Check out the latest batch of weekly answers…

1) Jon, how do you think Cal seeing the pistol once already with Cal will effect their ability to contain our offense? What do you think CRN will do or has done to counter? – BigDBruin

I think Cal will definitely have an advantage compared to other teams, but the hardest aspect of defending against the Pistol is the instant reaction caused at the line of scrimmage by the quarterback’s zone read. I don’t think Cal is going to immediately no how to react, so I still give the running game edge to UCLA. And like you pointed out, Norm Chow is able to look at weaknesses in the defense, and prepare accordingly.

2) Jon, after great recruiting classes and a nice recovery from an 0-2 start there still seems to be a great deal of unhappiness from the alumni on this and other sites. If UCLA defeats Cal there is a good chance they will be tied overall and 1 game ahead in conference vs the more highly regarded USC. If that happens I am convinced the whining will continue on all sites. Do you think its human nature, or are my fellow Bruin alumni difficult to please no matter what? – Anonymous

No comment. OK, small comment. Way too difficult to please.

3) Cal just cut 5 sports including baseball for budgetary reasons. How do UCLA’s finances look, especially with all the cash that will be need for the Pauley Pavilion renovation? Would UCLA ever cut baseball? – San Diego Therapist

UCLA had fewer sports to begin with, and UCLA baseball has a very good alumni base and tremendous support from athletics. I can say for now, under Dan Guerrero, there is no danger. In 20 years, who knows?

4) Since Rosario is out for awhile, will Johnson, Carroll and Mavray be an upgrade due to their passion for the game. – Hadenough

Marvray, certainly, but I need to see more from Johnson and Carroll. Johnson has definitely come on strong the last couple weeks and could be a valuable contributor, but until the downfield passing game shows some life, I think Carroll is out of luck.

5) Hello Jon, I’ve read where you mention the small number of scholarships available next year in football. How can a recruiting class be so small? What can cause there to be so few graduating seniors? – BruinFan

A team is allowed 25 scholarships per season and 85 total. And that’s divided by five classes, not four. So you have quite a few redshirt seniors on this team, less true seniors – four alone left after the bowl game – and a big class last season.