Post-Practice Update
* Kevin Prince threw more but was still on a pitch count in UCLA's Thursday practice in shorts and shells. He had a number of nice throws - including a good pitch-and-catch to Nelson Rosario - and the company line is that he feels fine and should not be limited against Stanford. Key word being "should."
* Rick Neuheisel said Josh Smith is ready to return punts, but he wasn't sure if the situation would dictate his use.
"A lot will depend on Josh's conditioning, and how we feel about our return game. We'll wait and see."
Smith returned two kickoffs for 55 yards, while junior Taylor Embree handled the punts, taking two for 14 yards.
* A lot more of Keenan Graham, and it's deserved. He was probably UCLA's best defensive end against K-State, and I expect him to get a starting role at some point.
* Kai Forbath kicked, but missed a short field goal and turned around in disgust. He's about as sure a bet as can be, though.
* Coaches are not sure if they're going to pull the plug on Seali'i Epenesa's redshirt, and I think Jordon James is probably in the same boat. Unless time and place dictates it, I'd be surprised if they went in, even though both have great promise.
it would be in JJ's best interest to RS. He will be the man right behind Jones, who I think will take over as the featured back, next year.
What is the big hang up in Smith returning punts? That's what he does. That's what he did at Colorado, right? He's not in on every offensive play, so I don't get why he wouldn't be used to full effect in the return game.
If you haven't read the column/opinion by Matt "Money" Smith on foxsportswest.com, you really should.
http://www.foxsportswest.com/09/08/10/Quality-Losses-or-Cupcake-Wins/landing.html?blockID=306578&feedID=4034
I think he gives a great objective opinion on UCLA's team and their schedule. I found it especially refreshing, since the majority of you are so damn negative most of the time on this blog. Relax guys! Better days are ahead!
uclapigh, thanks for sharing the article, very well written.
I wonder if Prince is going to be on a pitch count during the game.
I think Prince is part of the process of bringing UCLA to the top 30-50 but I really think Hundley will bring UCLA back to prominence. Does anybody really believe Prince will do any better? I just can't see it.
Let's see if Prince manages not to get hurt in this game. Stanford is gonna run it up on him.
A quick grade breakdown of the teams:
Stanford
Defense: C?
Offense: B+
Special Teams: B-
UCLA
Defense: C
Offense: C-
Special Teams: A-
Not looking good. Still we are playing at the Rosebowl (f SC) and I am confident our defense will have a better showing against Stanford. It just remains to be seen if our offense can step up to the challenge and catch balls while not turning it over. If we can do that and stop the run we should be in a position to win the game with our special teams play a la Smith and Forbath.
"I am confident our defense will have a better showing against Stanford."
Why? Obviously, you know UCLA tons better than do I, but you don't think that Stanford's offense is a significant upgrade over KSU's?
If Prince and the offense can hold the ball for 32-35 minutes, that will help the defense out a ton. But I think this game is likely a bad match-up for you, given the inexperience and injuries on the DL. Of course, I think that the trees are a particularly bad match-up for 6-7 other teams in the Pac 10 as well.
FG -
I understand what you are saying yet I am confident our D will hold. Why? Stanford doesn't have Toby nor do they have KSU rb Thomas. Additionally, coach Neu will not make the same mistake against KS and let our Dline wear down. He will play our defensive freshmen/sophomores so that we don't wear down in the 4th. Also, our dl isn't depleted with injuries as it only has suffered the lost of DJones.
Stanford's passing offense is a lot better than KS but not its running game. UCLA's passing d is better than our running d. Should make for an interesting match up.
Sad truth is this game will rest on the bum shoulder of KPrince. Tomorrow we'll see if he is ready to be King.
In any case you got to love how strong our conference is. I don't remember the Pac-10 being this strong in years.
Like I said. Ucla wins 35-21. Don't see how so many of our so alleged fans are doubting and picking us to lose. I'll check the fan posts on sunday after we win and see whay everyone has to say after the victory
"Stanford's passing offense is a lot better than KS but not its running game. UCLA's passing d is better than our running d. Should make for an interesting match up."
Martin,
Thanks for your response. Good points. Obviously you guys know UCLA better than do I. Rotating at DL would help I would think. Thanks for pointing out only Jones is injured. Nonetheless, my understanding is their has been quite a downgrade in experience and talent on the DL with both that injury and graduation. Apparently, according to you (who would know better than I), it's not as bad as I thought.
However, if I were a UCLA fan, I would still be very concerned about Stanford's running game. UCLA gave up an astronomical number of yards last week to a so-so team, and Stanford has one of the best OL's in the nation. I would think that Harbaugh's bathroom contractor could get 100 yards in one half behind that line on most teams. So I don't think it looks good for the Bruins with this opponent. (The flip side is I'm extraordinarily concerned about when my own team faces SU October).
As much as I hate the tress, they look really tough this year. Anyway, good luck tomorrow.
if UCLA cuts back on all the 3 and outs, the D would have a chance to breathe! Prince and O need to sustain some drives.