Post-Practice Update
It took 11 games, but UCLA fans finally saw their big secret weapon against Arizona State in last Friday's 55-34 loss.
And Joseph Fauria is certainly big, though he may no longer be a secret.
The 6-foot-7, 259-pound tight end caught a four-yard touchdown pass on a toss-up from sophomore Richard Brehaut into the back of the end zone, a play that the Bruins have practiced throughout the season.
"Sometimes that's what happens when you get plays drawn up during the year, you don't always get to run them during the game," Fauria said. "Things happen with coverages, with personnel. I was happy to finally run it; it was kind of bittersweet, being at the end of the game and down by a little bit, but I was still happy. The monkey's off my back."
Fauria did not expect it to take quite so long.
He entered the season with lofty expectation after transferring from Notre Dame and redshirting last season. Hampered by injuries early in the season and under-utilized after the team's switch to the Pistol offense, though, Fauria has only two catches for 11 yards, including the touchdown.
The Crespi graduate and former No. 11-rated tight end in the country by Scout.com said he's looking forward to making more of an impact next season as a junior, when he'll be competing for time with senior Cory Harkey.
But he has one game left this year, UCLA's matchup with cross-town rival USC at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
He's hoping to find similar success as his former Fighting Irish teammates, who defeated the Trojans last Saturday 20-16.
"I've been to two schools that have this rivalry against USC, so I just don't like them," Fauria said. "I actually got to attend the game. It was good to see them have success. Even a piece of me kind of having success, too. I played with those guys; 'I ran that play before, I used to catch that ball.'"
Battle for Bragging Rights
With both teams post-season fates sealed - USC's by way of NCAA sanctions, UCLA's by way of an under-.500 record - Saturday's game really is only for city bragging rights.
That's enough for the Bruins.
"The USC rivalry, this is the championship, this is the Rose Bowl," senior defensive tackle David Carter said. "Bragging rights for everything, for the city. I don't want to go to the market and see someone in an SC jersey and say 'eww,' I want to go and say "Ha!'"
Bumps and Bruises
Neuheisel said freshman defensive tackle Cassius Marsh and sophomore cornerback Andrew Abbott have progressed during the concussion protocol and would likely play against the Trojans.
Marsh's concussion, suffered against Arizona State last Friday, was the first significant injury of his career.
"I love the game, and stuff like this makes you appreciate not having to stand out here and not being able to practice, when everybody's getting all fired up," said Marsh, an Oaks Christian graduate. "I appreciate more what my health means to me."
No major practice notes to report.
FAURIA = beast! he's gonna bring it next year! coaches just need to put him in!
Harkey is a senior next year? I thought he was done after this year. I understand that Fauria cannot block which has limited his playing time, but hey can't you just put him in there for a designed pass the the TE?? As a receiver he looks unstoppable. They just never throw his way.
Our big secret weapon had 1 catch for 4 yards.
We need to move Barr and Malcolm Jones to OLB's, let Jet Ski returns kickoffs and punts, and give Jordon James 20 carries. Go to a spread offense, and use the speed of our backs/receivers.
John's man love for Fauria continues. It is almost embarassing. John please get it out of your system before next year, tired of reading how BIG Joe is and how great he is. Let him prove it like the rest of the guys. So far I haven't seen the greatness nor has CRN or Chow.