Check out the first batch of weekly answers…
1) How much of the win over Cal can be attributed to the fact that we played younger less experienced but more talented guys? Do you see the players who made an impact (AO, Kendricks, Rice, James, Graham, McDonald) getting more playing time in the coming weeks? – anon
McDonald and Kendricks have seen their playing times increase, James has been a steady, if inconsistent, part of the offense for a while and Keenan Graham has been in the rotation, so those guys didn’t necessarily get “more” playing time – they just performed well. AO should continue to see time in the role he’s carved out, but it appears Rice will be headed back to the bench, if practice reps are an indication. I would say that those guys definitely infused some much-needed energy, and it would serve UCLA well to continue to put talent on the field, no matter of age.
2) Who do you think ucla football actually has a legit chance to get a commit from? What positions would you say are of most need? Thanks. – Anonymous
The Bruins have 13 commits already, and they’ll probably have room for about a half dozen more, and several highly ranked players are still available. But as of now, with the coaching situation so unstable, top-tier prospects are not going to jump on board. UCLA is making a big push for guys like QB Devin Fuller, LB Reshawn Hooker, DT Ellis McCarthy, OT Kyle Murphy, etc., but it’s too shaky a situation to say they have a “legit” chance to land someone specifically. Things could change 180 degrees in less than six weeks. Regarding positions of need: Offensive and defensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, quarterback and tight end are pressing needs.
3) What are the chances Neuheisel is retained for next season? Is his job still safe with only 6 wins? Please say NO! – bruinbiochem06
Depends who the six wins come against. He beats USC, how are you feeling?
4) If the Bruins were 6-2 so far this season, would it be easier for you to cover the team? After the Arizona loss, most UCLA fans were out for CRN’s blood and you had to deal with several hypotheticals from your readers (who is the next coach?, what does Rick have to do to keep his job?, etc) If the Bruins were more successful, I would assume that there would be less distraction off the field and you could cover the team without having to deal with all the frustration. – DFarmer87
I happen to have an increased level of contact with fans because of the blog, Twitter, Facebook and the nature of my personality, so the constant barrage of pure and utter disappointment is hard to tune out. I would say I’ve become numb to it, but that would be a lie, and I still find myself wondering what it would be like to cover a successful team. Maybe it’s me, though: Going back to my SDSU years, teams I’ve covered are 33-51.
5) Is Howland looking at any PGs to offer? – anonymous
The latest I’ve heard was no, at least not in this class.