Reflections on scrimmage
Some quick thoughts and a couple good quotes after yesterday's scrimmage...
*UCLA fans might feel like it is 2008 all over again, but Rick Neuheisel is planting a pretty good base with all these freshmen. You have to give credit to a guy for going the long way and sticking with his instincts, developing freshmen instead of settling for JC transfers.
*If just one of UCLA's front seven can explode onto the national scene, the Bruins defense will be great. As it stands, the unit is very good. Just one more guy.
*"I was a little disappointed because I thought we would come out a little more ready to play," offensive coordinator Norm Chow said. "I think our kids are tired after two weeks, and I think we have to get them back and play with a little more enthusiasm."
*The UCLA running game could come down to different backs at different times, with Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman taking more snaps on first- and second-downs, and Christian Ramirez - and his fantastic catching and blocking abilities - as a true option on seconds-and-long and third-downs.
*"This is day 15, and they've been out here for a long time," head coach Rick Neuheisel said. "They're heavy-legged and want to go, but it's hard to make it go. I don't think anybody was out there lackadaisical. They're disappointed it didn't go as well they wanted, and that's a good feeling. Now we have to come back with some hunger and fix it."
*Among the recruits at the scrimmage -
* Also in attendance were Hayed Pullard, Kenny Corona and Sebastian Tretola
love reading your posts jon. thank u so much.
can't wait for the bruin season to start. we're getting better and that's all we can ask for.
GO BRUINS!!!
tell jill painter i loved her article on the memphis/calipari/jalen rose SAT/stopping ucla from their deserved 12th banner.
BRUINS=PRIDE=HONOR
from,
Josephine Bruin
i was checking out the LA WEEKLY and noticed "jonathan gold's" restaurant review coming soon....is that you? you're everywhere!
ALOHA,
JosephineBruin
Quotes from whom? Good lord, do they know football>
Thanks for the informative posts about last night's scrimmage. When Brian Dohn announced his departure from the blog, I was concerned that the future of the blog would be less than stellar. But between you and Jill Painter, especially you, the blog has been extremely helpful for those of us who live outside of Southern California. Thanks for the hard work that you have put into this blog.
Fantastic commentary, Jon. I enjoyed every minute of it!
SB
Great job, you've worked very hard...but Hayes Pullard shouldn't be like a throw in on your article, he's a HUGE get if he chooses UCLA.
Hey anon,
I tried to find Pullard to link to his profile, but I must have spelled his name wrong in the search. He would indeed be a big signee for the Bruins.
Thanks
Jon
Great job Jon, appreciate all of the updates.
Having been to all the Fall scrimmiges during the Dorell era, and the last 2 under CRN, there was a MARKED improvement in the offense. Still no where near where it need to be, but there was some glimmer of hope. The line OCCASSIONALLY made some holes on the run block (but other times missed assignments). The RBs looked very good. We have some good speed in the backfield. I was worried about the punter position, but Locke proved to have a very good leg. Nice punts. He hit the corner and out on the 1 yard line. Another time, with a short field, he put some MONSTER hang time to prevent any runback. If he stays consistent, we should be ok there.
Kick coverage, on the other hand, was pitiful. Or, Thigpen/Mavray are just that fast/good. I am sure the coaches will work on kick coverage a bit over the next 2 weeks.
All-in-all, hope is renewed.
GO BRUINS!
Jon,
UBTA invites you to our tailgate for the first game (and all others for that matter). Ask Jill for directions!
UB
I think that Datonte Jones will be that guy on the front seven to step up. The Defense will be talented. but it's too early to tell how great they will be, considering who they go up against in practice. And, if the offense keeps them on the field all game, it won't matter. The OL also better stay healthy or it's going to be another LONG season.
It's obvious that we've improved from last year. It's hard not to be. We won't really know how much until we play live against real competition. A 30-6 win against a San Diego State program that has been on the verge of being eliminated, will mean nothing. Our first real test will be Tennessee. Regardless of how good or bad the Vols are, playing in that environment is tough for anybody. We'll have a better idea what this team is made of after that game. 7-8 wins is very doable, barring any major injuries at the thin positions.
I think that Datonte Jones will be that guy on the front seven to step up. The Defense will be talented. but it's too early to tell how great they will be, considering who they go up against in practice. And, if the offense keeps them on the field all game, it won't matter. The OL also better stay healthy or it's going to be another LONG season.
It's obvious that we've improved from last year. It's hard not to be. We won't really know how much until we play live against real competition. A 30-6 win against a San Diego State program that has been on the verge of being eliminated, will mean nothing. Our first real test will be Tennessee. Regardless of how good or bad the Vols are, playing in that environment is tough for anybody. We'll have a better idea what this team is made of after that game. 7-8 wins is very doable, barring any major injuries at the thin positions.