Here is the story I wrote for today’s paper about UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker being the front-runner for the New Mexico State job.
In talking to my sources, as long as Walker likes what he sees and hears in Las Cruces, he is going to be the next Aggies head coach.

UCLA wing Josh Shipp (thumb) practiced today and is probable for Sunday’s game against Louisiana Tech.
However, Bruins backup guard Malcolm Lee injured his left knee in practice and will undergo an MRI Saturday. He is listed as doubtful for La. Tech.

UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker will be Las Cruces on Monday to meet New Mexico State officials and tour the campus, according to sources. I’m told Walker is the leading candidate and would take the job if offered.
I have more on it in Saturday’s paper.

The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting former UCLA offensive coordinator Al Borges accepted the offensive coordinator’s job at San Diego State. And who does UCLA open the season against next season?
Yes, the Aztecs, Sept. 5, at the Rose Bowl

UCLA is set to practice at 7 p.m. today, but coach Ben Howland said he was unsure if everyone would be there because of travel delays.
Freshman center J’mison Morgan is trying to return from Dallas and freshman center Drew Gordon is trying to get back from San Jose.

UCLA coach Ben Howland said he was still unsure of wing Josh Shipp’s availability for Sunday’s game against Louisiana Tech. He said Shipp (thumb) was scheduled to practice today.

Happy Holidays all. Hope you had a nice Christmas. UCLA coach Ben Howland is doing a teleconference today, so I will have some stuff from him before I go on a mini-vacation.

From Brian…

UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker is one of the finalists for the head coaching position at New Mexico State, sources said. The school is expected to make a decision early next week.

Folks, thank you for the input about the Q&A, and the well wishes for myself and my family. I decided to take up the majority of the folks on this one and take a break from the Q&A this week.
I will have updates when called for over the next few days, and will be away from Saturday through Jan. 1. (Rutgers is playing in a bowl, after all).
Meanwhile, Happy Holidays to all, and enjoy the time with friends and family. For those with kids who want to see what is going on with Santa, here is a sight to keep track of him.

Here is the game story I wrote for today’s paper on UCLA’s 113-62 man-handling of Wyoming.
Also, here is coach Ben Howland’s post-game press conference audio:
High speed

Dialup