SB Nation - Michael Norris

UCLA Secondary In 2009: Opportunity To Revive A Bruin Tradition

Nestor — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:31:36 -0000

So I want to use this Humpday morning to finish our roundup through both the offense and defense here on BN. We have already covered the offense by going over our notes on QBs, RBs, WRs/TEs and OL. On the defensive side we have gone over the front-7 by breaking our notes up between LBs and DEs. Let's finish it up by going through our DB position. After I am done, ryebreadaz (who attended about 8-9 practices during the first two weeks of fall camp) will do separate posts on each of the positions and give his grades based on what he has seen last few weeks. So let's get to our defensive backs, who I think will have a shot to reestablish the tradition of "Secondary U" at UCLA in 2009. If they live up to their potential, they will bring back the memories of legends such as Turner, Easley, Darby, Goodwin and of course Carnell Lake who is coaching them up at Spaulding. [Note: Lake was a legendary OLB at UCLA before being converted to SS in the NFL].

Unlike the LB an DE positions, depth is not an issue in our secondary. Through his recruiting efforts of his last two years CRN has been able to stock up this specific unit of the defense with some serious talent. Of course the leader of these guys is none other than ATV. I don't think I have to go on about what this kid can do here on BN. His body of work which we have written about for last three years speak for itself. We all know about ATV's ability as a shutdown corner. We have seen his ability to throttle opposing receivers or his ability to win a game through game breaking picks. He also happens to be an incredibly smart kid who happens to use his brain just as much as he uses his athletic ability to terrorize opposing QBs. That is why he rarely gets caught out of position and is always at the right place at the right time to make plays if the opposing QBs are foolish enough to test him.

The cool thing for Carnell Lake and Chuck Bulloug is that ATV is not the only anchor of our secondary this season. He is going to have Rahim Moore back there with him roaming the backfield as our FS. Moore lived up to the hype as a blue chip recruit when he came into the scene last season. Not only he started every game as a true freshmen, he ended up tying for the team lead with 3 picks and finished with 60 tackles (4th on the team). Moore has the lethal combination of size (6-1/197) and speed. He is the perfect centerfielder to anchor this secondary and he is absolutely fearless. I can't wait to see what Moore is going to do as a sophomore to followup his freshman season.

So with ATV and Moore anchoring our secondary, coaches are going to look to fresh talent to fill up our secondary this season (replacing Michael Norris (CB) and Bret Lockett (SS) who developed into dependable players as the season went along last year). To find out who the coaches will be looking to step up jump over the flip.

Let's start with the cornerback position. As discussed above, given ATV's history of terrorizing opposing QBs, they will probably looking to the other end of UCLA secondary. This means there will be a lot of pressure on Aaron Hester to step up and he has the athletic ability to answer the challenge. From the LA Times:

Hester's raw abilities are apparent to the casual observer. At 6 feet 1 and 203 pounds, "he is long and lean and strong," Lake said, making him a physical presence that can bring the noise at the speed of sound.

Hester excelled in track and football at Compton Dominguez High. He anchored the 1,600-meter relay team, which posted the fastest time (3 minutes 9.59 seconds) for a California high school squad since 1997.

Franklin, one of the fastest Bruins in pads, couldn't shake Hester this week. And he heard about it.

"He keeps telling me he's a stallion and no one can keep up with him," Franklin said. Yes, Hester can pester, but, "you've got to have that swag no matter what position you play," Franklin said.

"I'm not a jaw-jacker," Hester said. "I respect other players. I just say some things to let them know I'm here. First play, I want the receiver to know it's going to be a rough day."

Besides, his abilities do speak for themselves. During one game as a senior, he caught two touchdown passes and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Gotta love Hester's aggressive attitude. We have also read this off seaosn how ATV has taken Hester under his wings. So we are hoping ATV's aggressiveness and confident attitude will rub off on his understudy. One thing I am incredibly excited about is Hester's size. In recent years, we got used the images of tall, athletic opposing WRs just giving a total beatdown on our small, undersized DBs. I think Hester if he lives up to his athletic abilities will be able to make a dent in that perception.

Speaking of potential, let's talk about the competition between Dye and Love for the SS spot at UCLA. It looks like Dye right now has a very slight edge in a heated competition per Jon Gold in the Daily News:

"We both have our advantages and our disadvantages," said Love, who at 6-foot-4 has a marked size advantage over the 5-11 Dye. "I think right now it's about even. By us battling this out right now, it's helping the team out. If just one of us goes down, we'll be fine. We're not losing a step. I think we're both going to get an opportunity to play."
Right now, Dye is relishing his opportunity to work with the starting group, particularly because some did not expect it.

Switching from nickel back to safety this season, the true sophomore has had to prove his doubters wrong, those who said that 5-11 doesn't pack enough punch.

"Of course I'm happy about the opportunity; I'm ecstatic about the opportunity," Dye said. "I appreciate that I got the shot, that I actually received this chance. A lot of people didn't think, coming from the cornerback spot, that I could, that I was too small. I'm glad I got the opportunity to show myself; I'm feeling real comfortable right now."
Both are focused on limiting the bad over making the good. At this point, a blown coverage is more damaging than a quick pick-six is helpful.

And the biggest mistakes, Dye said, are in the eyes.

"Bad eyes is a real thing at the safety position," Dye said. "You're keying the tight end, and if he releases, it's a pass. If he stays in, it's to block. A lot of safeties get away from that. They won't pay attention to the tight end.

"They'll make wrong run reads and get thrown over the top. To minimize all those mistakes, you have to have great eyes."

I think in terms of raw talent whoever takes over at this position will bring more to the table than Brett Lockett. However, I do think early on we are going to have to be patient because of their lack of experience. They are going to make some mistakes and we will have to live through it. Key for them will be to roll with the punches and develop the same way Norris and Lockett did last season.

As for rest of the guys in the depth chart we need to take note of Courtney Vinney and truh freshmen Sheldon Price and Marlon Pollard. From Sam Saig at All Pac-10 Blog:

The most experienced corner besides Verner has only played for one season and it’s sophomore Courtney Viney. Last season, Viney played mostly as a nickel back and finished with 17 tackles while also contributing on special teams. Two years ago, he was the Scout Team Player of the Year.

At 5-8 160 pounds, Viney is small even by cornerback standards, but he plays with aggressive determination and never stops coming. Coaches have praised Viney for his competitiveness and work ethic. He has tremendous leaping ability, and the quickness to cover an opposing team’s speediest receiver. Viney is also a surprisingly good tackler with deceptive strength. The Fresno (CA) native was given four-star recognition from Scout.com while he was at Edison High School. [...]

The 6-2 163 pound Price has a long frame and should put on considerably more weight during his career. He has wasted little time impressing the coaches, and could become a pivotal part of the defensive backfield as the season progresses.

Price provides the Bruins with another corner (along with Hester) that can cover taller receivers. The Chino Hills (CA) product was given 4-star recognition by Rivals.com, and was a PrepStar All-American selection while at Bishop Amat High School.

The 6-0 158 pound Pollard also has a lot of physical developing to do, but he has been very impressive this fall. He is an explosive athlete with great ball skills and also possesses excellent quickness. Rivals and Scout.com rated him as a 4-star prospect, and he was also a PrepStar All-American selection. The San Bernardino (CA) native could factor in for the Bruins as a nickel back and on special teams.

Price and Pollard are building blocks for the future. Both of those guys will most likely be redshirting this Fall.

Also, per Saig other players competing for time this Fall Campu are freshmen Brandon Sermons, Stan McKay, Andrew Abbott, Alex Mascarenas, and senior Aaron Ware. I have heard great feedback on McKay who apparently has been dishing out some serious hits on Bruin receivers at Spaulding. Also, remeber ATV gave Mascarenas a shout out during his summer blogging in last few weeks. Sermons is a talented recruit and Abbott has been persistent with his fiery competitive spirit out at Spaulding. As for ware, no doubt he will be looking to go out on a great note in his last year at UCLA. I think he will be ready to step up if he is called upon this year at the Rose Bowl.

So in conclusion, this is definitely the deepest position in terms of talent in our defense. I am fired up to see what kids like Hester, Dye and (a healthy) Love can do this year to complement ATV and Moore. I think if our defenise fron-7 can stay healthy and they can gel together early on with this unit, we could be looking at a fun year for Bruin defense. I am sure these guys are going to be antsy to come out and make a statement early on against San Diego State. If the youngsters can get off to a good start, it is going to bode really well for us rest if the season.

GO BRUINS.

Predicting the Season - UCLA Bruins

dvieira — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:42:14 -0000

via ucla.freedomblogging.com. Rick Neuheisel may wish he could come in and play some QB for the Bruins this year

UCLA had a rough go of it last year, compiling a 4-8 record under first year head coach Rick Neuheisel. Karl Dorrell left the cupboard bare when he was unceremoniously fired but the Bruins have put together very good back-to-back recruiting classes that should start to contribute more to the games starting this season. In 2008, Oregon had just come off a devastating 44-10 loss at USC in welcoming the UCLA Bruins into Autzen Stadium. Under the lights, the home crowd saw Jeremiah Masoli complete 5 passes out of 19 attempts for a whopping 42 yards. One of those passes was a diving score by Chris Harper in the second quarter. The rushing game ruled the day with the Ducks rumbling for 323 yards on the ground, including a 69-yard touchdown scamper by LeGarrette Blount to seal the win for Oregon.

This year, Oregon travels to Los Angeles to face off against the UCLA Bruins in the Rose Bowl. Oregon will be coming off a 4-game homestand while UCLA will have already had a bye and a trip to a tough Stanford team on the road. The Bruins will be better in 2009 but will they have any advantage against Oregon when the teams meet in October? Let's run the numbers.

Oregon Offense vs. UCLA Defense

The Bruin Defense is definitely the brightest spot for the entire team and you don't have to look farther than 6-2, 295-pound junior defensive tackle Brian Price. He was first team Pac-10 last year and will most likely go out early to the NFL. His 14 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks were huge for an interior lineman and will cause lots of problems for opposing teams in both the running and passing games.

Kyle Bosworth will be coming back after a sprained knee sidelined him for the 2008 season and should give UCLA depth at the linebacker position. With 4 guys having starter experience, the combination of a tough defensive line and a solid linebacking core give the Bruins the potential to have an extremely stingy front 7.

If there is one concern, it would be speed around the edge and this is where Oregon should be able to take advantage, especially if LaMichael James breaks out in the first couple of games. During the middle of the season last year, there was a 4 game stretch where UCLA gave up 200 yards on the ground on average to the teams they faced. If Oregon can work sideline to sideline and get those linebackers and defensive lineman working horizontally, the speed of the Duck attack should loosen the middle up for big gains.

In the secondary, CB Michael Norris and S Brett Lockett are both gone from a unit that was ranked 8th in the nation against the pass and got better as the season wore on. Alterraun Verner will be back and locking down everyone on his side of the field. On the other side though, redshirt freshman Aaron Hester will see a lot of passes his way as teams look to go away from Verner's side. The secondary, as a whole, is young. The two-deep coming out of spring has one senior, four sophmores and three freshman. This year will be filled with growing pains as those young guys adjust.

When UCLA faced Oregon last year, Jeremiah Masoli had barely gotten his feet wet after taking over for Justin Roper. The passing game hadn't developed but the running game did a great job of helping the team win. This year should be a different story as Masoli comes in as a major passing threat. Against some young corners and linebackers that don't have blazing speed, Oregon should find a lot of success in the wide receiver screens and getting the ball to the outside with one on one chances against the secondary. With Verner on Jemere Holland, that should leave Jeff Maehl and DJ Davis with plenty of opportunities.

Oregon Defense vs. UCLA Offense

The biggest news concerning the UCLA Offense is that Kevin "Interception Machine" Craft is out as quarterback having been replaced by 6-2, 226-pound redshirt freshman Kevin Prince. A highly touted recruit, Prince will get a trial by fire during the upcoming season and unless he is the second coming of Tim Tebow, look for a lot of freshman mistakes as he learns the ropes. You would think that Kevin Craft would be the backup right? Richard Brehaut had a great spring and clearly outplayed Craft but still has a redshirt year that I'm sure the Bruins would love to keep intact.

On the offensive line, UCLA just has problems plain and simple. After the injury bug hit them hard last year, the best thing you can say is that at least they have experience. With 8 different lineman earning at least 2 starts, they will excel at lineman by committee. After a tough year last year, spring didn't look any better as bad snaps, missed blocking assignments, and issues with fundamentals continued to plague the line. Oregon, even with rebuilding their defensive line in the off-season, will have a clear advantage in the trenches. With a leaky offensive line combined with a young and inexperienced quarterback, it might be a long day for whomever is back there for the Bruins.

Running backs in Christian Ramirez, Derrick Coleman, and Johnathan Franklin all come in with a combined 72 carries among them. UCLA will probably employ a "Thunder and Lightening" attack, with 6-2, 220-pound Ramirez as the thunder and Franklin as the lightening. With how athletic the Oregon front 7 appears in the spring, look for the Ducks to neutralize the running attack and force Prince to beat them through the air.

Prince will have some options to throw to as the three top receivers for the Bruins come back for another round. Taylor Embree, Terrence Austin and Ryan Mota all come back and should give Prince opportunities in space. With a young quarterback and the lack of a truly dynamic receiver, the Bruins might have some difficulties stretching the field. With the lack of a deep threat, look for the strong Oregon secondary and linebacking units to aggressively fly to the ball, hoping to disrupt the passing and running attacks.

Special Teams

Kai Forbath is dynamite in the place kicking game, including 6-for-6 from beyond 50 yards. He just might be the biggest offensive weapon the Bruins have next year. If the defense can keep it close, Forbath might be just the guy to pull out a couple of wins for the team. UCLA will be replacing their all Pac-10 first team punter Aaron Perez and Jeff Locke looks to be getting the nod. He was the nation's premiere punter coming out of high school in 2008. Given how the offense looks, Locke should get plenty of opportunities for playing time.

Oregon should have an advantage in kick returns as the coverage teams for the Bruins were miserable nationally last year in both kick (100th) and punt coverage(107th).

Conclusion

I like Oregon's chances in this game. UCLA may have improved from last year but Oregon will be greatly improved from when the Bruins and Ducks last met. In all skill positions, Oregon is better than it was last year for this matchup and with UCLA having some inexperience in the secondary, look for Oregon to exploit the holes in the defense in the running and passing games. UCLA's season offensively will all depend on how Kevin Prince adjusts to being the man with the plan. If he struggles out of the gate, Oregon will have a field day. If Prince can get his legs under him before the Oregon game, the passing attack will allow the Bruins to stay in it, especially if their defense can get some key turnovers.

The kicking and punting game should factor into this game as both teams have some challenges. We could see a 14 point swing from special teams alone. That being said, Oregon should be able to handle the Bruins at the Rose Bowl.

Oregon 30 – UCLA 13

BN Roundup: Happy Bruin Father's Day Edition

Nestor — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:52:49 -0000

Wow. It looks like the North-South question put up yesterday had caused a little stir here on a slow weekend in the off season. I had a feeling it was going to make people come out and represent. As I somewhat expected it looks like the North is out to a commanding lead in our current poll. But I do know there are lot of Bruin athletics addicts on the South Side too. Even though I ended up on the North Side when I graduated, I spent my first two years on the South before the Physics 6 series finally came up as a rude awakening and huge obstacle to going to Strattons on Tuesdays for $1 pint night. Made the switch to North Campus and life became even more beautiful in Westwood.

So for those Southies who manage to finish in style while not compromising the good times at UCLA, I salute you. I know you are out there and if you are make sure to vote so that us Northsiders can't gloat too much about it's us who really get behind our football/basketball teams. Speaking of supporting our football/ben ball teams, if you are current student also don't forget to vote for your favorite Den shirt design for next season (HT Bruin4ever15)

As for some news and notes on this Sunday, Dohn reported recently that three UCLA incoming signees have their work cut out for them in this summer season to get into school:

Most of UCLA's freshmen football class will move in Sunday and begin summer school Monday, but three signees are in danger of not qualifying academically and have academic issues to clean up during the summer in order to enroll when August training camp begins.
Irvine High offensive/defensive lineman Nik Abele and Long Beach Jordan linebacker Taniela Maka both have work to do before being accepted into UCLA, according to sources.
Both players still have the possibility of taking care of their academic business before training camp begins, and if they do, both will enroll. However, if the academic situation is not rectified, either or both could still enroll in January 2010.

Also, JC transfers Eddie Williams has some work to do as well before enrolling in August per the same Dohn post. Good luck to these kids. Perhaps Brian Price can reach out to them or UCLA coaches can serve Price up as an example on how they can get themselves in a rewarding situation at UCLA if they stay determined and get their academics in order.

As football football players who have already completed their time at UCLA, some interesting news from the official site. Bunch of recent alums along with Coach Howard are participating in an a senior bowl game in Japan:

UCLA assistant football coach Todd Howard and six former UCLA football players are scheduled to participate in the New Era Bowl 2009. The bowl is scheduled for 6:00 pm on July 4 at Oji Stadium in Kobe, Japan. Howard and the six Bruins - wide receiver Brandon Breazell, fullback Chad Moline and wide receiver Mike Angelo on offense and defensive tackle Chase Moline, linebacker John Hale and cornerback Michael Norris - will leave for Japan on Friday, June 26. They will arrive on Saturday and practice for the week leading up to the game on July 4. They are scheduled to depart from Japan on Monday, July 6.

Good luck to them.

Lastly, it's Father's Day in Bruins Nation. So I thought I end the note with this great update from the UCLA Athletics tweeter feed:

Bob Field and Valorie Kondos Field had dinner with Coach Wooden and his daughter Nan tonight. Coach is doing well.

That was last night. So I am sure Coach is out in Southern California enjoying a wonderful Dad's Day. Wish everyone else here the same. Have a great Sunday and if you are not hanging out with your Dad today don't forget to call him and wish him a Happy Bruin Father's Day.

GO BRUINS.

Feeling Alright

Nestor — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:03:18 -0000

Bruins got a much needed win last night in Seattle. Even though it is clear what Washington is perhaps one of the worst teams in the history of the Pac-10 conference (along with Washington State), I think folks shouldn’t be dismissive of the effort our guys put together last night in Seattle.

Earlier in the day I was watching a Michigan team going through the same rebuilding pains we are experiencing during the first year of a new regime. Seeing the Wolverines struggle against Northwestern (which is having a good season) in the Big House and tumble to a 3-8 record was something that put what we have been going through in perspective.

After beating Washington we now have a record of 4-6, keeping alive a shot at a minor bowl game. As I said during the game threads, I don’t think our team is as mediocre as our 4-6 record indicates, just like we weren’t as good as that 10-2 record from the 2005-06 season. I think if we had either Pat Cowan or Ben Olson healthy for an entire season, I could see our team winning at least 3 games out of Arizona, Fresno State, Oregon, Cal and Oregon State. So, given all we have gone through this year with our injury and personnel issues, I am feeling all right with where we are at this point of this season:

Photo Credit:John Froschauer / Associated Press (via the LA Times)

So with the macro stuff out of the way, here are some the micro issues going through my mind this Sunday

Craft had a good start last night but after a solid first series he reverted back to some of the same habits that have plagued our team all season along. He threw three picks. The first one was not his fault as Dominique Johnson simply dropped a catchable pass. The other two were indefensible (one he threw into traffic trying to thread the needle, the other was a badly overthrown ball). He also gave up a sure TD when instead of running into the endzone, he inexplicably tried a shovel pass dumbfounding the entire Bruin Nation. There is not much to add to the Craft story at this point of the season. The kid is playing his heart out. He is being a warrior. But what is obvious to all of us is a best he is a below average QB. I don’ t think he is the worst QB in UCLA history because I don’t believe QBs like Brett Johnson, Rob Walker, Ryan Fien or Ryan McCann had the moxie and toughness Craft has shown this season. But at the same time Craft hasn’t done much to cement himself as the returning starter for next season.

Still if anyone is clamoring for Forcier, just consider the fact that even after the game was long over late in the fourth quarter, Forcier was nowhere to be seen. It is clear to me that Chow and Neuheisel have concluded based on his observations that Forcier is not a viable option as a UCLA QB. If that is their decision, I am going to defer to their experience as probably the best QB guru tandem in all of college football.

While the Craft is cemented as the starter at QB this season, the running back position is becoming intriguing. Derrick Coleman started last night. Per Dohn’s report he got the start because Bell was disciplined for being late into a team meeting:

"Kahlil was late for a meeting," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said.

Bell, who has been bothered by a sprained ankle much of the season, carried 25 times and scored on a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs. His plunge in the second quarter gave the Bruins a 14-7 lead, and his dive over the pile on the first play of the fourth quarter put the Bruins ahead 24-7.

"I think he's gradually getting better, and with another bye (next) week he may be getting fresher," Neuheisel said about Bell. "We'll probably nurse him more and see if we can get him even better for two weeks."

However, what got the Bruins' stagnant running game untracked was Coleman's performance on the first series. He carried four times on it, finishing with an 11-yard run around left end for UCLA's first opening drive touchdown of the season.

"Derrick Coleman came in and gave a huge spark to our offense," Bell said. "That set the tone for the game, especially controlling the line of scrimmage."

Everyone here knows, how much I love Coleman. I love his running style. He is a straight ahead North-South runner, who doesn’t dance around and waste time. He makes his decision fast and just pounds it. The energy and power he brought in that first drive was noticeable. I can only hope the coaches increase his carries even more in last two games. As for Bell, the kid is playing like a warrior. It’s obvious he doesn’t have the full power and menu of moves from last year. However, what was encouraging that he was getting stronger. It was great to see Carter make an appearance and he showed a burst of speed. But I guess I totally missed Aundre Dean’s 3 carries (for 9 yards) late in the fourth. So, you guys will have to fill me in on how he looked.

Hopefully our OL can generate the same kind of holes for our backs in our next game. Last night gave them a much needed confidence boost. Let’s hope they can maintain it.

As for our defense, it was mostly dominant:

With the running game, which averaged just 77.8 yards per game this season, in full swing, UCLA's defense was also dominant. The Bruins allowed a season-low 135 yards and tormented freshman Washington quarterback Ronnie Fouch -- a Redlands East Valley High graduate -- all night.

"We didn't scout them to blitz that much," Fouch said. "They blitzed a lot more than we thought they would."

Fouch was 7 for 22 for 39 yards and threw two interceptions and was sacked twice. Washington (0-10, 0-7) turned the ball over five times and averaged just 3.2 yards per carry against a UCLA defense that blitzed more than it had all season and looked like it had a different mind-set than it had of late.

"We went all four quarters," said safety Rahim Moore, who had an interception and a team-high six tackles. "That was the best defensive game we've played all year. We came out here and got a nice win and it feels really good."

Rahim Moore had a great game. As did Akeem Ayers. Ayers was simply a menace. He was the catalyst in two of Washington’s 5 turnovers while registering 2 sacks for a loss of 15 yards. He terrorized Fouch all night by repeatedly blowing through the Husky OL like a guided missile going straight after the QB. Given the way Ayers has emerged this year and the solid play from Carter and Sloan, the future at our LB is looking great.

In addition to those two ATV and Norris had great games. I can’t remember who it was on, but ATV put on a bone crushing hit on a Husky player that would have made Matt Darby proud.

My only two complaints re. the defense from last night was first, early on they looked a little tentative against the run. Also, I thought they folded a little too easy in giving up the TD when they were put in a short field after Craft’s pick. Still all in all a great effort and I hope they can replicate that for an entire game against Arizona State in about couple of weeks. It would have them peaking going into the biggest game of the season.

In terms of injuries and personnel issues, here are the notes from the LAT:

Quarterback Ben Olson, who is recovering from a broken foot, did not make the trip to Seattle. . . . Olson, who is recovering from a broken foot suffered in the summer, has been trying to get back onto the field before the season ends.

He took snaps in practice during the week but had to back off. Neuheisel said he did not travel with the team because he would not have been ready to play.

UCLA offensive lineman Darius Savage tore a ligament in his left ankle during the first half of Saturday night's game at Washington. Savage will require surgery.

The note re. Savage is a huge bummer, especially considering the great start our OL had last night. Here is to hoping a full and healthy recovery.Glicksberg took over for Savage last night.

As for Olson, I wonder where did the broadcasters last night got the info re. Olson being at the game last night.

Speaking of broadcasters, one side note. I am getting sick and tired of announcers bloviating about CRN and Craft’s sideline discussions. It is pointless and tiresome. Guess what guys? I like the fact that my head coach is coaching his heart out and showing passion and care for his players. That’s how CRN has coached QBs all his life and he has a track record to back him up. The announcers commenting on CRN’s sideline discussions with Craft is just about as tiresome about reading knee jerk, reactionary comments about wanting Forcier, beating a dead horse. It’s boring and pointless.

Lastly, speaking of CRN we will end this Sunday by closing the loop on Washington-Neuheisel-UCLA story line:

"Emotional," Neuheisel said in describing his Montlake return. "Pleasantly, there were a lot of friendly faces. There's a number of great people here at the University of Washington. Contrary to all the articles and stuff, my memories are mostly favorable. I understand the messy ending. I apologized for my role in it. I'm hoping we can put this behind us as both programs look to the future."

CRN didn't mention it ... we will ... that was his 70th win in his 9th year as a head coach in college football.

Washington drama is certainly behind us now and we can now look forward to Arizona State.

Enjoy a feel good Sunday.

GO BRUINS.

Cal Numbers & Notes: Matchup v Bear Offense & Special Teams

Nestor — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:00:08 -0000

Let’s follow up with our notes on Cal’s defense with a look at the Bear’s offense, which is one of the most explosive in the conference. Although they are coming into this game on a down note, they might be well set up for a potential explosion against the Bruin defense. Here are the three story lines I am picking up heading into this weekend’s game: 1) the status of Jahvid Best, 2) the ongoing QB drama involving Longshore and Riley, and 3) Walker’s ability to scheme against Tedford.

Before we get into those issues here are the numbers matching up Bruin’s defense v. Bear offense including conference rankings.

Bruin Defense	08 Rank	Per Game	Bear Offense	08 Rank	Per Game
Rushing Defense	8	182.57	Rushing Offense	5	168.33
Pass Defense	3	175.43	Pass Offense	5	245.50
Pass Eff. Defense	6	120.97	Pass Eff. Offense	5	125.91
Total Defense	6	358.00	Total Offense	4	413.83
Scoring Defense	8	29.14	Scoring Offense	4	37.33

Right now the biggest concern for the Bruin defense is how it will stack up against Cal’s rushing attack. Given what we have seen from last two games, we have reasons to be concerned about our rush defense. The situation could go to bad from worse depending on the status of Jahvid Best, who might be the most explosive running back the Pac-10 has since Reggie Bush. Best dislocated his elbow earlier in the season. He played last weekend and sat out the second half, but according to Miller’s latest report he is feeling "really good":

"It's been positive the last couple of days," Tedford said. "I think it was more muscle issues. His elbow felt pretty good on Sunday and [Monday] he came in and said it felt really good."

Even if Best is not in 100 percent, Cal can still field a devastating big play ground game thanks to his backup Shane Vereen. Jonathan Okanes noted in MercuryNews.com earlier this month how the freshman from Valencia had stepped up in Best’s absence:

Vereen has been consistently productive and occasionally brilliant in his second-string role this season. The 5-foot-10, 192-pound Vereen is averaging 69.8 yards per game and eight yards per carry. He also has 10 catches for 44 yards.

His 81-yard touchdown run helped seal the Bears' season-opening win over Michigan State. And after Best reeled off an 80-yard touchdown run on the first play against Washington State, Vereen later scored on an impressive 39-yard touchdown run in which he spun out of a tackle by a defensive back.

"He really has it all," Cal Coach Jeff Tedford said. "He can run between the tackles, and he has some speed when he gets into the open area. He catches the ball as well as receivers catch the ball. He's a great all-around back."

Here are Vereen’s latest stats. He is averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He is also a threat (like Best) as a receiver out of the backfield as he has caught 16 passes for almost 100 yards. Tedford loves to get these guys in open spaces and kill opposing defenses with mismatches. And considering the lack of experience in our back-7, it’s not good new for DeWayne Walker. Here is what Walker had to say wrt to containing Best and Vareen:

"We can't let them out of the cage," UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said. "They get out and they're gone. This is different than any backs we've seen. These are speed guys. They can hit it and get it."

Our defense can’t let Best or Vareen get in open spaces. Walker sounded off the same note:

No matter who runs the ball for Cal, Walker expects the game plan to be the same.

"They are going to try to catch us in space and we have to keep them as confined as possible," Walker said. "If we let them out, we could have some problems

Big trouble would be an understatement.

Best and Vereen also get to run behind an OL, which was expected to be one of the best if not the best in the conference. From Rivals.com’s season preview:

STRONGEST AREA: Mack leads a line that returns three starters and was among the most productive in the league. Cal allowed the fewest sacks in the Pac-10 last season and blocked for 1,500-yard back Justin Forsett. Gaurd Noris Malele is a three-year starter, and senior Mike Tepper moves to left tackle after starting on the right side last season.

The question mark around Cal right now is which QB this line will be blocking for on Saturday. Per Miller’s report earlier this week both Longshore and Riley were going to get equal reps in practices:

"Our quarterback situation will be the same as last week as far as they will get equal reps during the week and we'll see how the week goes to see who's going to start," Tedford said.

Their numbers are about the same. However, the sentiment around Bay Area seems to be in favor of Riley (or against Longshore):

The time has come for Tedford to bench Longshore and commit to Riley as the starter, for this week and for the rest of the season. No more week-to-week decisions.

Longshore’s erratic, shrinking performance in the 42-27 loss at Arizona was the final piece of evidence, and it was overwhelming.

How much more does Tedford need to see? How many more second-half meltdowns does Cal need to experience? How many more game-changing interceptions does Longshore need to throw?

He’s making the same mistakes — the exact same mistakes, in the same stadium, against the same team, on the same kind of throws — that he made two years ago. He has not learned; he has not gotten better; and the results are the same.

This is no knock on Longshore personally. It’s a football assessment and a football assessment only. His numbers, his performances and the losses under his command speak for themselves.

Tedford has to commit to Riley and live through the inevitable ups and downs that come with playing a sophomore quarterback.

That was from Jon Wilner, who laid out a strong case for why Riley should be Tedford’s starting QB for rest of the season.

From Bruin’s pov it doesn’t matter as much. If Longshore is in rhythm he will be able to pick apart to Bruin defense. I’d feel better about Longshore starting if the game was at the Rose Bowl, however, I think since this will be a home game, it won’t matter who starts (from UCLA’s pov) for California. Riley though could present extra headache for Walker, since our defense has had tough time with mobile QBs during Walker’s tenure at UCLA.

As for Cal’s receiving corps, they don’t have a go to guy like DeSean Jackson this season. Right now Jahvid Best is their team’s leading receiver with 18 catches (tied with Cameron Morrah who leads the team with 5 receiving TDs). I mentioned above about Vereen’s ability to catch it out of the backfield as well. LaReylle Cunningham and Nyan Boateng are capable of having big games (although they haven’t done it on a consistent basis to date). Last week it was Verran Tucker who stepped up out of nowhere, before Cal imploded in the third quarter. Given the issues Bruin secondary has had with Lockett and Norris’s tackling problems and Moore’s experience, tomorrow could be a perfect set up for the Cal receivers to have a huge game. That takes me to the third story line in this matchup.

I think Walker has done a pretty solid job of in game adjustments last two games against Oregon and Stanford. However, for us to have any chance in this game, our defense will have to come out in an aggressive mode from the get go. Cal’s offense is light years ahead of Stanford in terms of its explosiveness and is more dangerous than Oregon’s given that it presents multi dimensional threat no matter who is at QB.

The goals for Bruin defense in this game is pretty simply (well at least on paper). They will need to come out and tackle. They will need to stay patient ands stay with their assignments. Lastly, they will have to find a way to generate pressure on the Cal QB. If they allow the Cal QB to get in rhythm and let him pick apart the defense methodically, there is a good chance they will get BYUed tomorrow afternoon.

I wanted to finish up with a quick note on our special teams. Even though I am not doing a separate post, it can’t be emphasize enough how crucial the special teams role could be tomorrow afternoon in the game of field position. Bruins cannot allow Cal to work with short field. And once again we will point to Best:

The Bears might need Jahvid Best on kickoff returns as much as they need him in the backfield. KORs determine field position, and the Bears repeatedly started at their 25 or so. (Jeremy Ross returned four kicks for a total of 86 yards.)

Best was averaging 31.6 yards per return before his elbow injury.

In addition to being worried about Best's ability to take it to the house during returns, I'd also be worry about Syd'Quan Thompson. He can burn opposing special teams as well. And, the Bruin special team has been a point of concern all season, particularly when it comes to giving up huge returns on kickoff. For them to pull off an upset against the Bears tomorrow, they will have to minimize the sloppy job they have been doing on special teams this season covering kick returns.

I think the Bruins will have a shot tomorrow afternoon if they can replicate their Oregon performance without all those mistakes and good start from our offense. Expect Cal to come out fired up and ready to blow out Bruins out of Memorial Stadium in first few series. If the Bruins lose their composure like they did in their first road trip, it will get ugly. If they can keep this game close in the fourth quarter, I like our chances.

GO BRUINS.

Inside The Numbers: UCLA Edition

TwistNHook — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:46:01 -0000

via www.impawards.com

If John Cusak's turn in "The Sure Thing" taught us anything (tho I'm pretty sure it didn't) it's that UCLA girls are incredibly loose and you need to travel across the country for one. Even when there is a perfectly better girl right there, just STARING you in the back of the head in a slightly disapproving manner while wearing the world's ugliest sweater.

This is the choice many high school students face when they apply to UCLA and Cal. They think they want to go to UCLA. They think that UCLA is the "Sure Thing." It will give you whatever you want. But then they get down there and realize that Cal is the slightly disapproving one in the world's ugliest sweater. Cal is the "Right Thing."

Or so I coulda figured out if UCLA had accepted me for undergrad. Coulda gone down there and found out why I should have gone to Cal instead. Or if they had accepted for law school, too. Coulda gone down there a second time and found out why I should have gone to Boalt instead. Had they accepted me!

Basically, my point is this "WTF, UCLA??? Was I not GOOD enough for you? Look at these cheek bones. Just look at them! Was it because I'm Jewish? Is that it? Is it anti-semitism?"

Yep, I'm pretty sure it was anti-semitism. I, for one, can see no other explanation.

Is that the same reason why SBN turned down my original request to start a UCLA sports blog in 2004. They claimed that The applicant seemingly doesn't know really anything about sports, UCLA sports, or even UCLA." That didn't stop them from giving me this Cal blog, did it? What's it going to be, Blez? Why didn't my stupidity preclude me running a Cal blog?

Wait, don't answer that. Instead,let's go inside the numbers of the school that rejected me twice. Woulda been a third time if I ever lived the dream of applying to Clown College.

All numbers are from here.

                            The Automated ScoreBook
               UCLA Overall Team Statistics (as of Oct 18, 2008)
                                   All games

TEAM STATISTICS                        UCLA          OPP
--------------------------------------------------------
SCORING.......................          143          204
  Points Per Game.............         20.4         29.1
FIRST DOWNS...................          123          136
  Rushing.....................           34           61
  Passing.....................           74           67
  Penalty.....................           15            8
RUSHING YARDAGE...............          636         1278
  Yards gained rushing........          825         1445
  Yards lost rushing..........          189          167
  Rushing Attempts............          224          269
  Average Per Rush............          2.8          4.8
  Average Per Game............         90.9        182.6
  TDs Rushing.................            7           11
PASSING YARDAGE...............         1518         1228
  Att-Comp-Int................    254-147-7    205-112-5
  Average Per Pass............          6.0          6.0
  Average Per Catch...........         10.3         11.0
  Average Per Game............        216.9        175.4
  TDs Passing.................            7           13
TOTAL OFFENSE.................         2154         2506
  Total Plays.................          478          474
  Average Per Play............          4.5          5.3
  Average Per Game............        307.7        358.0
KICK RETURNS: #-Yards.........       31-734       26-607
PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards.........       18-188       22-356
INT RETURNS: #-Yards..........          5-6         7-81
KICK RETURN AVERAGE...........         23.7         23.3
PUNT RETURN AVERAGE...........         10.4         16.2
INT RETURN AVERAGE............          1.2         11.6
FUMBLES-LOST..................         10-6         12-4
PENALTIES-Yards...............       36-308       51-416
  Average Per Game............         44.0         59.4
PUNTS-Yards...................      45-1963      39-1566
  Average Per Punt............         43.6         40.2
  Net punt average............         33.9         33.8
TIME OF POSSESSION/Game.......        30:42        29:18
3RD-DOWN Conversions..........       45/111       39/101
  3rd-Down Pct................          41%          39%
4TH-DOWN Conversions..........          2/6          2/4
  4th-Down Pct................          33%          50%
SACKS BY-Yards................        12-81       21-127
MISC YARDS....................            0           37
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED.............           16           26
FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS..........        10-13         8-13
ON-SIDE KICKS.................          0-1          0-0
RED-ZONE SCORES...............    22-27 81%    23-27 85%
RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS...........    14-27 52%    18-27 67%
PAT-ATTEMPTS..................    15-16 94%    24-25 96%
ATTENDANCE....................       338295       122881
  Games/Avg Per Game..........      5/67659      2/61440
  Neutral Site Games..........                       0/0

SCORE BY QUARTERS     1st  2nd  3rd  4th  OT     Total
--------------------  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---      ---
UCLA................   21   35   36   48    3  -   143
Opponents...........   31   90   43   40    0  -   204

Well, the first thing that jumps out at you is that UCLA has been outscored. Losing 4 quadrillion to nothing to BYU will do that to you. They've given up more first downs than they have gotten.

Same with rushing yardage. They average 90.9 per game, but allow 182.6. Given our rush-heavy offense, I like those numbers. Now, there are some concerns with the OLine. But if Cal plays to the level we know it can, we should be able to rush against these guys.

But their passing numbers are different. Craft has rebounded from his terrible 1st half performance against Tennessee to become a decent, if cannibalistic QB. And they do have about 300 more passing yards than their opponents. They only give up 175 passing yards per game, so their pass D is for real.

Another reason why we might see a LOT of rushing this weekend. Best. Vereen. Perhaps even Slocum.

Note that they have 111 third downs. I feel like Cal had something like 58 or so. That could be that UCLA is having a lot of 3 and outs or that UCLA is making long drives, it's unclear. I personally have no data to back this up, but cannot imagine that having 111 3rd downs is a good sign. They do convert 41%, which was higher than Cal's 33% (IIRC).

Note that many (myself included) were laughing at how empty the Rose Bowl appeared against Stanford on Saturday. However, they average 67,000+ K per game. I believe we averaged about 61. So, perhaps we shouldn't have been laughing so hard. Ai!

RUSHING              GP-GS  Att Gain Loss  Net   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Coleman, Derrick      5-0    32  192    1  191   6.0   1   44  38.2

Bell, Kahlil          5-5    71  209   22  187   2.6   5   13  37.4
Moline, Chane         7-4    28  126    8  118   4.2   0   40  16.9
Craft, Kevin          7-7    58  183  132   51   0.9   0   18   7.3
Austin, Terrence      7-6     5   49    0   49   9.8   0   20   7.0
Carter, Raymond       3-0    19   38   12   26   1.4   1    7   8.7
Forcier, Chris        3-0     6   27    8   19   3.2   0   13   6.3

Dean, Aundre          2-0     2    1    0    1   0.5   0    1   0.5
Team                  5-0     3    0    6   -6  -2.0   0    0  -1.2
Total..........       7     224  825  189  636   2.8   7   44  90.9
Opponents......       7     269 1445  167 1278   4.8  11   69 182.6

Their main man here is Khalil Bell. He has more than twice the number of the next running back. I'm not going to count Craft's 58 run attempts, because he is averaging .9 per attempt. Ai! A lot of that comes from sacks, which account for 132 lost rushing yards. He has rushed for 183 positive yards, which is a sign that he is a mobile QB.

Back to Bell, who is their main guy and is averaging 2.6 yards per carry. But I think Bell has been bothered by injuries and has been in and out of the game. They also have Derrick Coleman, who is running remarkably better. He averages 6 yards a carry and is actually averaging more per game than Bell. These are the guys to keep your eyes on regarding the UCLA running game.

Khalil Bell Via Zoo News

Derrick Coleman Via Zoo News

PASSING              GP-GS   Effic Cmp-Att-Int   Pct  Yds  TD Lng Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Craft, Kevin          7-7   112.99  147-251-7   58.6 1518   7  43 216.9
Team                  5-0     0.00    0-2-0      0.0    0   0   0   0.0
Forcier, Chris        3-0     0.00    0-1-0      0.0    0   0   0   0.0
Total..........       7     111.66  147-254-7   57.9 1518   7  43 216.9
Opponents......       7     121.00  112-205-5   54.6 1228  13  52 175.4

Well, here we get to Kevin Craft of the Norwegian Metal Band Dark Crafticka. Again, the QB efficiency ratings always confuse me, but I don't know if 112.99 is all that good. It says he has thrown 7 TDs here. I believe it said he has thrown 7 Ints above. Although to be fair, 4 of those were in the first game.

It notes that he has thrown 251 pass attempts in his first 7 games. That's 35.8 a game! Not a good sign and that stems from being behind so much in many games. Craft is developing into a better QB, for sure, but is still not exactly where many UCLA fans wish him to be.

Kevin Craft via www.gawker.com

RECEIVING            GP-GS  No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------
Austin, Terrence      7-6    36  363  10.1   1   29  51.9
Moya, Ryan            7-2    29  279   9.6   3   39  39.9
Embree, Taylor        7-5    25  324  13.0   0   43  46.3

Johnson, Dominique    7-2    18  208  11.6   0   24  29.7
Moline, Chane         7-4    10   94   9.4   1   20  13.4
Bell, Kahlil          5-5     6   29   4.8   0   13   5.8
Rosario, Nelson       5-0     5   85  17.0   0   25  17.0
Harkey, Cory          7-3     4   34   8.5   1   13   4.9
Miller, Jeff          5-1     4   27   6.8   1   15   5.4

Ketchum, Gavin        6-1     3   25   8.3   0   15   4.2
Coleman, Derrick      5-0     3    7   2.3   0    5   1.4
Paulsen, Logan        1-1     1   18  18.0   0   18  18.0
Everett, Marcus       2-1     1   17  17.0   0   17   8.5
Theriot, Trevor       3-2     1    5   5.0   0    5   1.7
Chandler, Nate        7-2     1    3   3.0   0    3   0.4
Total..........       7     147 1518  10.3   7   43 216.9
Opponents......       7     112 1228  11.0  13   52 175.4

Terrence Austin is the main man here, but they do spread the ball around. Moya and Embree are all getting a lot of looks. Note that none of their RBs seem to get a lot of receptions. I always thought that Norm Chow's offenses tried to use the RBs out of the backfield a lot, but either a)I was wrong or b)he doesn't really have the talent here to do that. Not really much to see here, just a complement of solid WRs.

Terrence Austin Via Zoo News

Ryan Moya Via Zoo News

Taylor Embree Via Zoo News



                              |--------Tackles--------| |-Sacks-| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS       GP-GS Solo  Ast Total   TFL/Yds   No-Yds  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51 Carter, Reggie         7-7   24   26    50   2.5-3       .        .       .   .    .      2    .   .
1  Verner, Alterraun      7-7   34   13    47   1.5-4       .       2-0      7   .    .      1    .   .
2E Lockett, Bret          6-6   28   17    45   2.0-8       .        .       1   .    .      1    .   .
93 Harwell, Brigham       7-7   22   16    38   3.5-11   1.0-8       .       2   1   1-0     .    .   .
55 Bosworth, Korey        7-7   19   12    31   6.5-23   3.5-17      .       4   .   1-1     .    .   .
0C Moore, Rahim           7-7   18   11    29      .        .       1-5      1   .   1-0     .    .   .
40 Ayers, Akeem           7-2   16    9    25   3.0-28   2.0-23      .       1   .    .      .    1   .
22 Norris, Michael        7-7   19    5    24   1.0-2       .        .       8   .    .      .    .   .
12 Hale, John             7-5   14    7    21      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
92 Price, Brian           7-7   11    8    19   7.0-27   2.5-14     1-1      1   .    .      .    1   .
56 Blake, Tom             5-5    9    8    17   1.0-6    1.0-6       .       5   .    .      .    .   .
0G Viney, Countney        6-0   13    2    15      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
43 Sloan, Steve           7-5    7    6    13      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
91 Stokes, Reggie         7-2    6    6    12   1.0-2       .        .       .   1    .      .    1   .
27 Ware, Aaron            6-1    8    4    12      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
2A Westgate, Sean         7-0    3    7    10   0.5-2       .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
54 Bosworth, Kyle         2-2    8    1     9   1.0-3       .        .       1   .    .      1    .   .
2J Love, Glenn            7-0    6    2     8      .        .        .       .   .    .      1    .   .
6  Dye, Tony              6-0    4    2     6      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
47 Anyanwu, Chinonso      7-0    3    3     6   1.0-7    1.0-7       .       .   .    .      1    .   .
8E Carter, David          7-0    2    4     6      .        .        .       .   1    .      .    .   .
90 Siewierski, Jerzy      6-0    4    .     4   2.0-4       .        .       1   .    .      .    .   .
96 Jones, Datone          5-0    2    1     3      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
50 Moline, Chase          6-0    2    1     3   0.5-2       .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
TM Team                   5-0    3    .     3   3.0-6       .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
74 Skaggs, Nathanial      4-0    2    .     2   1.0-6    1.0-6       .       .   .    .      .    .   .
3  Craft, Kevin           7-7    2    .     2      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
10 Ketchum, Gavin         6-1    1    1     2      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
57 Dean, Jake             6-5    1    .     1      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
5B Yount, Christian       7-0    .    1     1      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
44 Chandler, Nate         7-2    .    1     1      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
53 Edwards, Joshua        4-0    .    1     1      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
82 Embree, Taylor         7-5    1    .     1      .        .        .       .   .    .      .    .   .
52 Ward, Jess             3-0    1    .     1      .        .       1-0      .   .    .      .    .   .
41 Schmitt, Mike          7-0    .    .     .      .        .        .       .   .   1-0     .    .   .
   Total..........        7-0  293  175   468    38-144   12-81     5-6     32   3   4-1     7    3   .
   Opponents......        7-0  316  130   446    46-183   21-127    7-81    46  11   6-0     8    2   .

The first name to note here is Alterraun Verner. He is a stud DB. 47 totals is great, although having your #2 guy and leading solo tackler be a DB might not always be the best. 2 interceptions, leading the team. And 7 pass break ups, only 1 less than SydGOD. He's clearly a guy to watch for.

Reggie Carter, the leading tackler, is a LB, so that is a more reassuring sign to UCLA fans. But Bret Lockett, 3rd on the team in tackles is a safety. Brigham Harwell, 4th on the team, is, stunningly, a DT. Maybe I'm the only one, but I always look to see how many LBs are at the top of their tackles list. Here it is not many. Not a great sign.

Note that Korey Bosworth has 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. He may or may not be related to former NFL star Kate Bosworth. He is completemented on the DLine by Brian Price who has 2.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. They clearly have a fierce DLine.

Another player to note is DB Michael Norris, who has 8 pass break ups. They have some ball hawking and ball blocking DBs out there.

Alterraun Verner Via Zoo News

Korey Bosworth Via Zoo News

Reggie Carter Via Zoo News

So, there are some players to keep an eye out for on UCLA. And some numbers to occupy your time. Who do you think will step up and have a big game for UCLA against us? Who do you think will be a key player to neutralize? And how many times did UCLA reject you? Go Bears!

Poll

How many times did UCLA reject you?

Never

45 votes

Once

28 votes

Twice

1 votes

Thrice

3 votes

I rejected them!

122 votes

199 votes | Poll has closed

Notes on Wildcats: Preparing For Air Zona's Offensive Assault

Nestor — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:30:04 -0000

In our first look at Arizona last night, we noted how Sonny Dykes, Wildcats’ OC had called out Willie Tuitama after his nightmarish game against New Mexico. A day later it looks Sonny walked back from his previous comments and took the responsibility (similar to Dewayne Walker mentioning how he had to take a good look at his own game scheme for BYU) for last weekend’s offensive malfunction:

"I didn't do a good job of calling the game when things didn't go well," Dykes said. "We got away from the game plan a little bit instead of staying with what we do and we got a little frantic."

Arizona will look to manage the game better against UCLA on Saturday. Kickoff is noon at the Rose Bowl.

That means if the Bruins get a quick lead, don't count on UA abandoning the run and focusing only on the pass.

"Willie had to throw some better passes, but it was definitely more me than him managing that game," Dykes said. "Against that defense, you have to stay balanced and run the ball more. We sort of played right into their hands and threw more than we should have. I didn't do a good job."

Tuitama completed 27 of 50 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns, but also had his first two interceptions of the season and two lost fumbles while staying in the pocket too long.

Well the matchup between Tutitama’s offense and the Bruin defense is going to very interesting to watch for couple of reasons:

Which unit will bounce back after its humiliating outing from the previous weekend?
How will Walker’s unit with serious questions re. its size and speed will be able to handle an explosive QB, who has a history of lighting it up against the Bruin defense.

From the article linked above:

A more traditional defense will be faced this week, although the Bruins might try more blitzing than normal after seeing New Mexico's success.

Tuitama has had success against UCLA. The senior completed 21 of 35 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns a year ago in a 34-27 victory and he orchestrated a 52-14 triumph over the then No. 7-ranked Bruins in 2005 in Tucson.

To be fair the 2005 meltdown took place under Larry Kerr’s watch. Walkers defense did have an impressive performance against Zona two years ago at the Rose Bowl, when it knocked out Tutitama out of the game. Also that was the game when the Cats also knocked out Ben Olson with a cheap shot, which started the string of regular season injuries hobbling the Bruin QB for last two years.

Well the Bruin defense can expect a physical effort from the Zona offense, which will be led by Mike Thomas, the prolific senior WR who has lit up the score board early this season as he leads the conference receivers with 8.7 catches and 100.7 yards per game and is fourth with 138.7 yards of total offense per game. Ryan Finely from the Arizona Daily Star has more on Thomas’ early season success:

The key to Thomas' success, coaches said, is strength and balance. Thomas has added 25 pounds of muscle to his 5-foot-8-inch frame since coming to the UA in 2005. He has also worked with strength coach Corey Edmond on improving his balance.

And Thomas has switched positions, moving from the outside to slot receiver's spot for his senior season. The position switch allows Thomas to run through holes and maneuver as he gets upfield. His improved balance allows him to take hits as glancing blows.

Take Saturday's touchdown catch: Thomas caught a 2-yard pass from quarterback Willie Tuitama on the short side of the field.

Freshman Juron Criner provided a crushing block, giving Thomas a hole to run through. He split two defenders, juked UNM's DeAndre Wright at the 10-yard line and — after getting hit by the Lobos' Blake Ligon at the 5 — stumbled, spun and fell backside-first into the end zone.

"You're not going to knock him down, he's so physical," Stoops said.

Those notes should put Lockett, Moore, ATV, Norris and rest of the Bruin secondary on Def Con 4 mode. BYU receivers man handled and humiliated those kids last Saturday. I don’t buy the fact that it was due to some kind of lack of effort. I think last week these guys got blown away in a perfect storm which was a result of a combination of a pin point, relentless surgical Cougar attack, questionable defensive strategy (as Walker admitted himself) allowing BYU receivers to have room to operate with, and the experience edge receivers like Pitta and Collie had over the Bruin secondary.

Well, this week once again the Wildcats will have an edge in experience because they are going to bring in an offense that returns all but one starter. Also despite their stumble against New Mexico the Zona offense has put up very good numbers. Currently they are second in conference in scoring (46.3 pts/game), fourth in rushing (161.7 per game), and third in passing (292.0 yards per game). We have mentioned the impressive start of Michael Thomas above. QB Tuitama has also put up some good numbers as he is third in conference in passing yardage (792 yards), while RB Grigsby is leading the conference in rushing with 376 yards (avg. 6.6 yards per carry). I get that lot of those numbers were piled up against programs like Toledo and Idaha, but given our performance from the last week and the reality with our personnel issues, we'd be foolish to discount those stats. Plus there is that recent history referenced above.

So for the Bruin defense to step up, it will be imperative for Walker to figure out how to disrupt the Arizona offense making sure he can get his guys to bring some serious heat on Tuitama. Otherwise, if he gets the same amount of time as Max Hall did to make up his decisions, it will be another long Saturday for our defense. While we will need the Killer Bs to seal up the middle and not allow the Zona to get a running game going, the outside LBers and the DEs will have to help out Carter in making sure they don’t pile up chunks of yardage by rushing to the outside. This will be a good time for the Bruin defense to get back to the basics of solid tackling not allowing Zona backs and receivers any extra yards.

I haven’t seen the line for this game yet. But honestly given what these two teams have accomplished in recent years and the talent level on our offense, I see this game as a toss up as the Rose Bowl. If the Bruins want to start the Pac-10 season on a winning note they will have to bring the same intensity and focus they showed on defense against Tennessee. If they can combine that with composure on offense by cutting down on turnovers, they will have a chance to regain some lost momentum this Saturday.

GO BRUINS.

Opening Up Our Notebook On BYU

Nestor — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:07 -0000

Thanks to our BYU-Washington game this weekend can go ahead and get started with compiling our notes on BYU. UCLA as a team of course very familiar with the Cougars given what took place last year in Vegas and at the Rose Bowl. Bronco Mendenhall’s team are now on a 12 game winning streak, which is the longest in the nation. They have been thinking about BCS Bowl games this off season and for them to get there they will have to get it done starting this weekend against the beleaguered Huskies in Seattle and then against our Bruins at Provo.

We will start by taking an initial look at the Cougars’ offense. As noted by Molly Yanity of the Seattle Press Intelligence the number 15 ranked Cougars are rolling into Seattle with an offense that is “a jumble of pro-style and West Coast with a dash of spread all rolled into one.” Actually that reminds us a little bit of Joel’s impression of Tennessee’s clawfense but the difference here is these guys have an experienced quarterback unlike Crompton. More from Molly:

In 2007, BYU quarterback Max Hall completed 60.1 percent of his pass attempts, and his 3,848 passing yards led all sophomores. He also posted a solid efficiency rate of 137.7.

"We're more methodical and just run routes that are very difficult to cover, (use) possession-oriented passing and, I think, a physical running game to just methodically move the chains," Mendenhall said.

Over the past two-plus seasons, which have produced a 23-4 record, the approach has worked for BYU.

Last season, the Cougars' 442.8 yards per game ranked 25th in the nation in total offense. Running back Harvey Unga averaged 94.4 yards per game to earn Freshman All-America and Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year honors.

Last week in a 41-17 win over Northern Iowa, the Cougars racked up 563 yards that included 486 passing, but they also fumbled five times, losing four.

The BYU offense is led by Max Hall who had a good debut season as the starting quarterback for the Cougars, throwing for 3,848 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. If he makes the progress that many signal callers make heading into their second year running the show, the BYU offense will be very hard to stop.

Receiver Austin Collie returned from his mission last year and immediately became Hall’s favorite target. This year should be even better for Collie, but Hall will have plenty of other options. Tight end Dennis Pitta is a superb pass catcher and a nice target in the redzone and Luke Ashworth and Spencer Hafoka both had great springs after coming back from their missions and should compliment Collie at the wide out spots quite well.

As concerned as I was about Tennessee’s talent and speed in their offense, I am more worried about our defense’s ability to handle BYU’s offense on their home turf.

In terms of numbers our defense had mixed results against BYU last season. They were able to shut down the Cougars in Vegas but had a tough time (especially during second half) at the Rose Bowl.

Specifically our defense was effective in shutting down the running attack during both games last season. As the Cougars rushed for a total of 78 yards in 53 carries averaging a measly 1.47 yards per carry. However, in two games Hall passed for 622 yards, completing 51 of 88 passes (58% completion rate) with 4 TDs and 1 pick. While our defense was able to shut down their running attack they were able to nickel and dime us pretty effectively (kind of like what Chow did to Tennessee last Monday night at the Rose Bowl).

If not for some key turnovers at the Rose Bowl, we would have probably lost that game early in the season. So, going into this game our defense has enough issues to worry about. One of the issues that worried me from the Tennessee game was that while Price and Harwell were able to seal off the middle of the DL, Tennessee was picking up chunks of yardage rushing from the outside. It will be imperative for defensive ends to make sure Unaga and co don’t do damage by going outside.

Also, it’s a good thing that we are getting Lockett back for this game. Hopefully Lockett will give Aaron Ware a sense of urgency to hold on to his FS position. Those guys along with ATV and Norris (who had a solid game as noted by Bruin Roar) will need to be in top form to make sure Hall doesn’t get to carve up the defense like he did at the Rose Bowl. Moreover, it will be very important for the offense to get off to a good start in the first half. We have seen now how Craft can be a streaky QB (to put it mildly). It will be a huge help if the offense can come out of the gate and settle the whole team down by getting some first downs. Otherwise the team will probably not be able to survive in a hostile environment on the road if it has another first half (offensively) like it did on Monday night.

More on the BYU defense later. Meanwhile, would love to get more feedback from rest of you on how our defense can contain Hall and his weapons on their home turf.

GO BRUINS.