Ready to turn the page on turnovers

In order for UCLA’s offense to turn the corner, it will require the Bruins to not turn the ball over 2.4 times per game like they did last season.

Although it was only a 7-on-7 drill Sunday, coach Rick Neuheisel wasn’t pleased with a three-play sequence that saw redshirt sophomore linebacker Akeem Ayers intercept consecutive passes by Kevin Craft and Alterraun Verner nearly pick off a Kevin Prince attempt that was intended for Taylor Embree.

Reggie Carter nearly intercepted another Prince pass intended for Gavin Ketchum at the goal line and a couple of mishandled snaps from under center resulted in fumbles.

“We’re still turning the ball over too much,” Neuheisel said. “We played that game last year and it was no fun. We just can’t afford to turn the ball over.”

UCLA threw 21 interceptions last season and lost eight fumbles, resulting in a minus-10 turnover margin. They had at least one turnover in 11 of 12 games, including four miscues on five occasions. The only time the Bruins didn’t commit a turnover was in a 28-3 victory over Washington State.