hicalliber
May 17, 2008 Jun 02, 2012 87 1197
UCLA Class of 2006 (Mech. Engineering)...five year graduate. I now live in Memphis, TN.
a fan of
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Clippers
Kansas City Chiefs
UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins
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OT: Waaaaahhhhh!!!!!
The difference between Howland-coached players and Calipari-coached players...toughness. Can you imagine Westbrook, Love, AA, et al, complaining about "hard fouls?" Didn't Love just get a concussion?
Note: this is not an excuse for the last 4 years of UCLA basketball irrelevance, but our original "Ben Ball Warriors" are tough mother (shut yo' mouth!)...I'm just talkin' 'bout Bruins!
"Every year that I've been here and we've done it, we've been criticized for it," Embree said. "At the same time the tradition started years ago and they were winning Rose Bowls while they were doing it. We did it the year we won the Eagle Bank Bowl, too. I think at this point where our program is at, we're going to get criticized for everything we do." - Taylor Embree, on the Over the Wall "tradition"
Awesome. How exactly does this joker compare the Eagle Bank Bowl to the Rose Bowl with a straight face? Taylor Embree has shown time and time again that he doesn't "get it." From his regression on the field, to his dumb Twitter comments about LA, to his antics against UA that instigated a full on brawl, to leading the "Over the Wall" BS, Embree has become the poster child for what UCLA football has become: a national joke. I'm just glad I don't have to watch this guy make fair catches and drop passes over the middle anymore. Maybe I'm being harsh, but I just see a spoiled brat who will end up being a college coach somehow because daddy hired him. Try getting a real job, and please stop embarrassing me and my alma mater.Oh, and Taylor, getting "criticized" is part of the deal when you are a representative of a major institution. I work for a large corporation, and if I make a mistake at work there are consequences and people get pissed. I can only imagine the look on my boss's face if I just sprinted out of my office to go catch a matinee. Rather than pout and act like a whiny bitch, why don't you take some accountability?
Embree quote via ESPNLA.
5 months ago
hicalliber
10 comments
2 recs
Devil's Advocate: Can Mora Succeed?
by hicalliber on Dec 10, 2011 4:02 PM EST
on Bruins Nation
First things first...Jim Mora was not my top choice for our Head Coach. Nor was he my second, third, or even fourth. No one in their right mind is going to call this a homerun hire. In fact, I would guess many of our Pac-12 competitors are laughing their asses off at our incompetent AD and our third-string hire. With that being said, I've had a chance to let my emotions filter out and I've begun to look at this hire a bit differently. Obviously Mora does not have a stellar head coaching record in the NFL. Is that such a surprise, though? This is a guy who by most accounts doesn't exactly exude the all important NFL qualities (super serious, unimaginative, highly professional, media savvy, etc.). This despite the fact that his father groomed him to be just that. Mora has always come across as a bit brash, cocky/arrogant, eccentric, and petulant. But guess what...those are qualites of some of the best college football coaches in the nation. Think Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Bobby Bowden, et al. Perhaps Mora was in the wrong place all along.
There are a couple other things that I'm starting to "not hate" about this hire. For one, he is almost completely off the UCLA map, which is a first since Red Sanders. He is defensive minded, which is also new. From most accounts he runs physical practices and preaches discipline (Neuheisel did neither). He was a defensive back in college and we need all the help we can get in stopping the pass. Apparently he also received assurances from Guerroro that UCLA would upgrade training facilities...so, it sounds like his head isn't completely in the clouds. I'm very curious to see who he brings in as his assistants and if he trys to retain Mike Johnson, who I like. We are obviously going to need some ace recruiters because Mora does not know the college recruiting landscape. I wonder how much money it would take to flip Tosh Lupoi from Cal (pipe dream). My guess is that our budget will be fairly large because there is no way we are paying Mora $3M+ per year we are "only" paying him $2.4M/year.
With regards to some of the feedback from Seahawks and Falcons fans, I can't help but feel that NFL players just weren't responding to his style. I can only hope that style translates to the college game, and it's too bad I can only hope. That is really the worst part of this hire...it just feels like a shot in the dark. UCLA should never have to resort to making such a hire, but at least we broke away from an unhealthy pattern. Now if we can just break away from Guerrero we'll be able to rebuild our athletic program and return to our rightful place in college athletics.
24 comments
I'm done
by hicalliber on Nov 27, 2011 12:54 AM EST
on Bruins Nation
For the record, I've given everything I have. I have nothing left to give. Our team is a bunch of great guys that can't even get out of their own way. No offense to our guys, because I conpletely respect them......but, this is it. I'm tired of losing to usc (horrribly). I have let many others express how they feel and I'm tired of letting my thoughts stay internal. Sorry, neu...you're done. Fuck you.
"The U"...About to Get Steamrolled by NCAA
Yahoo! Sports once again uncovering a huge college football scandal, this time involving the University of Miami and one of its high profile boosters with improprieties ranging from 2002-2010. The article details a ridiculous amount of improper benefits that would make Pete Carroll nod approvingly.
In addition, much of this stuff was happening right under Randy Shannon's nose while he was at the helm from 2007-2010, although it doesn't appear as though he was outwardly complicit. I'm feeling much better about the hiring of Joe Tresey.
OT: UCLA Medical Center Ranked #5 for Clinical Excellence
Pretty impressive company as well...
Re: Norm Chow...Sound Familiar?
It looks like Utah's offensive is struggling to pick up the scheme that Norm Chow is implementing. Granted, it's only spring ball in his first year at Utah, but we are also implementing a new scheme and there seem to be far less growing pains. Time will tell, I suppose.
about 1 year ago
hicalliber
3 comments
1 recs
"It feels good. You’re not going to get too giddy," he said, a book entitled "Wisdom" by UCLA coaching legend John Wooden sitting on his desk.
Arron Afflalo, The Closer
Nice article on AA in how he has stepped up in Denver after 'Melo whined his way to the Knicks. Anyone surprised AA is turning into a court leader?
Another Nice Eval of David Carter
UCLA DE/DT David Carter. Carter (6-5, 297) definitely helped himself with very strong practices. Entering the week, he was viewed as a limited athlete who made most of his plays through effort and hustle. But he showed improved quickness and athleticism in practices. He displayed the agility and pass-rush skills to defeat linemen, whether lined up inside or out.
He also showed the strength and hands to jolt and drive offensive linemen backward with an aggressive bull rush. He was consistently able to defeat run blocks and make plays against the run. Not only did Carter prove he is a strong, athletic prospect, but he showed he has the tools to be a good 3-4 end, which will help his draft value.
Pac-10 Assistants' Salaries
Ted Miller makes some good points here...hopefully UCLA is able to put down some money for something other than discount assistants.
Jon Gold sums up our defensive "gameplan"
I think Gold is pretty much spot on here...channeling BN all the way.
Kansas State Game: TV Coverage & Gatherings
by hicalliber on Sep 2, 2010 5:41 PM EDT
on Bruins Nation
Bumped. If you are looking for alumni parties around the country visit the UCLA Alumni website here. ICMY did a post with viewing information yesterday with ABC/ESPN TV map here. Otherwise you can discuss in the comment threads where you are planning to watch the game this weekend. GO BRUINS.
Bruins on the road. Photo Credit: Jim Boofer
This post is prompted through one of my own inquiries within a comment thread. I recently moved to the east coast, and I'm somewhat worried about getting the K-State (regional ABC) and other games on local TV. IIRC, Larry Scott has allowed ESPN to show mirrored regional coverage on ESPN2/ESPN3 for those that are outside the coverage area, which should allow for the Bruins to be on "national" TV more often.
With that being said, I'd like this post to be a place where Bruin fans from all over the country can bounce ideas off one another as to where they will get the game. I'd also like this to be a place where fans can post ideas on where to gather locally and watch the game together.
ESPN's Ted Miller: Did Pac-10 Media Day Work?
A fairly insightful article into the goings on at the media day in New York and Bristol. There are also some funny tidbits about the Pac-10's coaches.
New Pac-10/12 Brand Helps w/ East Coast Recruiting
Another benefit to Larry Scott's vision...
WR Brandin Cooks commits to UCLA
We're officially on the board...welcome to Westwood, Brandin.
Surprise, Suprise...Cushing Suspended for Juicing
Wow. Didn't see this one coming. Most people were skeptical of his adamant denials of steroid use before entering the NFL draft. This only confirms what we all thought. CHEAT ON!
OT: Calipari to Bulls?
It appears our "favorite" coach not named Lame Kitten is looking to return to the NBA. I wonder why. Hmmmm...this is truly a head scratcher.
ATV gets drafted by Titans (4th Rd)!
So great for ATV (Tennessee traded Lendale White for him, LOL). I like that he got drafted by the Titans...he looks good in light blue!
Wisconsin cuts ties with Nike
In light of our recent deal with Adidas, I thought this was an interesting article that sheds some light on a pretty big issue. I applaud Wisconsin officals for standing up for human rights, but I doubt Nike will change anything.
(VIDEO) MJD Interview on tWWL
Former Bruin on his alma mater and why he should be the fantasy top pick.
$UC Arrogance vs. Subpoena Power
It looks like tWWL is finally coming to grips with reality (maybe).
OT: When Does (Billy) Donovan Get the Blame?
You might think they are talking about UCLA if you replace Donovan with Howland, and Florida with UCLA. I find it interesting that the rise of Florida coincided with the rise of UCLA...if we won both our games against them in the tournament we'd have at least one title and another title appearance. I just think it's funny that UF fans are channeling a lot of the same thoughts about their program (although they have been bad for the last two years).
"I actually love it now that you're a commit because I can actually come after you harder."
- CRN to Dietrich Riley when he found out about his silent committment to U$C this past December
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/la-sp-signing-day2-2010feb02,0,3921919.story
over 2 years ago
hicalliber
2 comments
1 recs
Brandon Willis to reconsider UCLA?
If I were CRN, I would tell Brandon that he'll have the chance to play against the coach that screwed him over (almost...really a blessing in disguise). Defensive line is definitely a position of need.
Cal FAIL
In honor of our recent victory over Cal...wow, just...wow.
Eff it all...Harbaugh signs extension at Stanford
Arg, Stanford is becoming a thorn in our side. Wish he would have taken the job at KU.
"you get a special feeling driving down that road in the canyon" toward the stadium, he adds. "It's one of the most special places to play." - Chip Kelly and his thoughts on the Rose Bowl
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=126029533516857800
Brian Price named Pac-10 Defensive POY
Justice served.
over 2 years ago
hicalliber
2 comments
1 recs
Verner's Views - Finale
As always, great to get ATV's take on things. I am going to miss watching this guy patrol our secondary.
"I won't ever forget the walk from the buses to the Rose Bowl and seeing all the fans. You fans are so amazing to me and fueled me for every rose bowl game. You have never let me down and I appreciate that!!!" - ATV
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