Neuheisel ON: Part 1

Opening thoughts:
"We are obviously disappointed that the game Saturday went as it did. It's been now too long since we tasted victory, not since the 19th of Sept. There's only one real formula for changing that, and that's to buckle down and play as hard as possible. I know that will be the entire focus, the entire effort. I talked to the players yesterday, and I know that they are fully in accord with that plan, coaches as well.
It's full steam ahead."

On this week's opponent, Cal:
"Cal finds itself kind of in the same situation. It's been that long since they tasted victory. So you have two hungry teams. We certainly understand how good a football team they are, despite recent woes. They are an explosive ballclub."

On what UCLA needs to improve on:
"It'd be a long list - it's not always just one thing. We need to get consistent play from our quarterback. Kevin, now being back in and having some more game experience under his belt, we'll get more. We need to make sure that when we call plays that they're blocked correctly. We can't miss assignments and watch them come back and haunt us. We've got to make sure that we're coaching great fundamentals and remembering all the while that we're young.

On being more creative with the offense:
"While it may be a great idea, as the old coach said to the young coach, its only, 'How'd you do.' The play may have drawn up beautifully, but if it didn't work, maybe the less sexy idea might have been the better one."

On the wide receivers working to get open:
"We're going to keep trying to look at all our combinations and get guys to make plays. We certainly are longing for more plays downfield. I think there are enough places to throw the ball. Oregon had a good plan in terms of just a three-man rush. Quarterbacks have to be able to see that, and realize that sometimes you have to make the plays with your legs."