* Richard Brehaut got his first reps as undisputed starting quarterback and had some nice deep balls, and he hopes the loosen things up on Saturday, but he does want to be responsible for the run game better. He understands that the run opens up the pass, and that’s a priority, and he discusses it in a video.

* No more tackling or physicality than usual in practice, and I was surprised by the level of ownership the players took when discussing tackling. I had a long chat with Clark Lea, Damien Holmes and Tony Dye about the struggles, and they were all forthright. Videos of Lea and Holmes up tomorrow.

* Donovan Carter saw extended reps with the first team, with Justin Edison actually falling behind Seali’i Epenesa at times, too. UCLA’s front line has been a sieve, so we’ll see how much they actually shake it up.

* Kip Smith didn’t practice today with a hip flexor injury, and Rick Neuheisel said he’ll likely be a game-time decision. Plan on Locke kicking again after hitting 51- and 49-yard field goals.

* Earlier today Sean Sheller had surgery on his broken forearm, and he’ll probably miss the rest of the season. Greg Capella and Chris Ward are at the guard spots with Jeff Baca at tackle.

* Andrew Abbott’s concussion leaves UCLA very thin at cornerback, and walkon Librado Baracio – who gets the team award for effort for working late after every practice – is up in the two-deep.

* In a related note, Jamie Graham is still not practicing and the hope is to get him back in practice next week.

* In another related note, Neuheisel said he hoped Anthony Jefferson could do some running next week.

* Tony Dye sat out of practice with lingering general soreness but was in a red jersey, as was Jared Koster.