Neuheisel post-practice

(on this week's practice)
I think it was a great week of preparation. The guys concentrated throughout. I'm excited about where we are. we're looiking forward to the contest.

(on what was different during this bye week last week)
Coming into the bye week we were coming off a win, so there was a rejuvenation, an excitement. I think the guys were eager to try to do it again late in November. I felt that carry through the whole week. I thought our practices were all spirited, high-intensity. I liked them. I feel we're in good shape going in. Arizona State I'm sure had some good practices, too. That's why I think it will be a really good football game.

(On Kevin Craft)
I'm a big fan of Kevin. Much has been said about my antics on the sideline. I wonder where we'd be without him. He's been terrific in terms of not making excuses. He's taken a lot of hits and keeps getting up. He's a very resilient kid and very tough-minded. I hope good things for him. If he keeps working at it, there's no reason to think he's not going to improve.

(On Kevin Craft's practices the last two weeks)
I like the way he practiced, we'll have to wait and see how it turns out in the game. There's no reason for him not to go out and play really efficiently.

(On injuries)
Obviously, the loss of (Darius) Savage is impacting. We didn't lose anybody these last two weeks, so we feel good. Reggie Stokes is a week better. I think we're in good shape, relatively speaking.

(on the Thanksgiving meals UCLA is donating to an Arizona shelter)
That was an idea of one of the parents in the program in terms of providing assistance to families living in shelters. We're happy to be a part of it. It's going to be the centerpieces of our tables during our Thanksgiving dinner. Obviously, we have a lot to be thankful for, and we have the opportunity to make sure some other families have a happy Thanksgiving as well.

(On whether he's coached teams that spent Thanksgiving together in the past)
When I was coaching at Colorado, we always had a Friday game against Nebraska. I've been through this before. It's a special time. Everyone wants to be with their families. In a lot of ways, this is an extension of family. A lot of parents will travel and be there with us. We have a lot to be thankful for living in this country and having an opportunity to work and play at this university.

(On whether they'll monitor the food intake of players since the game is the next day)
Fortunately, it's an evening game. I think guys are going to just enjoy each other's company. It will be a nice evening ... unless you're a turkey.