the 18th set:

Here is the 17th set:

Here is the 16th set:

Here is set No. 15:

UCLA's football staff is using today as one of its days to go out and recruit, even though the Bruins play at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Cal.
According to sources:
Neuheisel is going to Sacred Heart of San Francisco vs. Archbishop Mitty of San Jose. Playing for Sacred Heart is defensive end Kevin Green.
The Bruins also will stake out Bellarmine Prep of San Jose against Serra of San Mateo. Offensive lineman Kevin Danser plays for Bellarmine.
Another game is San Jose Oak Grove vs. San Jose Lincoln, with safety Jabari Carr playing for Oak Grove.
Oakland O'Dowd vs. San Leandro and San Francisco City College against Diablo Valley Community College are also on the list.

Here is the 14th installment:

Here is the 13th set:

Here is the 12th segment:

Here is the 11th set:

Here is the 10th segment:

There's a lot of questions about Arizona commit Adbul Gaddy, a highly-rated guard from Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma (Wash.), and what he will do now that Wildcats coach Lute Olson announced his retirement.
Here's what I've heard so far:
He has not told Arizona he is de-committing, although it is heading that way. Gaddy's father, Abdul Sr., spoke with UCLA coach Ben Howland in the last 48 hours, and sources are telling me it could come down to Washington and UCLA.
However, I'm told the option exists Gaddy could wait and see what happens at Arizona with a new coach, and wait to sign with a school in the spring.

Here is the ninth set:

Here is the eight set:

Here is the seventh set:

Here is the sixth part:

Here is the fifth installment:

Here is the fourth helping:

Before I get to the third set of answers, there were a number of questions about hoops recruit Abdul Gaddy, an Arizona commit. I didn't answer every one of those questions, but boiled it down to a question or two. I am also working on it to see how realistic UCLA's chances are of getting him now that Lute Olson retired as UofA coach.
Now, here is the third set of answers:

By the way, folks,there was a record number of questions this week, which is why there are so many sets of answers.
That said, I deleted at least 10 questions because of the length. But I figure if the folks who asked them couldn't read to keep the questions under 50 words, they won't know their question was deleted.
Here is the second set of answers:

Folks, get ready for a day of answers, because there are a lot of them. I will have at least 20 sets of answers today, and a few more Saturday morning in preparation for the game. All answers will be posted by 11 a.m. Saturday.
Also, as an added feature, I am debuting a game chat this week. It will begin at 12:15 p.m., about 20 minutes before kickoff at Cal. Please keep that clean, or this will be the only week for it.
Now, onto the first set of answers:

Here is the notebook Brian Dohn and I collaborated on for today's paper. There's info on Micah Kia, a Ben Olson update and more.

Brian Dohn reports in tomorrow's paper that Ben Olson's return might be delayed again. Olson was scheduled to return to practice next week - during the bye week - but now he doesn't know if that will happen. He doesn't have a new timetable for his return. More on that tomorrow.

It is my understanding UCLA's basketball staff has spoken to folks close to guard Abdul Gaddy, the Arizona commit who chose the Wildcats over the Bruins. From what I understand, UCLA has a shot at Gaddy because of the retirement of Arizona coach Lute Olson.

This is Rick Neuheisel's post-practice interview with reporters.

General comments about Thursday's practice...
I thought it was a great Thursday practice. It was what we needed, there's a lot of spirited kids ... we're looking forward to the contest. I know they are too. It should be a whale of a Saturday.

On the changes on the offensive line....
It seems seamless now, in that we've had so many changes and mix and matching. The kids kind of roll with it. They really aren't too concerned. Obviously, it impacts your productivity and efficiency because you're better off if everybody's doing the same thing over and over again. That hasn't been possible, so we'll make the best of it.

What Neuheisel liked about playing at Cal....
Loved it. From a student standpoint, all of your classmates try to get up there for a roadtrip, so it's always been a big game. We had some success there when I was in school. My junior year I ended up throwing 1 for 1 for 75 yards and a touchdown - my first pass during a game where the score was still in question.

Who caught it?
Dokie Williams. Tom Ramsey hurt his knee on a sack. It was second-and-20. I was standing on the sidelines, and I grabbed a ball from the ball boy and I ran out there and threw it back to him and that was my warmup pass. I threw a slant, I don't know if it spiraled, but Dokie caught it and went 75 yards.

How many yards after the catch?
Thank you. This is my memory. Let's just say Dokie did the lion's share of the work.

How many traveling (max is 64)?
62. We couldn't get 64 healthy ones.

What strength does Cal have that worries you the most?
Their running game and they're a potent offense, especially at home. They get their crowd into it. We've got to manage that storm, and keep this game close into the fourth quarter, which has been kind of our theme this season. That's important if we expect to have a chance.

Will Derrick Coleman get more carries?
It's possible. We don't know how the game is going to turn out. We're gaining confidence in Derrick. I don't think it's a long shot to see that he gets more time.

Is Mike Harris starting at right tackle?
Yes, and Micah Kia at the left tackle.

On Mike Harris being a little late to practice ...
He was a little late. As he said sometimes nature calls. What are you going to say about that?

Lute Olson is officially retiring. I would've put this up early, but I was watching football practice.
Here's what Olson said in a statement...
"This was not a decision that was made lightly," Olson said. "I've had a wonderful run at The University of Arizona. I leave with a great sense of pride in what we have accomplished here."
Arizona held a press conference, but athletic director Jim Livengood didn't say who would be the next coach. He said he would conduct a national search.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel confirmed Mike Harris will start at right tackle. Harris ran into practice a little late Thursday, which isn't the way you want to start your last practice before your first career start. He told Neuheisel that nature called.
The Bruins will travel with 62 players to Cal.
The UCLA band played at the end of practice again and one of the band members had a shot at returning a kick. She didn't catch it, but she picked it the ball and scored.
Neuheisel detailed his first career touchdown pass, which happened at Cal his junior year, and I'll have more on that later.

UCLA wing Josh Shipp is in markedly better shape as the Bruins ready for the season, down 13 pounds from last season to 210.
How did he do it?
"Work out and eat right,'' he said.
It also helped Shipp was finally able to work out. Many of his past offseasons were spent either recovering from surgery, or trying to avoid surgery.
"I was finally healthy and I could do things,'' Shipp said. "I didn't have as much pain. Basically, no pain. It was being able to work out and not worry about anything."

(Jill Painter will take you through the rest of the day until the Q&A begins Friday morning)

There has been debate over whether Jeff Baca should've been chasing down a defender after an interception was thrown in practice. Here's what Baca said about that: ``What are you going to say? I was trying to make a play. There was nothing I could've done to prevent it. It was a freak thing that happened.''
Baca said he overstrided a bit and that trainers told him the hamstring injury probably happened because it was at the end of practice and he was tired.
Added Baca: ``I was just giving effort. Trying to give a little effort. I was mad (Kevin Craft) threw that interception, especially in practice. I was trying to relieve some stress.''

UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner. Here is a quick Q&A, with the questions selected from those you folks asked earlier in the week.

1. Favorite book?
It's kind of me being a kid, but Harry Potter.
2. Any hidden talents
I write a little poetry.
3. Who is the best Bruin at Guitar Hero?
The word on the street is probably (offensive lineman) Nick Ekbatani.
4. Most memorable pick for a TD, and why?
That's got to be the Cal game last year because that kind of solidified the win.
5. Why did you chose such a hard major (mathematics)?
I always liked math, and solving things and putting things together. I like math because it's one absolute answer, whereas English is more abstract and creative. You might see something, but it might not be the right answer toward some person, but it might be the right answer for you.
6. What other position would you like to play other than cornerback.
Probably a receiver.
7.Favorite cartoon?
Dragon Ball Z.
8. Can you surf?
Oh, heck, no. No body surf. No midnight surf. No anything.
9. Which coach has the best taste in music?
Defensive line coach Todd Howard.
10. You're a smart dude. How do we fix the financial crisis?
By making me the President.

There is a report Arizona hoops coach Lute Olson is stepping down. I'm sure there will be much more on this in the coming hours (and days).

Here is a feature I wrote on UCLA receiver Terrence Austin and his dream school being Cal. Jill Painter has a nice story on tailback Derrick Coleman, who is hearing impaired, and a discussion Coleman had with an 11-year-old boy with the same type of hearing issues.
Finally, here is the notebook Jill wrote off practice, which has another offensive line update and concludes with Ed Kezirian driving down from Fresno to give the famous Ducky Drake speech.
For those unfamiliar with Coleman's story, here is a link to something I wrote about in February. Also, here is a story I wrote in previewing the 2006 game at Cal, which has more details of the Ducky Drake speech.

Here is Brian Dohn's story on Terrence Austin, my notebook from practice and story on Derrick Colemanhelping a San Fernando Valley Pop Warner player who wears hearing aids, too.

Jill Painter was out at practice and will more on these things in Thursday's paper, but defensive end Tom Blake (sports hernia) is looking to have surgery next week, but it remains questionable whether he will play again this season.
Also, OL coach Bob Palcic said left tackle Jeff Baca is out two to three weeks, which means he may be able to return Nov. 8 against Oregon State.

Derrick Coleman, who has near complete hearing loss, was called on to help Yvonne Johnson on Wednesday. Yvonne has been trying to get her son, Ramon, to wear hearing aids while playing football - like Coleman does - but she'd been unsuccessful. The Johnsons live in Sylmar and Ramon, 11, plays Pop Warner football. He attended UCLA practice and talked with Coleman and saw for himself that Coleman wears hearing aids while playing football.
``He talked to me about how it can help me with hearing and don't listen to anyone about teasing,'' Ramon said. ``He wears his hearing aid, and it helps him hear. He said live life.''
I'll have more on this special meeting between Ramon and Coleman in tomorrow's paper.

Here's Rick Neuheisel's comments following Wednesday's practice.

Good practice, not as good as yesterday, so we've got to figure out exactly why and make sure we're a lot more urgent than tomorrow. I think our guest speaker (Ed Kezirian) made it clear to the guys that this isn't just an ordinary game. Hopefully, they understood that and will come back on a day where they need to be razor sharp.

Ed Kezirian has been with UCLA since he played in the early 70s. He's a very popular figure in the athletic department. He was a coach and player and worked in the administration for several years. There isn't a player out here that doesn't love Ed Kezirian. It's fun for him to come back and reminisce about Ducky Drake. He was a great coach and trainer who used to make this game his game. As a player here, I remember Ducky talking to us about the importance of playing Cal and what that game meant to the university. It's a tribute to Ducky and now a tribute to Ed to have him come back and reminisce and make sure the players understand how important the game against Cal is.

Baca is probably out this week with a hamstring pull, but we hope to have him back by the Oregon State game. It's just a hamstring strain, but it will probably keep him from playing this weekend.

Micah Kia will be the left tackle and we'll wait to see what we do on the right side.

It's been a while since Rick Neuheisel heard the Ducky Drake speech, but he's heard it a lot as a former player and assistant coach.
``Ed Kezirian has been with UCLA since he played in the early 70s,'' Neuheisel said. ``He's a very popular figure in the athletic department. He was a coach and player and worked in the administration for several years. There isn't a player out here that doesn't love Ed Kezirian. It's fun for him to come back and reminisce about Ducky Drake. He was a great coach and trainer who used to make this game his game. As a player here, I remember Ducky talking to us about the importance of playing Cal and what that game meant to the university. It's a tribute to Ducky and now a tribute to Ed to have him come back and reminisce and make sure the players understand how important the game against Cal is.''

Rick Neuheisel said that offensive lineman Jeff Baca is ``probably out'' for the Cal game. He certainly looked out today when he walked into practice on one crutch and had his left hamstring wrapped.
``Baca is probably out this week with a hamstring pull, but we hope to have him back by the Oregon State game,'' Neuheisel said. ``It's just a hamstring strain, but it will probably keep him from playing this weekend.''
UCLA has a bye next week.

Ed Kezirian just showed up at practice. He's here to give the famous Ducky Drake speech. Kezirian is retired and drove down from the Central Valley.

Here is a story that I saw today about some legal problems involving (now former) players.

Cal running back Jahvid Best didn't practice Tuesday, but he said today during a conference call his elbow felt fine and he would play Saturday against UCLA.

It is time for the Q&A this week. Send in the questions by Friday at 8 a.m., and the responses will follow throughout the day.
As a side note, any question more than 50 words will be deleted. (The objective here is to ask a question, not show how much you know before asking a question.)

For those who followed recruiting over the summer, Donovan Edwards' name should sound familiar. He was a junior college offensive tackle from Diablo Valley Community College who told UCLA he was coming to Westwood as long as he got his academics in order, than wound up at Cal.
Edwards would have been in the mix for a starting job at UCLA, but is a reserve with the Bears. A sophomore, the left tackle has played in two of Cal's six games, seeing action in a 66-3 win against Washington State and a 42-7 win against Colorado State.

Punahou of Honolulu tailback Dalton Hilliard told me he could decide next week on his college destination, and in recruiting circles the feeling is UCLA will be tough to beat.
Hilliard will visit Arizona this weekend. He made an official trip to UCLA for last week's Stanford game.
"I got back (Monday) afternoon from my (UCLA) trip and felt real good about it," Hilliard said. "I'm not going to do anything yet. Probably next week, early in the week, I'll make a decision. I'm definitely going to take this trip to Arizona and get another Pac-10 view."
Hilliard already visited Nebraska, and said if he does make more trips after Arizona, it would be to Colorado and Utah.
"UCLA has been really high on my list for a long time, and I definitely waited around to see if they were ever going to come through with an offer and they did," Hilliard said. "I guess you could call it that UCLA is the top school in terms of where they rank in terms of my recruiting, and how I feel about them."

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which includes an update on running back Kahlil Bell, two more oral commitments and a few other notes.
Also, I spoke to Punahou (Honolulu) running back Dalton Hilliard last night and he said UCLA was his top choice, but he was taking a visit to Arizona this coming up week. I'll have more from Hilliard in a little while.

I talked Bloomington High of Fontana fullback Jayson Allmond earlier tonight about his commitment to UCLA, and asked him why he jumped at the Bruins' offer and made a decision.
"It's getting to the end of my senior season and I talked to a lot of schools, and narrowed it down to three schools, Nevada, UCLA and Fresno State,'' Allmond said. "What got me with UCLA is they made me feel real comfortable when I came to their games, and made me feel like I was part of the family and I wasn't even part of the team yet."

I talked to Diamond Ranch of Pomona cornerback Brandon Sermons' coach a little while ago about what type of player UCLA was getting.
"I played under (UCLA defensive coordinator) DeWayne Walker, and he and Brandon are very similar," said Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton of his days with Walker at Mt. SAC. "They're quiet, straight shooters. They're pure work. You want to be there and play for him. He's very quiet, very technical and very hard working, and Brandon's that way."

UCLA also received a commitment from fullback Jayson Allmond of Fontana High of Bloomington today. I will have more on both commitments soon.

Folks, I just got off the phone with a source who told me Diamond Ranch cornerback Brandon Sermons committed to UCLA. I will have more in a few minutes.

With UCLA's depth depleted at defensive end, David Carter was moved from defensive tackle to defensive end. With Reggie Stokes (knee), Tom Blake (sports hernia) and Chase Moline (back) are all out against Cal, leaving Datone Jones and Korey Bosworth as the starters, and Chinonso Anyanwu and Justin Edison the primary backups.

Here is the audio of UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel after Tuesday's practice:
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UCLA received a scare when left tackle Jeff Baca was helped from the field late in practice after trying to chase down a defensive player returning an interception. It's being termed a hamstring strain, but there will be more evaluation today.
Micah Kia moved to left tackle in place of Baca for the remaining reps. Another development was, even before Baca's injury, Mike Harris moved ahead of Kia at right tackle.
Also, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said defensive end Reggie Stokes would undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair torn meniscus in his knee Thursday, with the hopes of returning Nov. 15 at Washington.
Backup punt returner and receiver Ryan Graves sat out practice with a strained hamstring.

UCLA hoops coach Ben Howland said last week senior Josh Shipp may be asked to play power forward in spurts this season. During last week's media day, I asked Shipp what he was hearing about that.
"I didn't hear that," Shipp said. "Whatever it takes for the team to win. Can they guard me at the four? It's a possibility (to play there), but I don't think it's going to happen. If it does, I have to play it."

It seems like folks want me to chose a player for the weekly light-hitting Q&A, and that will give everyone a chance to send in more specific questions. This week I will go with Alterraun Verner.
So, send in a fun question, and I will chose 10 to ask him and post the weekly feature in its usual Thursday slot.

Check out this video of UCLA's latest football commit, offensive tackle Stanley Hasiak. He is No. 75 and plays left tackle.

My understanding is hoops commit Reeves Nelson's arthroscopic knee surgery went well, and less damage was found than initially feared. Nelson, a power forward from Modesto Christian, is expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks, and should be ready to play his senior season by Christmas.
Reeves hurt the knee playing football, and had surgery Friday at UCLA Medical Center.

I asked Cal coach Jeff Tedford this morning how he was going to handle his quarterback situation this week, and was told it would be the same as a week ago, which means Nate Longshore and Kevin Riley will take equal reps in practice this week before a decision is made on who will start against UCLA.
Also, Tedford said running back Jahvid Best, who sat out the end of Cal's lost to Arizona because of an elbow injury was "doing ok. ...It's been positive over the last couple of days."
Best leads Cal in rushing with 528 yards. He missed the win against Arizona State with a dislocated elbow, but is expected to play against UCLA.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said this morning it remains a head-scratching situation why quarterback Kevin Craft has so much trouble during games, but can put together an impressive drive to win games. Craft has been in that situation twice, and twice he drove the Bruins for a last-second touchdown.
"If I knew, I'd tell you,'' Neuheisel said. "I don't know why there is a period of struggles early in games, but for whatever reasons he does calm down when it seems very difficult to calm down.
"He's a resilient son of a gun."

Here is the audio of UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's Monday press conference:
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I know a lot of folks were wondering why heralded freshman running back Milton Knox wasn't playing this season, and here is the story I wrote for today's paper on what was going on. Also, I wrote a notebook, focusing on UCLA's depleted defensive end depth and the possibility Tom Blake and Reggie Stokes will undergo surgeries.
As a side note, injured quarterback Ben Olson did some light throwing last week, although his possible return from a broken foot remains a few weeks away.

A few tidbits to whet the appetite for the morning paper.
First, I wrote a story about why running back Milton Knox is red-shirting, and it has nothing to do with playing ability. There were eligibility issues, that have since been resolved but he will still red-shirt.
Second, could be without DEs Tom Blake and Reggie Stokes at Cal as both are considering having surgery. If Blake doesn't have surgery, his career could be done.

UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner spoke with the media today, and gave his thoughts about the Stanford win and looked ahead to Cal.
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A staple during UCLA-California week is a mid-week practice speech, first brought forth by former Bruins track coach Ducky Drake. The message was about Cal being the big brother to UCLA, and how the Bears didn't respect the Bruins.
Former Bruins player, assistant coach and academic advisor, Ed Kezirian, took over the role of animated speech deliverer a few years back, but Kezirian retired in the spring. So now there may be no one left to deliver the post-practice speech.
"This is an all-points bulletin for easy Ed Kezirian. We need him back,'' UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "If you can find him on the plains of Fresno, can we get him back from farm country? We'd love to have Ed come back and do that. It would be terrific. There's no one would could talk about that rivalry with more conviction than Ed Kezirian.
"This is an important game and it needs to be treated as an important game because of the history. One of the great things about college football is the history, and passing the traditions on to the next generation. We need to make sure we cultivate that."

UCLA center Jake Dean has had trouble getting the shot-gun snaps on target to quarterback Kevin Craft, and I asked Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel about it.
"Well, normally in shot-gun snaps, it is pass blocking," Neuheisel said. "But when you start doing your run schemes from shotgun and the center gets involved in block backs or pulling that first step, sometimes they are trying to make that first step before they snap the ball.
"All of sudden their body angle has changed as the ball is being snapped and it heads off to the left or it heads off to the right, so you have to really look at it to make sure that the ball snaps before you start taking all those big steps that are so important in blocking."

UCLA placekicker Kai Forbath was named the Pacific-10 special teams player of the week after going 3 for 3 on field goal attempts against Stanford. Here is the release:

I know a lot of folks have been asking about UCLA tailback Aundre Dean not getting any playing time, so I asked coach Rick Neuheisel today about it.
"He's still a little hurt," Neuheisel said. "I see a little limp when he tries to open it up. And he's a young player. ...We want him to blossom, but there's more to it than just carrying the football."
In talking about Cal, Neuheisel said the Bears' running game is a big concern, led by a physical offensive line.
"They have an offensive line that can maul you,''
UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said DE Reggie Stokes will have his injured knee re-examined today and results should be known Tuesday.
He said TB Raymond Carter (groin) could be available this week.

UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner met with the media today and said the thing that stands out about Cal (this week's opponent) is speed.
"You see they have a lot of speed on that team,'' Verner said. "It's going to be a another space game."
Verner said UCLA's cornerbacks matchup with Cal's receiver speed well, but the Bears' running backs have tremendous speed and could cause problems for the Bruins' linebackers and secondary.

Jumping to hoops for a minute, UCLA coach Ben Howland talked about the need for center Alfred Aboya to stay on the court, and not pick up the silly fouls that dotted his career.
"He's going to foul some, but I don't want it to be by reaching,'' Howland said. "We need Alfred Aboya to play 25 minutes a game, on average, this year. Minimum. He does so many things well. I mean, Alfred is really going to be key to this team this year, and how far we go. His presence, his defense, his blocking out.
"He does all the right things. It'll be a real learning experience for the two freshmen because they have to go against him every day."

Here is my report card on UCLA's 23-20 win against Stanford. Vote for yourself below:

Here is the football notebook from today's paper, which looks ahead to Cal and also re-visits the Stanford win.
And here is a basketball notebook, focusing on freshman center J'mison Morgan.
As a side note, I spoke to Morgan about possible pitfalls of playing against more experienced guys in the Pacific-10 conference.
"It's more of a strength factor. I don't think it's an age factor," Morgan said. "Young players are wise nowadays, too. It's more of a strength thing. We have to get in the weight room more and get stronger so we can compete with the bigger, older guys."

Stanley Hasiak, the offensive lineman from Kapolei (Hawaii) High who gave a non-binding oral commitment to UCLA today, just told me he would take a trip to Cal next month, but wasn't sure if he would visit any other schools.
He said he committed after getting a good vibe from the program.
"I always liked UCLA but I wasn't sure I wanted to commit this early,'' Hasiak said. "I thought about it and there isn't a better situation than this, with this school.
"This past summer when I was up there on my unofficial (visit) I was close to committing, but I wasn't sure. This morning I made up my mind. I finally had time to thing to myself and got an evaluation of the school, and it confirmed what I was thinking.
Hasiak said he was told the plan is for him to come in next season and compete for a job at left tackle since UCLA wants to move starting freshman left tackle Jeff Baca to guard.
Not coincidentally, Baca hosted Hasiak.
"We were talking about everything -- the football, the coaches, the school. Anything that was going around,'' Hasiak said.

Tracy Murray is returning to the UCLA family. He will serve as a fill-in analyst on the radio broadcast when Don MacLean is doing UCLA games on television or pulled away by his Clippers television responsibilities.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel just finished speaking with the media, and said "we were fortunate to win that game." He also sounded a familiar refrain in the running game must improve after it stalled again against Stanford.
Neuheisel added QB Kevin Craft looks more comfortable in the shot-gun, and said it was "brilliant" strategy to get Craft outside of the pocket and allow him to throw on the run.
On the injury front, Neuheisel said defensive end Reggie Stokes (knee) was questionable for Cal, but everyone else (yes, that includes S Rahim Moore) should be ready to practice Tuesday.

Just talked to Ben Howland and he said he was very pleased with the first three practices. He said frosh center J'mison Morgan did a nice job scoring, and showed very good hands catching the basketball.
He said freshman center/power forward Drew Gordon was feeling a knee tweak, but got out-fitted with a new brace and had his best practice today.
Howland added he liked the decision-making of freshman guard Jerime Anderson.
On an injury front, the bone scan on forward Nikola Dragovic's foot was negative, and Dragovic is pain free and should be able to practice by Thursday.

UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow said he wasn't sure what happened to QB Kevin Craft in the first half, but noticed it is a trend.
"I think we were all very disappointed with his play in the first half," Chow said. "I'm not sure I kow why he's played poorly in the first half. Like I told the players, there was a study once, and over 70 percent of pass plays that are made are not in rhythm. They're not like you draw them in the book, and that's why he does well.''

Getting bowl eligible was a theme for some players before the Stanford game, but not all of them.
"We don't really think of the bowl season yet," UCLA defensive tackle Brigham Harwell said. "We're trying to take it one game at a time and get back into the conference race. We're back in it, and now we go up to Cal-Berkeley and we need to come out and have a strong week of practice. It's a huge win for us. It was a must-win game for us. We had to win it. If we were going to be in contention for the conference race, we had to win this game."

Not only was Terrence Austin's third quarter touchdown reception, a 2-yard flip from quarterback Kevin Craft, the first score of his career, but it was the first touchdown reception by a UCLA wide receiver this season.
Austin, who was carted off the field on a stretcher last week against Oregon was questionable for the game, finished with a team-leading five catches for 51 yards, but was not used to return punts.
"Coaches took it easy on me because they didn't want me to do too much, but I don't think it would have mattered if they let me play more,'' Austin said. "I was fine out there. I didn't even think about it.''

Bruins freshman tight end Cory Harkey said he was surprised QB Kevin Craft looked his way on the game-winning 7-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds remaining.
"The ball fell in my hands," Harkey said. "I was focused on catching it, but it was crazy how it happened. ...This is a key win for us. We were down and kept on pushing through, and the defense and the offense kept pushing through, and we battled our butts off."

Brian Dohn reports that Hawaii prep offensive lineman Stanley Hasiak just commited to UCLA. He still could take trips to Cal and USC. Dohn will have more on this later.

UCLA linebacker Reggie Carter said before the game he was hearing Stanford was a dirty team, and apparently the Cardinal did not like that.
"They were talking a lot of trash. Maybe they read it,'' Carter said. "After the first play, they said, 'Hey, 51, you called us out.' I was like, 'Really?' I don't even remember what I said. But they talked the whole game. Usually, the o-line are too tired to talk. They were talking from the first snap, talking trash and all that, but they weren't dirty. They played hard.''

Here is my Harris Poll for this week:

I spoke to UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow after the game about coach Rick Neuheisel, and Neuheisel saying he wanted to pull QB Kevin Craft late in the second quarter but was talked out of it by Chow.
"He's an emotional football coach, and he's a very good football coach, and we were all disappointed in Kevin's play,'' Chow said. "But at that point in time, with two minutes to go, what did we do, put together a two-minute drive and get three points? It wasn't the time. I didn't think it was the time, but he's the head coach. He's allowed to do what he wants to do.
"To put a new guy in for the two-minute drill doesn't make sense."

Here is a quick snipet of what UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel had to say after Saturday's 23-20 win against Stanford, with the rest of his comments underneath:
Neuheisel's opening statement:
"Congratulations to Stanford for a hard-fought game. They were, as I thought they would be, very physical and very tough at the line of scrimmage. Coach Harbaugh has done a great job with that team. It was not an accident that they were 3-1 [in Pac-10 play] headed into this game. They have a chance to make some noise as their conference season continues."

Check out the Daily News' pictures from UCLA's win.

Here is the game story of UCLA's thrilling 23-20 defeat of Stanford, as well as the notebook, which deals with Stanford's decision to run the ball, and run some more. Staffer Jill Painter wrote a column about QB Kevin Craft's resiliency, and also a sidebar about TE Cory Harkey, who had the game-winning catch.

Here are some notes from after UCLA's 23-20 win against Stanford:

Kevin Craft didn't learn that Rick Neuheisel almost benched him near the end of the second quarter until reporters asked him about it. He didn't see Chris Forcier warming up on the sideline, either.
Rick Neuheisel said he was talked out of it by Norm Chow, who made a case for Craft by saying he'd taken all the reps in UCLA's two-minute drill.
``There was a point in the game where I did consider it and sometimes it gets the better of me because I'm an old quarterback and an old quarterback coach,'' Neuheisel said on thoughts of benching Craft. ``It was probably a little irrational on my part, but the kid, God bless him, he responded. His resiliency is one of the reasons why we're standing here with a victory. Norm called me down.''
Brian Dohn will have more on the game tomorrow.

UCLA scored 10 of its 23 points via the two-minute drill, getting a field goal at the end of the first half and scoring the game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds to play.
"I think they work well under pressure,'' UCLA linebacker Reggie Carter said. "Maybe they should just go two-minute the whole game. I think (quarterback Kevin) Craft and the offense and (offensive coordinator) Norm Chow did a great job. They really stepped up under pressure.

UCLA DE Reggie Stokes injured his left knee and will have an MRI on Sunday and DE Chinonso Anyanwu has a strain in the back of his knee.
RT Micah Kia injured his back again when he was kneed, and he said he would be examined either Sunday or Monday.
MLB Steve Sloan has a right knee contusion and x-rays were negative.
FS Rahim Moore suffered a bruised right heel and DE Datone Jones bruised his calf, but both returned to the game.

Running back Dalton Hilliard of Punahou High of Honolulu was offered a scholarship by UCLA today, but did not commit immediately. I'm told something could happen in the next few days. Hillard played last night, and didn't get to L.A. until this morning, and he won't go home until Monday.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Stanley Hasiak of Kapolei (Hawaii) High is also on his official visit, and I was told he was having a very good time but it seems unlikely he will make a decision any time soon.

The vibe in UCLA's locker room was the win showed the team's mental toughness, and showed they have heart and believe in each other.
One interesting thing was Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel said he almost yanked QB Kevin Craft late in the first half, but was talked out of it by offensive coordinator Norm Chow.

UCLA's two-minute offense did the trick against Stanford. Kevin Craft, struggled all game but led UCLA on an 87-yard, 11-play drive that took 2:13 off the clock. Craft found tight end Cory Harkey open in the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown to put UCLA ahead.
Your thoughts on the game?

Stanford's Aaron Zagory kicked a 29-yard field goal to increase its lead by four points with 2:31 left. UCLA must score a touchdown to win...1:45 left.

After a huge 46-yard kickoff return, Stanford's offense stalled at the 23. Aaron Zagory kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Stanford a 17-16 lead. This means the decision to not go for the two-point conversion still comes into play. There are 12 minutes left in the game.

Kai Forbath just kicked a 28-yard field goal to UCLA ahead in the fourth quarter.

Kevin Craft connected with Terrence Austin on a 2-yard touchdown pass to pull UCLA within 14-13 midway throught the third quarter. The Bruins chose not to go for the two-point conversion, which could've tied the game. It was early in the second half, however, but this could prove to be a very interesting situation.

The Bruins got the ball back with 2:25 left before halftime. UCLA went 88 yards in 16 plays, and Kai Forbath kicked a 19-yard field goal to pull within eight points. This was significant because UCLA can tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion.
Stanford really helped UCLA on that drive with FOUR penalties...including a personal foul for a late hit on Kevin Craft, and a pass interference call in the end zone with two seconds left.
Thoughts on the first half?

Chris Forcier was warming up on the sideline, but Kevin Craft is still at quarterback.

Kevin Craft has struggled against Stanford, and Chris Forcier is now warming up on the sideline, with three minutes left in the first half. Stanford leads, 7-3.

Kai Forbath kicked a 37-yard field goal to pull UCLA within 7-3. Forbath has made 8 of 11 field goals this season.

Stanford just scored on Toby Gerhart's 3-yard touchdown run for Stanford's first points in the Rose Bowl since 2002. The Cardinal was shut out in 2004 and 2006 at the Rose Bowl.

Running back Raymond Carter is not dressed, so he's not available to play today.

Here are the recruits expected at today's game, which includes a number of UCLA commits and Oaks Christian High quarterback Nick Montana, the son of Joe Montana.

Scouts from the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos are scheduled to be here.

It used to be Stanford was known for lacking toughness and how easy it was to intimidate the Cardinal.
"That's what it's been in the past,'' UCLA center Jake Dean said. "I guess it's different there now. I expect it will be very similar to Oregon, where they have some big guys up front and play real hard and go to the whistle.''

UCLA linebacker Reggie Carter said Stanford is a much different team, even calling the Cardinal dirty. And here is the preview I wrote about UCLA still thinking about a bowl game.
Also, the preview capsule is below.
As for predictions, I went with UCLA 20, Stanford 19.

Folks, got through all the questions in one day, so thanks for reading. Please enjoy the last set of answers, and thanks for all the questions again this week:

Here is the 15th set:

Here is the 14th set:

We are to my favorite number, lucky 13, for answers:

Here is the 12th set

Here is the 11th set:

Here is the 10th installment:

Here is the ninth set:

Here is the eighth helping:

UCLA is expecting in the low 60,000s for Saturday's homecoming game against Stanford. Seeing how UCLA likes to estimate lower than the numbers actually are, I would say that means 65,000ish for the game.

Here is the seventh set:

Here is the sixth set:

Here is a question from today's Q&A:
You wrote that Football and Men's Basketball are the only sports that make a profit, which pays for all of the other sports. Which of the other sports cost Ucla the most to have? Please list the 3 non-football/basketball sports costing the most.

Rather than list three sports, I figured I would make the sheet available to anyone who wants to read it, so here it is:

UCLA EADA 2008.pdf

Folks, there were more questions than I thought. Looks like there will be 16 sets of answers today, and a set or two tomorrow before 10 a.m. Now, here is the fifth set:

Here is the fourth set:

Here is the third set:

Here is the second set:

Just got word from UCLA that Micah Reed will start at left guard in place of Darius Savage and John Hale will start at strong-side linebacker ahead of Akeem Ayers.

Sorry for the delay in getting started this morning, but there will be a least 12 sets of answers today. Yes, it is a light day (ya' know, only 120 or so responses and 150 or so questions).
Any who, let's get on to the first set:

Folks, sorry for the late start today. Had some things I had to take care of personally, so the Q&A will start in about 30 minutes.
In the meantime, here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, concentrating on the need to force turnovers, plus some other tidbits.
Also, here is the audio from UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's post-practice media session from Thursday.
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Here is what Rick Neuheisel had to say about QB Kevin Craft's development so far:
"I think Kevin is doing a nice job,'' Neuheisel said. "Stop and think of where he's been, and where he's come from. I think we're getting a lot out of him. I think he's had his moments where he's been really good, and I think he's had his moments where he's struggled, and I think you really have to understand and expect (that) when you're dealing with a guy who's got that little experience.''

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel just had his press briefing after practice, and said he was still deciding whether Terrence Austin would return kicks and punts this weekend.
It also looks like Micah Reed will start at left guard in place of Darius Savage, but Savage is expected to play. Also, DEs Tom Blake (abdominal strain) and Chase Moline (back) are out this week.
DE Reggie Stokes watched practice with a knee injury, but Neuheisel said he would play.

Punter Aaron Perez. I know there requests for Brigham Harwell and Alterraun Verner, but Perez is a good dude and I thought worthy of this feature.

1. What will you remember most about UCLA football in 20 years?
Probably beating 'SC, and the punt at the end.
2. What do think when a guy is returning a punt for a TD?
Oh, gosh. Expletive.
3. Favorite dessert?
Cookies n' cream ice cream
4. What do you want to do after football?
I don't know. Hopefully, something.
5. Favorite reason to hate USC?
Everything about them.
6. Dodgers or Angels?
Arsenal.
7. Favorite place to eat on campus?
Northern Lights. The breakfast burrito at Northern Lights.
8. Celebrity crush?
Kate Beckinsale.
9. Worst dancer on the team who thinks he's a good dancer?
Brigham Harwell.
10. Which guy on the team is the best lady's man?
Kai Forbath.

I was joking around with UCLA point guard Darren Collison during media day about his returning for his senior season, and asked him "who is more surprised he was (at UCLA) this season, me or you?''
"That's a great question,'' Collison said. "I couldn't t answer that. We're both surprised, and we'll leave it at that."
So why did Collison return?
"I can back because of loyalty,'' Collison said. "Loyalty to UCLA. The money's there, and the glam and the fame is there, but it doesn't mean you have to go that way, in that direction. UCLA, to win a national championship here, is going to be something extraordinarily special."

UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland said he is counting on senior center Alfred Aboya to play 25 minutes per game, and that means Aboya must stay out of foul trouble. He committed a foul every 6.6 minutes on the court last season, and fouled out four times.
So Howland said he will stop practice and make the team run when Aboya commits silly fouls.
"I think it's a great approach because if you know a foul equals running sprints, I think it will just give you a different mind set, a different approach, as you play the game,'' Aboya said.

Equity in Athletics reports were released, and UCLA's athletic department proved to be self-sustaining with revenues and expenses equaling $66,088,264 for the 2007-08 athletic calendar.
UCLA fields 20 sports, including nine men's programs. The school reported 390 female athletes, compared to 379 men.
Football and men's basketball were the only sports to produce a profit. The football team had revenues of more than $28 million, and netted $11,370,856. The men's basketball team had revenues of nearly $11 million, and posted a profit of $4,257,853.

Here is a feature I wrote on Bruins receiver Taylor Embree that was in today's paper, as well as the notebook, chronicling defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker saying Bret Lockett will start at strong safety. There are also other newsy things, including the status of Marcus Everett.
As a side not here's what Everett had to say about being ready to play against Stanford.
"I've been waiting to play since Fresno State,'' Everett said. "I think this week is the week. I actually practiced and got a lot of reps, and felt good."
Everett said he will take a shot to numb the pain, if necessary.
"If I can play without it, I'm definitely going to play without it,'' Everett said. "That's the last option, but if that's what I have to do, that's what I'll do.''

Here is the notebook I wrote off of UCLA's basketball media day, which discusses UCLA's visions of a 12th national title, injuries to current players and a football injury to commit Reeves Nelson of Modesto Christian Academy.
Not only is Nelson making his official visit this weekend, but Rocklin High forward Brandan Lane, another UCLA commit, will be officially visiting this weekend. The visits coincides with the start of basketball practice Friday at 8 p.m.

UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker told me Bret Lockett will start at strong safety, but Glenn Love will also play extensively. I wrote more about it in Thursday's paper.

Just got word that UCLA basketball commit Reeves Nelson's meniscus tear is in his left knee and he will undergo surgery at UCLA Medical Center on Friday. He is expected to miss one to two months, but return to the court in mid to late December.
By the way, Nelson is supposed to be at UCLA on an official visit this weekend.

UCLA basketball commit Reeves Nelson injured his knee and could miss the start of his senior basketball season at Modesto Christian Academy. From what I'm hearing, he suffered torn meniscus while playing football, and his football career could be over.

Here is the audio of UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland meeting with the media today. It is approximately 11 minutes long.
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Just got word Hawaiian Stan Hasiak, an offensive tackle from Kapolei High, did get his paperwork situated and will be making his official visit to UCLA this weekend.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel just finished his media briefing, and said he expected receiver Terrence Austin to play, although only in a limited role.
There was also more shuffling on the offensive line as Micah Reed (knee) returned to practice and took snaps at left guard with the first-team offense.
Receiver Marcus Everett continued to fight through the pain of his dislocated toe but looked ok.
Also, Glenn Love and Bret Lockett alternated every three snaps with the first-team defense, and a decision was made as to who will start at strong safety. (Teaser alert: I will post it later tonight for my own personal reasons.)

UCLA coach Ben Howland said freshmen Drew Gordon and J'mison Morgan would backup Alfred Aboya at center, and Gordon and Nikola Dragovic (if healthy) would backup James Keefe at power forward.
Howland added foul trouble, or injuries, could mean using wing Josh Shipp at power forward for limited time.
Among the walk-ons is Simi Valley High product Tyler Trapani, the great-grandson of coach John Wooden.
Also walking on is senior Jamie Diefenbach, who gave up his scholarship to men's volleyball to play basketball.
Howland also awarded a one-year scholarship to walk-on junior Mustaga Abdul-Hamid.

Here are some tidbits from basketball media, which consisted of most of the players saying despite heavy losses of talented players, the expectation is to win the national championship.
Among the other interesting things was coach Ben Howland saying James Keefe would not play center this season, even in a backup role, and that Alfred Aboya was the starter and he needed to "play 25 minutes" per game. As a way to curtail Aboya's foul-prone ways, Howland said he plans to stop practice and make the team run when Aboya commits a silly foul.
Darren Collison is up to 173 pounds (from 160) and Josh Shipp is down to 210 (from 223). Nikola Dragovic is also looks to be in good shape, but is having foot problems. Not only did he have a cyst drained recently, but he is having a bone scan on his ailing left foot Friday.
Wing Michael Roll said he is experiencing Achilles tendenitis in his right foot, but he figures he will play through it.

Send in the questions by 8 a.m. Friday, and the answers will follow.
On a side note, some folks are getting dangerously close to crossing the line of etiquette I want to maintain on this blog. If it continues, I will make get rid of the ability to post anonymously, and also cancel other folks' registration.
Have fun with the comments, but please keep them clean, and don't attack other posters. We are trying to have a civilization here!

Today is basketball media day, so I will have some info from that later in the day.
Also, here is the information for Friday's Touchdown Club meeting:

Before Tuesday's practice, injured defensive end Tom Blake spent a few minutes talking to and demonstrating some techniques with freshman Datone Jones, who is supposed to play significantly the rest of the season while Blake struggles through a sports hernia.

UCLA will host Punahou of Honolulu running back Dalton Hilliard on an official visit this week, and he could be joined by fellow Hawaiian Stan Hasiak, an offensive tackle from Kapolei High.
However, before Hasiak visits, he must complete paperwork with the NCAA that allows him to take official visits.

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, in which Terrence Austin talks about being knocked out, another o-line shuffle a chance at backup quarterback.
Also, with tackling such an issue against Oregon, the Bruins spent plenty of time doing tackling drills during Tuesday's practice.
"We went with a lot of live stuff on defense,'' UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "They wanted to tackle more, and practice tackling. And when Christian Ramirez is your scout team back, along with Johnathan Franklin and Milton Knox, you've got some good guys to tackle.
"From that standpoint, I thought it was very encouraging that we were able to tackle them, and we wanted to."

UCLA quarterback Nick Crissman said he had three pins inserted into his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum, and the rehab was six months. He said he should be able to start throwing again in four months, and is hopeful of participating in spring practice.

There was competition for the strong safety spot, and at one point Bret Lockett caught the wrath of the coaching staff for missing a play. Glenn Love and Tony Dye each got looks there, but it is too early to make a call on how this will play out.
Also, Ben Olson was at practice and in pads, but did not do anything. As was stated a few weeks ago, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said the best-case scenario was for Olson to get back in the mix during the bye week, which comes Nov. 1.

The biggest development in practice today was red-shirt freshman Chris Forcier taking snaps as the backup quarterback.
Also, there was more juggling on the offensive line as Nick Ekbatani played right guard and Micah Kia was at right tackle.
Defensive end Chase Moline injured his back lifting weights in the morning, so his status is uncertain. Also, even if Terrence Austin can play Saturday against Stanford, he will not return punts or kickoffs. Ryan Graves will handles those duties, Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel said.

UCLA set a season ticket record for football this season. According to the school, season ticket sales surpassed 50,000 (although the school did not give an exact number). A year ago, UCLA sold just under 49,000.
Keep in mind, though, the school continues to sell season tickets are the first game, and just made a strong push for packages to the remaining games, which would allow folks to buy tickets to the USC game.

Seems the fan that fell about six feet onto the UCLA sideline during Saturday's loss at Oregon is ok. He was released from the hospital, according to a story in today's Register-Guard in Eugene, Ore.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel gave a couple updates this morning.
--He said Marcus Everett (dislocated toe) should play and said "the trainers said he's about as good as he's going to get." He added he expected offensive lineman Micah Reed should be able to play in a backup role.
--He said UCLA most get more turnovers. It ranks 107th nationally with six.
--Also, while Bruins receiver Terrence Austin was laying hurt on the field, an Oregon fan fell about six feet onto the field and required medical attention. With both EMT crews gone, there was a quick discussion about not being able to continue the game.
"The referee came and told me they may have top stop play because the other medical unit was now being used to assist the fan,'' Neuheisel said. "They now didn't have any medical vehicles available for any further injuries that may take place, so there had to be a delay. It kind of got a little raucous there for a little while."

Who do folks want for this week's "Getting to know..." segment? And, if you please, submit ONE question you would like said player to be asked.

Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh said this morning quarterback Tavita Pritchard's concussion was mild, and Harbaugh would "anticipate that he will get some practice today. Of course, it will be non-contact."
As for Pritchard's status for Saturday's game at UCLA?
"I would say likely,'' Harbaugh said.

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper about Datone Jones getting more time at defensive end and the strong safety position being an open competition.
Also, tackling was an issue in the loss to Oregon, especially early in the game. The Bruins allowed 65 yards after contact in the first quarter, but settled down and tackled much better until the end of the game. In the next 42 minutes, the Bruins allowed 29 yards after contact, but that number was blown away when LeGarrette Blount broke two tackles and ran for a 69-yard touchdown with 2:22 to play.

Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden turned 98 today. Just thought I would mention that because, to me, it is worth mentioning.

Here is the audio from UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's weekly press conference. It is approximately 17 minutes long.
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UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said it Sunday night and I wrote about it in Monday's paper, the strong safety competition will open this week after Bret Lockett had a rough game against Oregon.
I talked to defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker about it today.
"We're going to juice up the competition a little bit at that position and give guys an opportunity to see what they can do,'' Walker said. "By the end of the week, we'll make a decision where we're heading.''
The other candidates are freshman Tony Dye and red-shirt freshman Glenn Love.

As some may know, a fan fell over the edge of the stands and behind UCLA's bench at Autzen Stadium and was taken to the hospital. The fan, according to some folks on UCLA's sideline, experienced seizures and seemed to be in pretty bad shape.
One thing I was hearing today from folks in Eugene is it was thought the individual suffered a concussion, but nothing more extensive.
Here is what the Eugene (Ore.) Register-Guard ran on the story today:

UCLA defensive end Tom Blake will have an MRI today on his abdominal strain. He wants to play through the injury, but it is a very painful one and the team is not sure whether or not it is possible to play through it.

While UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is yet to rule receiver Terrence Austin (concussion, neck sprain) out of Saturday's game against Stanford, I'm hearing the more realistic situation is for Austin to return after UCLA's Halloween weekend bye.
On a positive note, I talked to Bruins receiver Taylor Embree today, who said he just saw Austin on campus, and Austin was sore but doing ok.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel met with the media today, and he re-iterated what he said Sunday, that "coaches might have to dial back a little bit in terms of the (game) plan."
Neuheisel, in stressing the positive, said he was "very excited about our effort."
On the injury front, Neuheisel said if offensive lineman Micah Reed (knee) returned this week, he would do so at guard, likely spelling Darius Savage and Scott Glicksberg, because Jake Dean "is doing a nice job" at center.

Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard is questionable for Saturday's game at UCLA after he was injured in the weekend win against Arizona.

UCLA's football game at California on October 25 will kickoff at 12:30 pm and will be televised regionally by ABC.

Here is my report card from UCLA's loss to Oregon. Feel free to grade the Bruins.

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which centers on coach Rick Neuheisel saying some position changes could be coming.
Also, below are some stats where UCLA ranks nationally, and in the Pac-10.

The theater was fun to watch in the third quarter when starting quarterback Kevin Craft limped off the field with an ankle injury, which sent backup Chris Forcier into the game.
Then the Bruins ran a gimmick play in which Forcier handed the ball off, then ran behind the running back as the two ran the option. Forcier gained seven yards on the run, and Craft got an Oscar nomination for pretending his was hurt.
"I thought he sold it pretty well,'' UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "Actually, he's got a little nick in his foot, so we went ahead and used it."

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said defensive end Tom Blake, who did not play against Oregon because of an abdominal strain, was going to see a doctor Monday for another update.

Just got off the phone with UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, and first and foremost, he said receiver Terrence Austin is doing well and is not yet ready to rule him out of Saturday's game against Stanford, although it seems unlikely he will play given the concussion and sprained neck he sustained.
There were no other major injuries, and he said Kahlil Bell's ankle sprain should not keep him out against the Cardinal.
On the field, Neuheisel said the coaching staff will look at personnel matters this week, and see if anything needs to be changed. He specifically mentioned Glenn Love and Tony Dye as perhaps getting playing time at strong safety.

UCLA is halfway through the season and sits at 2-4, including 1-2 in the Pacific-10. But coach Rick Neuheisel said he could see progress, especially in the effort the Bruins are giving.
"We're halfway through our season at 2-4, but I think we've improved as a football team," Neuheisel said. "Now we just have to take that standard of play, that level of intensity, into the second half and accept nothing less than it every time we play. That's for the coaches and players, alike. We just have to be like that to give ourselves the best possibility in the last six games."

Unlike UCLA's first road game, when there was little chatter and dropped heads when adversity hit at BYU, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said he liked the fight his players showed at Oregon, even when things weren't go the Bruins' way.
"There's no question there was an intensity on our sideline,'' Neuheisel said. "There was an absolute rock-solid desire to come back in this game, and that shows what we're capable of. Now we have to harness that and show that it's there every time we play from this time out."

UCLA's defense allowed several big plays, and two came in the final minute of the first half when Oregon doubled its lead. One was QB Jeremiah Masoli scrambling for 28 yards on a third-and-10, and the other was when he connected with Chris Harper for a 24-yard TD with 22 seconds left in the half to make it 14-0.
But the score was set up by UCLA's inability to get a first down when it got the ball with 1:08 left in the half.
"It was a tough one to swallow,'' Neuheisel said. "When we got the ball down in our own end, they had all three timeouts. I think we had to try and get it out of there. We tried to throw it out of there and they covered us up. (UCLA quarterback) Kevin (Craft) had a chance to run, and had he run we may have gotten rid of that last time out of theirs, but give them credit. They made a great play, not only on the touchdown but the third-and-11. The quarterback was tremendous."

UCLA had five first downs and 95 total yards at the half and finished with 18 first downs and 351 total yards as it went heavy into the passing game in the second half.
I asked coach Rick Neuheisel what was so different about the offense in the final 30 minutes.
"I think we spread it out a little bit more,'' Neuheisel said. "You always start games with the hope that we can establish a running game, and it's been kind of hard sledding for us. In the first half I think we had 12 third downs, which means you're putting yourself in a lot of tough situations. I think we were 4 of 12 in conversions.
"That doesn't mean you can throw out the running game. You saw some of our protection issues in the second half, so somehow we've got to find a balance, and we're going to keep working on it."

Here is my ballot this week for the Harris Poll:

The onsides kick UCLA tried in the third quarter was something the Bruins spent some time with in practice, and like in the game, the Bruins had trouble staying onsides.
However, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said he was willing to gamble on the play at that point in the game.
"It was an aggressive play,'' he said. "I watched (kicker) Kai (Forbath) do it during the week. In week's past it wasn't something we could do because Jimmy (Rotstein) was our kicker. With Kai as our starting kicker, I thought it was worth the risk, and you know what? We almost got it. It was a calculated risk, and it didn't turn out for us."

As UCLA receiver Terrence Austin was lying motionless on the Autzen Stadium turf, two Oregon fans got into a fight in the first row behind UCLA's bench. One of the men tumbled over the edge and fell approximately five feet to the ground, landing awkwardly on his head and neck.
According to several witnesses in UCLA's traveling party, the man was convulsing while lying on the edge of the turf, and the game was held up while paramedics tended to him. I was told another person was led away in hand-cuffs. I will try to find out more today what transpired.

Here is my game story and notebook from today's paper. The notebook includes some of the JUCO offensive linemen the Bruins are recruiting.
Also, a few stats from the late finish:
UCLA held the ball for 37 minutes, 46 seconds, but still gave up 323 rushing yards.
The Bruins had 18 first downs, but only one came via the run. They rushed 37 times for 63 yards.
Oregon's Jeremiah Masoli ran for 170 yards, the second-highest by a Ducks QB, and tailback LeGarrette Blount had 111 rushing yards.
UCLA QB Kevin Craft was sacked six times, and hit for other times.

UCLA officials said receiver Terrence Austin was diagnosed with a neck strain and a mild concussion.

School officials said the tests on wide receiver Terrance Austin were negative, and he was expected to travel home with the team. Austin was injured on a fourth-quarter hit and carted off the field on a back board.

Didn't get to spend much time in UCLA's locker room because of deadline, but in talking to players, they were disappointed with the loss but encouraged with the effort and the mental toughness to remain in the game in a hostile environment.
As for an update on UCLA receiver Terrence Austin, coach Rick Neuheisel had some positive news.
"He was talking and the doctors said it was precautionary,'' Neuheisel said. "We send our thoughts and prayers to Terrence and his family, and we hope that he'll be fine.''

A scary situation in which UCLA receiver Terrence Austin was just carted off the field. Reports from UCLA is he was conscious and moving his extremities, but he was taken to a local hospital for a possible concussion and neck injury.

The Bruins pulled within 21-14 on Kahlil Bell's 2-yard score in the last minute of the third quarter.

Just got word that tailback Kahlil Bell (ankle) is available this half, although it remains to be seen if he is used.

Oregon leads 14-0 at the half after QB Jeremiah Masoli and Chris Harper connected on a 24-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining the first half.
The Ducks missed two field goals and UCLA missed one. The Bruins had five first downs.
Also, UCLA tailback Kahlil Bell had to be helped from the field after injuring his left ankle, which is the one that kept him out earlier this season.

UCLA defensive tackle Brigham Harwell got re-taped and is back on the field.

Oregon took a 7-0 lead on QB Jeremiah Masoli's 5-yard TD run midway through the first quarter. Meanwhile, Bruins defensive tackle Brigham Harwell is having his knee examined on the trainer's table.

UCLA just informed me that Reggie Stokes will make his first career start in place of injured Tom Blake. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said Thursday it would be Datone Jones, but that has changed.

Just got word from UCLA that defensive end Tom Blake will not play because of an abdominal strain. It looks like freshman Datone Jones will get the start.

UCLA is at chilly and getting colder Autzen Stadium and a players are on the field warming up. Any thoughts?

When I spoke to freshman receiver Nelson Rosario earlier this week, he acknowledged he has thought about whether he is wasting this season, and perhaps he should have red-shirted.
"I was sort of thinking that way,'' Rosario said. "It felt like sometimes they put me in there for a pass play, (the quarterback) wouldn't look my way. I just have to hang in there. But I understand. I have gotten a couple of balls throw to me.''
Rosario has played in three games and has one catch, but hasn't played much since the opener against Tennessee.
He said one of the reasons he hasn't played much the last two weeks (after returning from a knee injury) is his lack of knowledge of the offense.
"Sometimes I mess up, and I mess my own opportunity up," Rosario said. "It's little mental mistakes. Not necessarily wrong routes, but maybe the way we run the route, or a shift. Sometimes I'm hesitant, so I'm still working on that.

Wow, wow, wow. That's all I can say about the number of questions this week. Holy, toledo!!!! This is the final set of a marathon Q&A session, and I thank everyone for the interest.
I will have game coverage tonight and follow-up throughout Sunday. Have a great rest of the weekend, and here is the final set of answers:

It's getting toward the end of the Q&A's, and here is the 22nd installment:

Here is the 21st set:

As we march toward a record number of Q&A segments, here is the 20th set:

Greetings from chilly, Eugene, where the forecast is for cold. The weather folks say it will be 51 degrees at kickoff, and drop down into the low 40s by halftime.
Here's the notebook I wrote on the offensive line gaining continuity, and the game preview I wrote about what UCLA learned when lost its only other road game this season.
Also, here is the game preview capsule that ran in the paper:

Morning, folks. It's back to the answers. There will be five sets of them today, and here is the 19th set of answers overall:

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti told the media it will be a game-time decision whether Justin Roper or Jeremiah Masoli starts at quarterback, but the consensus I get from folks up here is Masoli will start. However, Bellotti says both will play.
Also, an injury to Oregon's offensive line has forced the Ducks to do plenty of juggling, which I wrote about in Saturday's paper.

Folks, this is it for the answers portion of the blog today. I think my fingertips are going to bleed from all the questions. If anything else happens tonight worthwhile, I will post it.
Saturday I will post the remaining sets of answers, plus have game day stuff. Also, check into before the game because I should have some personnel updates, as well as game coverage stuff.
Now, here is the 18th set of answers:

We are now up to the 17th set of answers:

Here is the 16th set of answers:

Here is the 15th set:

Here is the 14th set:

Onto my favorite number, lucky 13:

Get ready for set No. 12:

UCLA defensive end Tom Blake (abdominal strain) is on the trip and remains questionable, but receiver Marcus Everett (toe) did not make the trip.

Here is the 11th set of answers:

Here is the tenth set:

Here is set No. 9:

Here is the eighth set:

Back to the answers, and here is the seventh set:

I give you this pause in the Q&A for prediction time. I'll start it off by saying Oregon 34, UCLA 17.

Here is the sixth set:

Here is the fifth set:

Here is the fourth grouping:

Here is the third set:

Here is the second set:

Folks, the number of questions were absolutely incredible. Amazing what a win does. It was a record number of responses, more than 200. There will be at least 18 sets of answers today, and a handful more will be posted Saturday, which should give folks some extra reading material leading up to the 7:15 p.m. kickoff.
And, like I promised, I cut at least 10 questions because they were too darn long.
The first set of answers were fun, which is nice for this early in the morning. Now, onto the first of many sets of answers:

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, focusing on UCLA having to stop a multi-dimensional Oregon offense.
I talked to a few folks in the Pac-10 that I know and was told Oregon doesn't have the team speed on offense that it did the past few years when Dennis Dixon was running things.

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said a decision on who will start at quarterback for the Ducks against UCLA on Saturday could come by Friday afternoon, according to The Register-Guard of Eugene (Ore.).

UCLA freshman quarterback Nick Crissman will undergo surgery to repair a frayed labrum in his throwing shoulder Friday, but he said he will not know the length of the rehab until after the surgery.
He said the doctors need to find out the extent of the damage before they can determine the length of the rehab, but he was optimistic he would be ready for spring practice.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said defensive end Tom Blake was questionable for Saturday's game at Oregon with an abdominal strain. If Blake does not play, Neuheisel said freshman Datone Jones would get most of the snaps.
Neuheisel said it would be a game-time decision whether Kai Forbath or Jimmy Rotstein handle kick-offs for the Bruins.
Also, Neuheisel said he was uncertain whether Marcus Everett (toe) or Micah Reed (knee) would make the trip. Neither are expected to play, but there is a limit of 64 players allowed for Pac-10 road games, and he may chose to bring an emergency player or two (like a long snapper) to Eugene.

I asked UCLA offensive line coach Bob Palcic what he sees out of his unit now that he has settled on five guys.
"I see them getting better fundamentally, and them gaining in terms of recognition of different defensive adjustments,'' Palcic said. "But it's still a learning process, and we haven't arrived at the point where I would be satisfied."

During the game against Washington State, UCLA ran the option out of a formation in which tailback Kahlil Bell took a direct snap and pitched to tailback Derrick Coleman.
It came late in the game, so I asked coach Rick Neuheisel if he showed it so future opponents had to then spend time preparing for it.
"It's to continue to expand that package of plays,'' Nueheisel said. "There's no question (other teams will have to prepare for it). It's why people do those extended formations on extra points. It's testing and checking, making sure people are ready for that stuff."

Here are 10 questions, all submitted by readers, for Bruins linebacker Reggie Carter.

1. Favorite postgame meal?
Chicken Alfredo
2. Favorite place to eat on campus?
Rubio's
3.Best basketball player on the team?
That's tough between Ben Olson or Osaar Rasshan
4. Best college football moment?
Beating 'SC 13-9 my red-shirt freshman year
5. Why do you wear No. 51?
5+1=6, and 6 is my favorite number
6. What teammate would you like to have with you on a crab boat during a stormy time in the Bering Sea?
My boys, Chinonso Anyanwu and Brian Price
7. Favorite all-time Bruin?
Jerry Robinson
8. Favorite T.V. show?
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
9. Who would win 'Dancing with the Stars:' DeWayne Walker, Norm Chow or Rick Neuheisel?
Oh, Walker. He's got swagger. I can see him getting out there doing his thing
10. Who wins a cage match: Brian Price or Darius Savage?
Wow, a cage match? I've got to go with Price

Here is an e-mail UCLA sent to some alumni and fans this morning. It's an opportunity to buy tickets to the UCLA-USC game at the Rose Bowl on Dec. 6, but with this offer, you must purchase a discounted mini-plan (this also includes the Stanford and Oregon State games).

Click here to read the story that Brian Dohn wrote in today's paper on the relationship between Mike Bellotti and Rick Neuheisel.

MIcah Reed did some individual work Tuesday but nothing on Wednesday. Still, he said he should be ready for next week's game against Stanford.
``It's not really pain, I just didn't feel normal,'' Reed said. ``Obviously, I want to play, but I think it's better for everyone if I wait.''

Andy Keane was playing on the scout team's defense line yesterday. He threw a punch at an offensive lineman, and a coach took him out of the series. As Keane made his way toward the sideline, Rick Neuheisel ushered him back in. Neuheisel was then told why Keane was out, and Nueheisel said he saw it but that he'd have to deal with that later because there was no one else to put in.

Rick Barnes. The university of Texas coach will received the Wooden Award's Legend of Coaching award, it was announced earlier today. Barnes has taken Texas to the NCAA Tournament in each of his 10 seasons.

Freshman J'Mison Morgan has plenty of work to do, according to Ben Howland.
``Morgan has size, but he needs to get better with his conditioning,'' Howland said. ``He's below average where he needs to be. It's a different level of conditioning in Division I than he's used to. He's got to get bigger and stronger. Everybody has this vision that he's going to take over for Kevin Love, but there is no taking over for Kevin Love. Kevin, for me, was a once-in-a-lifetime player.''

This is the update on Nikola Dragovic from UCLA:

UCLA'S NIKOLA DRAGOVIC HAS MRI, FURTHER EVALUATION NEEDED
UCLA junior Nikola Dragovic underwent a MRI on his left foot this evening after complaining of pain.
The MRI shows what appears to be a cyst involving the left foot and ankle and the 6-foot-9-inch forward will undergo further evaluation.
The Bruins begin practice on Oct. 17 and will host their annual media/photo day on Oct. 15 in Pauley Pavilion at 3:00 p.m. (open to media only).
UCLA opens its regular season on Nov. 12 against Prairie View A&M in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic in Pauley Pavilion. Fans will have their first look at the 2008-09 Bruins in an exhibition game on Nov. 3 against Cal Baptist at 7:30 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion.

Not too much newsy came out of practice today. Micah Reed, after doing some individual drills on Tuesday, was held out of practice Wednesday. He's doubtful for the Oregon game, but he's probable for a return next week. Marcus Everett will make the trip to Oregon, but Rick Neuheisel said he's questionable.

Nikola Dragovic has a foot injury, the extent of which is unknown. Dragovic had an X-ray Tuesday and an MRI today. Ben Howland said that Dragovic doesn't remember hurting the foot but he started to experience pain. I hope to get the results early this evening.

Also, freshman Jerime Anderson has been dealing with a groin pull. He's limited to shooting right now and probably won't get back to full practice for two to three weeks. Practice starts next week.

These injury updates were from Howland, who was at the Wooden Award Tipoff luncheon this afternoon at the L.A. Athletic Club.

Although Desert Vista defensive end Devon Kennard is done for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, I am told UCLA will continue to recruit him hard.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel was asked if there is a chance defensive tackle Brian Price, who was used as a short-yardage fullback the last few weeks, could get a carry.
"I know he's in (offensive coordinator Norm) Chow's office asking for it,'' Neuheisel said.

Yes, folks, that time of week again. Send in the inquiries by Friday 8 a.m., and the responses will follow throughout the day.
Again, keep the questions below 50 words (this isn't an exercise to prove how much you know, so just get to the question), or the question will be deleted.

I'm trying to track down Rice (Bronx,N.Y.) wing Durand Scott to confirm it, but I was told it didn't look like he was going to visit UCLA this weekend. I heard plenty about it recently, but it seems to have cooled.

This is the notebook I wrote for today's paper on the possibility of UCLA linebacker Kyle Bosworth and tight end Logan Paulsen red-shirting.
But do not expect to hear anything even remotely official about until mid to late November, and for a simple reason.
Because both played in games this season, it would have to be a medical red-shirt. And in order to get a medical red-shirt, a player must miss the remainder of the season after getting hurt, but also show he rehabbed and worked hard to get back on the field.
Therefore, if UCLA were to say now both would red-shirt, the Pac-10 and NCAA would question whether Paulsen's and Bosworth's injuries were lengthy enough to keep them out for three months, and jeopardize the medical red-shirt year.

A bonus two items that I wrote about for Wednesday's paper.
First, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said there was a chance starting linebacker Kyle Bosworth's left knee injury was serious enough Bosworth would red-shirt. The healing process is going very slowly.
Second, true freshman quarterback Nick Crissman told me it is likely he will undergo shoulder surgery.

Jess Ward is back on the defensive line, playing defensive tackle. I spoke to UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel about it after practice, and he said the improving health and play of the offensive line allowed Ward to move back.
By the way, I'll have a night owl special tonight. Yes, it is a teaser, but I believe it is worth it.

Here is UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's post-practice interview:
High speed
Neuheisel high speed 1007.wav
Dialup
Neuheisel dialup 1007.mp3

UCLA just wrapped up its first practice in preparing for Oregon, and coach Rick Neuheisel said he was pleased with the attention to detail and the effort and enthusiasm.
He also addressed the status of a few of the injured guys, saying receiver Marcus Everett (toe) was "questionable,'' but would make the trip regardless of his status. Also, Neuheisel said it appeared offensive lineman Micah Reed (knee) would not be ready for the Ducks.

I will try and get more information on this after practice, but I'm hearing starting weakside linebacker Kyle Bosworth (knee) could still be at least three weeks away from returning.

The NCAA is naming a 50th anniversary men's soccer team, and UCLA Hall of Fame members Paul Caligiuri, Brad Friedel and Sigi Schmid are on the ballot. If you want to vote, click here to do so.
The rest of the release follows:

The links for the Oregon media outlets are on the right of the blog, but I know some folks overlook them. But I found this column about UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel different, and worth the read.

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said quarterback Justin Roper, who missed the last three games with a knee injury and also due to illness, looked good in practice Monday and was on target to play Saturday against the Bruins.
However, it doesn't mean Jeremiah Masoli, who started last week at USC, won't start against UCLA.
"(Roper) looked good yesterday,'' Bellotti said this morning. "He seemed to be able to do everything we needed of him and barring any setbacks, he'll continue to compete for the starting job. I assume he will play some, whether it be as a starter or a reserve."

Last week's "Getting to know" segment seemed to be popular, so it will become a weekly Thursday fixture. After 10 quick questions with Brian Price last week, what player does everyone want this week?
Submit a player and one off-beat question, and I will post the light-hearted Q&A Thursday.

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which discusses UCLA's receiving corps, and a few other notable happenings in the football program.

The Daily News reported last week about USC coach Pete Carroll attending multiple games of Loyola High, first with Carroll's explanation and then with the Pac-10's interpretation of the rule as programs jostle to get in early with the recruitment of Loyola junior running Anthony Barr.
UCLA is one of the schools to already offer Barr a scholarship.
Now, sources said the compliance departments of several Pac-10 schools turned in complaints to the conference about Carroll attending two of Barr's games.

Sophomore Dominique Johnson is UCLA's third receiver, but I'm hearing junior Gavin Ketchum is making a strong push to wrestle that spot away. Terrence Austin and Taylor Embree are the top two receivers in the Bruins' pecking order.

Here is the audio from UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's weekly press conference. It is approximately 15 minutes long.

High speedNeuheisel high speed 1006.wav

Dialup
Neuheisel dialup 1006.mp3

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel met with the media today, and an early topic was his not-so-pleasant relationship with the Oregon fans, dating back to when he faked a punt against the Ducks while at Colorado and the Buffs ahead 32-6.
"I anticipate (a rough welcoming) because we've been type cast in our roles, and I've got the black hat,'' said Neuheisel, adding he "may be disappointed'' if such wasn't the case.
Neuheisel also revealed defensive back Tony Dye, who took over the nickel coverage against Washington State, will undergo wrist surgery after the season to repair a break, and have a pin inserted. He did not immediately know which wrist.
As far as other injuries, Neuheisel said receiver Marcus Everett (toe) and offensive lineman Micah Reed (knee) could play against the Ducks.
Also, linebacker Josh Edwards (foot) and running back Raymond Carter (groin) are questionable for Oregon.

UCLA defensive tackle Brigham Harwell met with the media today, and had the pinky, ring and middle fingers on his left hand taped. He said he injured them trying to make a tackle and he jammed the fingers on a receiver's shoulder pads.
He said the pinky is dislocated and the other two fingers are sprained.

UCLA was looking for big plays in the passing game, and nearly got one when running back Kahlil Bell was open along the left sideline. But quarterback Kevin Craft's throw wasn't perfect, and Bell was unable to make the catch.
When I scanned the sidelines looking for a reaction, I saw Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel lying on the ground. Did he get knocked down by someone?
"No, that was just me collapsing,'' Neuheisel said. "When the play developed, Kahlil had trouble getting outside, then he got outside, but by the time he was open, Kevin wasn't looking at him. Then Kevin kind of realized he was there, and threw it, and it was off Kahlil's hands.
"I just went down," Neuheisel added while chuckling.

UCLA commit Richard Brehaut, a quarterback from Los Osos of Rancho Cucamonga High, is going to try and graduate early and enroll at UCLA for the spring quarter. That is a huge deal because it will allow Brehaut to compete in spring practice.

Here is my report card from Saturday's game. Feel free to cast your own vote, as well:

UCLA goes on the road this weekend, traveling to Oregon. The Bruins are 10-18 as visitors since 2003, compared to 26-9. For more details about the road woes, here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper.
Also, in the notebook, there are updates on some injured players, Kevin Craft's streak of not throwing an interception, and an update on Oregon's quarterback situation.

As per a request or three, here is UCLA's participation chart from Saturday's game:

Offensive starters
SE 82 Embree,Taylor
LT 60 Baca, Jeff
LG 77 Savage,Darius
C 57 Dean,Jake
RG 66 Glicksberg, Sco
RT 75 Ekbatani,Nick
TE 15 Moya,Ryan
QB 3 Craft,Kevin
FB 42 Moline,Chane
TB 36 Bell,Kahlil
FL 4 Austin,Terrence

Defensive starters
LE 56 Blake,Tom
DT 92 Price,Brian
DT 93 Harwell, Brigha
RE 55 Bosworth,Korey
SLB 12 Hale,John
MLB 43 Sloan,Steve
WLB 51 Carter,Reggie
LCB 22 Norris,Michael
SS 2E Lockett,Bret
FS 0C Moore,Rahim
RCB 1 Verner,Alterra

Specials teams and reserves
7-Viney,Courtney, 21-Westgate,Sean, 20-Love,Glenn, 52-Yount,Christian, 6-Dye,Tony, 8-Forcier,Chris, 8E-Carter,David, 10-Ketchum,Gavin, 17-Perez,Aaron, 19-Johnson, Domini, 20-Carter,Raymond, 25-Forbath,Kai, 27-Ware,Aaron, 30-Dean,Aundre,
33-Coleman,Derrick, 37-Rotstein,Jimmy, 40-Ayers,Akeem, 41-Schmitt,Mike, 44-Pearlstone,Ale, 45-Umodu,Toby, 47-Anyanwu, Chinon, 50-Moline,Chase, 52-Ward,Jess, 53-Edwards,Joshua, 69-Bennett,Brandon, 73-Kia,Micah, 74-Skaggs, Nathani, 81-Rauscher,Glenn, 83-Rosario,Nelson, 85-Carter, David, 87-Harkey,Cory, 88-Moutra,Antwon, 90-Siewierski, Jer, 91-Stokes,Reggie, 96-Jones,Datone, 98-Miller,Jeff, 99-Edison,Justin.

*This post was edited. It is a participation chart from the game, provided by the home school. Because of double numbers, players are mis-identified from time to time. That is why I have been hesitant to post it.

As many of you know, I vote in the Harris Poll. And I post my selections every Sunday. So, there are no secrets.
Yet, when I looked at the poll released today, I was dumb-founded to see UCLA received one vote. I found that more than a little curious.
Unfortunately, the Harris Poll folks don't release everyone's ballot during the season. It is only done on the final ballot. If anyone can find who voted for the Bruins, I would be very curious to see if said voter had any idea what he/she is doing.
Anyway, here is this week's poll:

Just got off a conference call with UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, and he said the Bruins made it through the game without any major injuries. He said tailback Raymond Carter tweaked a groin on his lone carry, and defensive end Tom Blake was sore, but should be ready by Saturday at Oregon.
Also, as I reported earlier today on the blog, Neuheisel said the reason Chris Forcier was inserted at the end of the game is because they are not going to blow Kevin Prince's red-shirt season to play a mop-up role in the fourth quarter.
Neuheisel added if quarterback Ben Olson was to return, it would likely be when the Bruins have a bye, which is Nov. 1.
P.S. For those who asked, I did go to VB's tailgate, and he and the his peeps treated me better than first class. Those cats know how to tailgate in style.

UCLA middle linebacker Reggie Carter said the key to stopping Washington State's offense was stopping the run. Wazzu ran 26 times for 25 yards.
"Once they realized they couldn't run, they tried to throw the ball," Carter said. "I think we did a better job in coverage, and we got pressure on the quarterback this week. As a defense, I think we played well."
UCLA had four sacks in four games entering the contest, but registered four sacks against the Cougars.

Nearly every player I talked to after UCLA's 28-3 win against Washington State said a variation of the importance of winning Saturday, and defensive tackle Brigham Harwell was succinct in talking about it.
"We needed this win. We were so hungry for a win,'' Harwell said. "We're so excited about this, to get this for our program. And we're just hoping to use this as a springboard to a chance for a conference title."
When looking at the Pac-10, UCLA (2-3, 1-1 Pac-10) is buoyed by the fact only California and Arizona have not suffered a conference loss.

UCLA's defensive leaders, defensive tackle Brigham Harwell and linebacker Reggie Carter, did their best during the week to get the defense settled down. But unlike previous times when it called for emotional speeches, this time it was done through quiet confidence.
"We (Harwell and Carter) do a lot of talking, but rather than the talking and the rah-rah stuff, let's have our fun on the field,'' Carter said. "Then, during halftime, we had fun. We were partying during halftime and signing and having fun at halftime."
The Bruins allowed 177 yards of offense to Washington State.

Despite Chris Forcier getting snaps at the end of the game, I'm hearing Kevin Prince remains the No. 2 quarterback.
But here's the deal why Forcier went in. He already has used his red-shirt season, and UCLA isn't willing to burn Prince's season for a few meaningless snaps handing off the football at the end of a lop-sided win.

Here is my Harris Poll ballot for this week:

UCLA's defense was allowing opponents to convert 48 percent of the time on the third down, but Washington State could not match it. In fact, the Cougars converted just 2 of 14 third downs, and were also stopped on a fourth-and-2 in the first half.
"We just couldn't get into the red zone and make anything happen," Washington State coach Paul Wulff said. "We really struggled on third down. That really affected us because we were moving the ball well enough to score points."

Here is the game story of UCLA's 28-3 beating of Washington State, and the notebook I wrote. Also, here is Jon Gold's sidebar on improving quarterback Kevin Craft.
Also, I think UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel captured the feeling I was getting from the players when he talked about the win.
"We have lots of work to do, but in the end a victory in the Pac-10 is never easy and to be 1-1 (in the Pac-10) going into (Oregon) is exciting,'' Neuheisel said.

UCLA cornerback Michael Norris said the defense knew early in the game it was going to be able to stop Washington State's offense.
"We felt really confident in the first quarter, in the first couple of series,'' Norris said. "It was more of a thing where we felt we could play, and when we are like that, we are more confident."

It appears the Bruins will wrap up the win, with a commanding 28-3.

Three thoughts....

1) Craft looked gooooooood. Granted, the Cougars looked baaaaaaad. But progress is progress.

2) Though Logan Paulsen was a key to this offense, Ryan Moya appears to have become a go-to-guy for Craft, at least in the red zone.

3) The UCLA defense when attempting stunts, looks effective. Again, Washington State is not the New England Patriots of 2007, but the Bruins turned in a sound defensive performance.

Any thoughts from you guys?

---JG

Kahlil Bell scored his second touchdown of the game on a leaping 1-yard dive on 4th-and-goal, soaring over several lineman for the score. With the score, the Bruins lead 28-3.
Kevin Craft connected with Ryan Moya for their second touchdown of the game midway through the third quarter.
The redshirt junior quarterback has looked fantastic today, both in game management and actual performance. Craft has 22-of-34 passes for 220 yards thus far with two touchdowns.

From Brian: "Gotta love the UCLA fans...the Bruins have the ball on offense, but they're doing the wave."
My reaction: Well, yeah. But it is a pretty cool wave.

The Bruins came alive in the second quarter, putting up two touchdowns - a 16-yard, Craft-to-Moya pass and a Bell 1-yard run - to lead 14-0.
UCLA had seven first downs in the quarter and 111 yards, with Kevin Craft tagging the Cougars for 96 yards and the score on nine-of-12 passing.
Perhaps more impressive, the Bruins defense held the Washington State offense to just 17 yards in the second quarter, sacking quarterback Marshall Lobbestael twice.

A finally healthy Kahlil Bell gave UCLA its biggest lead of the season on a 1-yard dive just a moment ago, capping a 12-play, 74-yard drive that took 4 minutes, 41 seconds.
Bell's second burst is what did it: After running into the back of a UCLA offensive lineman, Bell wormed his way through the right line for the score.

In related news, after a Coca-Cola, I'm still awake.

---JG

Welp, of course...

UCLA scored as I typed my last post on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Craft to tight end Ryan Moya in the right side of the end zone. Moya had to leap for the pass and fell out of bounds, delicately tapping a toe in the end zone, as he was tackled by a Couger cornerback.

--- JG

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Sorry, I dozed off.
Through one quarter, neither UCLA nor Washington State has scored or looked particularly exciting on offense. Actually, that's an insult to excitement. The Bruins and Cougars have looked downright boring.
Washington State had just 70 total yards and four first downs, while UCLA managed only 62 yards.
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Oops.

Kahlil Bell appeared to have been jammed back into the end zone on a 1st-and-10 from the UCLA 1-yard line, but officials initally ruled forward progress, and gave Bell the benefit of the doubt.
Then they decided to review the play.
The last word: "After the review, the ruling on the field stands."
Result?
Second-and-10.

---JG

Hey folks,

This is Daily News newbie Jon Gold, filling in for Ramona Shelburne and Jill Painter tonight at a rainy Rose Bowl. Terrence Austin looked good on the opening kickoff, and as of the 13-minute mark, the Bruins are moving down the field.

I'll keep checking in throughout the game with injury and scoring updates, and random thoughts and observations.

Here's one: I'm not a big fan of rain.

So much for weather forecasts. A light rain is falling at the Rose Bowl.
By the way, I'm told by UCLA officials the last time it rained for a game at the Rose Bowl was 1982 against Oregon.

What's the talent level on the field tonight? There are no NFL scouts here to watch the game. Usually, five to seven attend the games.

It is overcast and cool at the Rose Bowl, and the weather reports from the folks in the press box is for no rain throughout the night. It did rain earlier, but the field looks impeccable.

Here are the high-profile recruits who I am hearing will be at tonight's game against Washington State:

Class of 2009
DB Sheldon Price, La Puente Bishop Amat (UCLA commit)
LB Isaiah Bowens, La Puente Bishop Amat (UCLA commit)
QB Richard Brehaut, Rancho Cucamonga Los Osos (UCLA commit)
LB Todd Golper, Arcadia (UCLA commit)
WR Ricky Marvray, Corona Centennial (UCLA commit)
DB Nat Berhe, Colton
DB Marquise Cox, Riverside North
OL Jacob Gowan, Santa Rosa Cardinal Newman
OL Chris Hubbard, Columbus (Ga.) Carver (official visit)
QB Ted Landers, Gardena Serra
DB Immanuel Mitchell, Corona Roosevelt
RB Carl Winston, Gardena Serra

Class of 2010
QB Brett Nottingham, Danville Monte Vista
LB Hayes Pullard, Crenshaw
RB Exavier Edwards, Orange Lutheran
TE Zack Martin, Rancho Cucamonga Los Osos
WR Robert Woods, Gardena Serra

Class of 2011
ATH George Farmer, Gardena Serra
ATH DeAnthony Thomas, Crenshaw

Folks, here is the 16th and final installment of this week's answers. Yes, Friday was a hectic day, but thanks for sticking with the blog.

What does everyone think? I will start it off:
UCLA 37, Washington State 20

UCLA wants to be like USC, and at least today, the Bruins will live like the Trojans usually do.
Also, here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, as well as the USC notebook, which has something about USC coach Pete Carroll possibly committing a recruiting violation in regards to a player USC and UCLA are both recruiting.
Finally, the preview capsule that ran in the paper is below.

A night owl bonus for those still awake on a Friday night. I wrote something for Saturday's paper about USC possibly committing an NCAA violation when coach Pete Carroll saw a high school team twice this season. I talked to a Pac-10 official, who said what took place would be considered a violation.
How does this fit into UCLA? Well, the Bruins and Trojans have each offered this player a scholarship.

Sorry, folks. Something went wrong with the previous post of set No. 15, anyway, here is it, and sorry for the mix up. Kind of went right along with my day.
I will have a set or two of answers tomorrow, plus all the game preview stuff.

Here is the 14th set of answers:

Here is lucky No. 13:

Here is the 12th set:

Here is the 11th set of answers:

As we roll along, here is the 10th set of answers:

Here is the ninth set:

Here is the eighth set:

Here is the seventh set:

Here is the sixth set:

Here is the fifth set:

UCLA coaches are going out recruiting tonight, which is an option because the game kicks off with Washington State so late Saturday night (7:15). That allows them to hold many of the meetings the day of the the game rather than the night before.
So, here is what I am hearing about what games UCLA will watch.
Dominguez at Leuziner
Highland at Knight
Palmdale at Quartz Hill
Long Beach Poly at Lakewood
Compton at Long Beach Cabrillo
Crenshaw at Culver City
Tustin at Western
Carson at West Adams
Bloomington at Upland
Carter at Eisenhower

Here is the fourth set of answers, and they will be rapid fire the rest of the day. Also, I have a few recruiting notes I will post as well.

Here is the third part:

Here is the second set of answers:

Folks, sorry for the long delay, but the Anthony Stover commitment and computer problems threw me for a curve today.
Anyway, I will have at least 15 sets of answers today, and post the remaining answers Saturday. Again, sorry for the delay, but here is the first set:

Here is the story I wrote on new UCLA basketball commit Anthony Stover for online.

Just got off the phone with Anthony Stover's dad, Craig, who confirmed what I reported earlier, and that is his son did give a non-binding oral commitment to UCLA. I will have more shortly.
As a side note, the Q&A will begin shortly, but I am having some computer issues, and trying to get that taken care of.

Sources are telling me center Anthony Stover of Windward High committed to UCLA. Here is a youtube clip for your enjoyment until I get more information. Yes, he is the big guy rebounding the basketball.

Just talked to Anthony Stover's dad, and he said an announcement would be made this morning regarding where his son, a center at Windward High of Los Angeles, would play hoops and that I would get a phone call right after the decision is announced.
My sources are saying they expect Stover to chose UCLA, and I brought this up to Mr. Stover.
"Yeah, we're close,'' he said. "Before we make an announcement, we need to talk to (UCLA coach) Ben (Howland)."

Not much to update from today's practice, other than coach Rick Neuheisel said receiver Marcus Everettt (toe) is definitely out against Wazzu, and tight end Adam Heater, who plays on special teams, is doubtful after injuring his calf in practice.

UCLA is telling me it is expecting 60,000 to 65,000 for Saturday's game against Washington State.
Also, UCLA is reminding folks of potential traffic because USC, the Dodgers and UCLA are all home.
From UCLA:

It is two weeks before hoops begins practice, but with school back in session, individual workouts are taking place. From what I've heard, things are going well. I should have more on it next week.

With linebacker Kyle Bosworth out at least one more week, middle linebacker Reggie Carter will make his third straight start at weakside linebacker, while Steve Sloan starts in the middle.
I asked Carter, who played weakside last season, if he liked the move.
"Whatever they need to help on the field,'' he said. "It's just a minor adjustment. I've done it before, so I know how to do it. It's not my choice, but it's something I'll do for the team. I can still make plays anywhere on the field, so it's ok.''

Finally, with a little more than a month to go before the start of the season, the field for the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament is set.
UCLA will host one of the four pods, and as I reported a month ago, the Bruins will host Prairie View A&M on Nov. 12, and the other game will feature Weber State vs. Miami, Ohio.
The winners play Nov. 13 at Pauley Pavilion, with the bracket champion heading to Madison Square Garden for the semifinals.
Here is the full field.

This will become a weekly Thursday feature, a fun light-hitting 10 questions with a player. The questions were mostly derived from reader requests, so here is the inaugural session.

10 questions with sophomore defensive tackle Brian Price

1. Favorite video game?
NCAA '09, but I'm not a big video game guy.
2. How would you like to score a TD on offense?
Running it. I want to run somebody over.
3. Any chance of staying for your senior season?
Yeah.
4. Who wins an arm wrestling match, you or Brigham Harwell?
It would be a tie. (You can't say that). Ok, I'll win.
5. Who is the bigger eater on the team?
Probably Sonny (Tevaga) or one of the o-line guys.
6. How many Diddy Reese cookies can you eat?
Haven't really tried, but 10. I'm not a big cookie guy.
7. Favorite Westwood restaurant?
Gushi
8. What did you listen to before a game?
Young Jeezy
9. Utlimate cheeseburger or macho burrito?
Ultimate cheeseburger
10. Dream date?
Beyonce. I'd take a lot of people.

I wrote a story in today's paper about tight end Ryan Moya's trying journey back to the football field.
Also, here is what UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft had to say about having Moya as a tight end.
"He's an excellent receiving tight end," Craft said. "He can beat you down the field, or over the middle, and he has great hands. He can do a lot of different things."

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which centers around UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel saying the effort in preparation needs to improve. There are also a few other notes about tight end Nate Chandler, the fullback position and injuries.
Also, here is the audio of Neuheisel after practice:
High speed
Neuheisel 1001 high speed.wav

Dialup
Neuheisel 1001.mp3

Just as a tasty morsel to what I wrote for Thursday's paper, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel addressed his team's off-the-field approach after Wednesday's practice.
"I think everyone could work a little harder in preparing themselves,'' Neuheisel said. "I don't think the effort level is off. I think we're getting what we need to get out of guys, but I think we can prepare mentally more for practices, and consequently, have more to give on a game day, too.''
He said there was no problem with effort in practice or games.

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said he was pleased with the intensity of practice, but continued to say the Bruins needs to improve their mental approach to it.
As for other things, Neuheisel said it would be another week before receiver Marcus Everett (toe) was ready, and added the running back lineup would be Kahlil Bell, Derrick Coleman, Raymond Carter and Aundre Dean.
Also, quarterback Kevin Prince continues to take the reps with the second team, and receiver Dominique Johnson had his reps cut as others moved ahead.

One thing I keep hearing from various sources is there is a chance Nate Chandler will remain at tight end after the season. With the potential season-ending foot injury to Logan Paulsen, it doesn't make sense for UCLA to move Chandler back to right tackle during the season.
However, rather than it be a no-brainer that he goes back to the offensive line, I'm hearing UCLA will continue to evaluate the tight end spot, as well as its offensive line, before making a decision.
I'll check in with Chandler today and see what he has to say about it.

By now, many know the parameters, but for the newbies, send in the questions (less than 50 words) by Friday 8 a.m. and I will post the answers throughout the day.

Westwood Bruin Touchdown Club

Friday, Oct 3. -- 7 a.m.
Olympic Collection (Olympic and Sawtelle)
Coach Tim Hauck -- safeties coach
Coach Wayne Moses -- running backs coach
Key football players including:
Darius Savage, offensive guard
Dominique Johnson, wide receiver
UCLA cheerleaders
Cost: $28 (includes parking, breakfast buffet, and speakers)
For reservations, call Claudia Hart @ 310-348-UCLA

UCLA tight end Logan Paulsen, who could be out for the season with a broken foot, is a semifinalist for the Draddy Award, which is also known as the academic Heisman. Here is the release:

Although it is not yet finalized, I'm hearing is Rice High (Bronx) wing Durand Scott is looking at taking an official visit to UCLA the weekend of Oct. 10-12.

Here is the notebook I wrote for today's paper, which includes a healthy dose about UCLA's defense needing to improve.
One other thing: The Bruins have four sacks this season, so I asked defensive end Korey Bosworth how to solve the problem:
"I just have to trust the guys on the side of me because I know everyone is going to do their job,'' defensive end Korey Bosworth said. "If we do our own assignments, and techniques, and speed rush, and do our hand-to-hand movements, I feel comfortable we're going to get pressure on the QB this week."