UCLA links: Bruins likely short-handed at linebacker

Hawaii wide receiver Kalakaua Timoteo, center, drops the ball and gets leveled by UCLA linebacker Josh Woods, left, and hit from behind by defensive back Mossi Johnson (21) at the goal line, Woods was penalized for targeting and ejected, during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. UCLA won 56-23. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

The Pac-12 issued a statement Monday evening acknowledging the officiating error that left a crushing hit on Kenny Young unpenalized, but UCLA head coach Jim Mora said the public comment from the conference did little to rectify the error as one of the biggest leaders on the UCLA defense is working through the concussion protocol before the team’s game against Memphis on Saturday at 9 a.m.

“It was clear, it was concise, it was beyond reproach that it was a violent, flagrant target and for some reason the process failed,” Mora said of a blindside block that knocked Young out of the game in the first quarter.

Young’s status is uncertain as he works through concussion protocol, but fellow linebacker Josh Woods will surely be out for the first half against Memphis for the targeting call that he drew in the fourth quarter against Hawaii. Mora said there is no appeal process for rescinding the suspension.

More on the two controversial calls that could leave the Bruins without two of their starting linebackers. 

UCLA doesn’t officially discuss injuries during the season, so when it comes to the statuses of other players, here’s what we know and can speculate: Continue reading “UCLA links: Bruins likely short-handed at linebacker” »