Answers, Part XVIII

Whats the new update on DE Keenham Graham? Still favoring the bruins?
Graham still likes UCLA, but let's see how this plays out. There are big-time schools involved in this one.

What's the latest news on UCLA and USC both wearing home unis for the game? I heard they had some obstacles. Is it going to happen?
No, it won't happen because the offending team is penalized a timeout at the start of each half, and neither coach is willing to do that.

Knew we'd have challenges this year on the pass rush side losing Davis, but our ability to stop the run has been deplorable. Althought we're pretty young on the "D" side, you surprised how ineffective with been with our two stud DT's anchoring things?
No, I'm not because the schemes have been to protect an inexperienced secondary from getting beat for the big play, so less help is given to stopping the run. Also, taking Reggie Carter out of the middle linebacker spot hurts the run defense.

If rumor holds as to Olsen retiring, what's your opinion as to status of our BB rival. "Plum" job that will have some hot coaches scrambling to jump in the consideration pool or destiny of falling into Pac 10's 2nd tier?
Hot job that could bring some intriguing names because Arizona will pay well, the academic standards aren't high and Olson proven you can win a title there.

Hot week for soft verbals led by Hasiak. Gut feel that we're starting to build some steam heading into signing period or just a random, very fortunate week?
I wouldn't classify Hasiak as a soft verbal. But I do think it was a random week. I expect the commits to come in a flurry in December and Januaary.

With our ground game weak at best, why not move to more shotgun formation? Craft clearly has better feel for tempo, and a short-pass, ball control offensive has been our most effective.
I asked coach Rick Neuheisel a similar question, and he said going exclusively to shot-gun would hamper the running game even more, and part of the reason UCLA has success in the two-minute offense is because of the soft coverages defenses play at the end of halves.

who seems to have a brighter future at the cb position: hester or dye?
At corner, I would say Hester. I view Dye as more of a safety.

There was a local "discussion" on sports talk radio about Howland's coaching style being too aggressive. How is his relationship w/ his players? Do they merely tolerate it knowing it can get them to the NBA?
Yes, they tolerate it knowing he can get them to the NBA.