Check out the latest batch of weekly answers…
1) What’s the condition of the field(s)? Do you feel it is a hazard for ankles and knees? What about the length? – Anonymous
UCLA does not have a disproportionate number of ankle/knee injuries this spring, and probably too much is made about the culpability of the field in past injuries. Inuries happen. Sometimes a team feels cursed by it, but they happen. The length, to me, presents more of an issue. I would want to practice on a full field.
2) You were quite accurate in your estimates for last year’s victory total. You have also described the limitations of our offensive line, an unsure quarterback situation combined with all-new offensive and defensive schemes with a new staff. I realize it is extremely early, but what would be your guess on our record this fall? The boys at Bruins Nation say that anything less than 9-3 with a victory of SC is a failure. Would you agree with that sentiment? – Anonymous
I think it’s inane to label just about any first-year coaching performance a failure. Even if UCLA went 0-12 and it came at the expense of Jim Mora and Co. completely revamping the system from the bottom on up, that’s not a failure. A hire cannot be judged on one season, positively or negatively. A quick look at the schedule and you think that UCLA should easily get to 7 wins, probably can get to 8 wins and maybe, just maybe, can get to nine wins. But that doesn’t mean six wins, five wins, etc. is a failure.
3) Why wont they televise the Spring Game? – Anonymous
Not enough room on the schedule, what with Storage Wars AND Storage Wars Texas.
4) The Pac-12, as a result of a blockbuster radio deal, has recently sent around a memo saying that the first game of the season will be tomorrow for all teams. Jim Mora, panicked, runs into your Daily News office and says, sweaty and out of breath, “Jon, I still haven’t made my mind up who to start at QB! Help!” Who do you tell him to start? – Peter
I would go with the guy who is consistently the most accurate, and in this case, that’s Richard Brehaut. Brett Hundley is having a strong spring and Kevin Prince’s leadership is palpable. But Noel Mazzone demands accuracy and Brehaut provides it the best.
5) Any word on Transfers in/out? – Anonymous
So far the only transfers are Nick Crissman and Connor Bradford, but there will be more. A lot is being sorted out over the next few weeks.