Weekly Answers, Pt. 4

Check out the latest batch of weekly answers…

1) Can you comment on Randall Carroll’s performance on DEF? Does he have a future there? – Mike
He’s been good since the switch, but still largely untested. That’s going to change on Saturday, and we’ll get a good look at his future. I’ve always thought he’s a fantastic athlete and just needed to get…right…but maybe he’s found a home. And in this offense, he’s just not utilized the way he could be.

2) Is it actually possible that Neuheisel might be coaching the way he plays the game, as some sort of “Comeback Coach” that only focus after putting himself in the position of pressure and despair? How do you explain the differences in the team after Arizona? – Anonymous
I’ve written that before, and I’ve always thought that. I don’t think he “only” focuses in that situation, but I think he focuses better, and that includes things like taking more chances and shifting personnel.

3) How is it different for you and other reporters to be on the sidelines or up in the press box during a game? Do you go down for every game or just when you have a camera and is done writing most of the preliminary game recap? – Anonymous
We’re allowed onto the field with 10 minutes left. If it’s a blowout, I usually head down early, because I get some of my best stuff by just observing on the sidelines. If it’s a close game, I’m chatting, blogging, twittering til the end, even on deadline, which is a bit tense. With late starts, it’s almost always enough to make me want to punch my computer right in the face.

4) Your predecessor was very critical of UCLA fans at the Rose Bowl. Dohn was always amazed that it took a 60+ year old cheerleader to motivate fans to get up and cheer on 3rd down plays and last night we saw that some fans were not smart enough to get quiet on crucial offensive plays. After witnessing last night’s victory, what is your take on last night’s crowd and UCLA Rose Bowl fans in general? How might they stack up to other crowds that you have seen? – DFarmer87
Saturday night was electric, more electric than I’ve seen it in my tenure covering the beat. And still…it could be so much more.
When I covered San Diego State, I always was put off when people used the “but there’s so much else to do!” excuse when describing the low attendance. It’s supposed to be THE thing to do.
College football can be an absolutely memorable experience for a student, and I see it every time I go to a place where it’s just ROCKING. Some of the pageantry I’ve seen on the road has been just jaw-dropping. And when the product on the field isn’t that good, it still makes up for it.
Meanwhile, the Rose Bowl hasn’t been rocking in a long time, and it’s because the students just don’t show up. UCLA has to do a better job making it a worthwhile experience for students, and that goes beyond the product on the field. The Rose Bowl is 28 miles from campus, and students are the laziest they’ve ever been. Make them need to go to the game. More stuff like that flash mob that had the whole place buzzing.
Then, the crowd will start to come together more. Moms and dads with 3 year olds in their laps aren’t screaming bloody murder. Get the kids, and you get the crazy.

5) Jon we seem to be having trouble shedding blocks what’s up with that. And what do you think we should do with marsh coming back should he play with Datone inside what should the rotation look like. What D ends would you play together? – Anonymous
Yeah, they’ve struggled with shedding blocks, and I don’t know if that’s technique or strength or what. It’s just been bad. But moving Jones inside has helped, and yeah, I would play Jones and him together, and Donovan Carter and Nate Chandler together, and for a breather, Seali’i Epenesa and Justin Edison.