Putting the bag of tricks away
UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel knows the pressure that exists from two 4-8 seasons in three years cannot be dissipated with one eventful scrimmage.
So while some coaches on the hypothetical hot seat might have looked at their first major fall scrimmage as a chance to assuage some public pressure, Neuheisel is resisting turning tonight's 5 p.m. scrimmage at Spaulding Field into a razzle-dazzle affair.
The Bruins are expected to go about 60-65 plays, with many of the reps going to those younger and lower on the depth chart.
"Lets say we light it up tomorrow and everybody's all excited," Neuheisel said, 'and then we start poorly in the season - none of this will matter. It's all about building a football team. I'm going to do, as overused as it is, the prudent thing, to get us to the dance."
His sentiments are being echoed by a coaching staff that shares his belief in maintaining a semblance of continuity in the scrimmage, just another practice, instead of trying to gameplan teammate against teammate.
With a lot of work to be done - the offensive line continues to mix-and-match, the defense is ailing, the passing game needs tightening - this is no time to pull out the bag of tricks.
"I just want us to execute," offensive coordinator Mike Johnson said. "I'm not going into the scrimmage trying to beat our defense. I'm going to call plays the same way I call plays in practice and I expect us to execute those plays. I'm looking for execution so I'm not going in there and trying to throw the ball 100 times around the field. I'm looking for timing, making sure we're picking up the right people in our protections."
The players, on the other hand, know the lights will be bright and the fans will be looking to see a little extra than in years past. For the players, while getting out healthy is the main goal, so is beating the opposition. Even if they're in the same locker room.
"Off the field, they're my teammates, they're my brothers, but on the field, I can't stand a blue jersey," sophomore wide receiver Ricky Marvray said. "I'm in the white right now. I can't stand the blue jerseys. That's exactly what it is - it's offense verus defense, baby. Straight up."
in other words, "please please please, don't let our starters get injured!"
Can't say I disagree at this point.
Hey Jon, not sure if this is the right place to ask but you mentioned the O-line is still mixing and matching -- I was wondering what the 2nd string line looks like right now? Who are the tackles? Center? Any true freshman cracking the 2-deep?
Hicalliber, definitely agree with you and Coach Neuheisel. Don't wanna get kids injured unnecessarily (esp since we had some big season ending injuries last year). Don't wanna give teams too much info on our playbook. And it also gives the 2nd string guys more experience which will help in the long run. But it still gives all the guys some experience with the fans and the added pressure that brings. Hope it works out well for the fans and the players/coaches/team! Wish I could go, but I can't wait to see/hear about the updates. Thanks Jon for all your work!