From the weekly press conference

Opening statement:
“Optimism is still full. It’s a full trough here at UCLA. I know we’re disappointed we’re in this skid, but there certain things to be gleaned from the tapes that give you hope, not only for this week but for the coming future. I just believe if we continue to make great effort to emphasize the little things in our play and in our program that great things are on the horizon. I understand the frustration of those who follow our program. Don’t think that it’s lost on me that there is an urgency to be better. But now is not the time to lose focus or lose sight that we’re on the right track. I truly believe that we are. We stay the course and keep grinding away.”

On going 10-2 at Colorado and 11-1 at Washington in Year 2:
“Each of these opportunities is different. To compare them just because it’s year two is unfair. I think it’s unfair to the program. They were at diff places. When I got the job at Colorado we were coming off an 11-1 season. When I got it at Washington, they were coming off 6-6 and didn’t think it was on the right track. There were a lot of older players on that team that were available. This situation is different, and we’ve been hit by a unique injury bug at the quarterback position.
But it isn’t as though we haven’t made strides when you look at it from my vantage point. One thing that will keep us from it happening is if we start to believe it’s not on the right track. Those of us in the trenches, I expect everyone to fall in line with that. But the leader of the ship has to tell you it’s gonna land. That’s all I know how to do.”

On the team being 0-6 on ABC:
“We unfortunately haven’t played our best football when given the opportunity on those national stages. Stay tuned.”