NICOLE MILLER/Daily Bruin Linebacker Robert
Thomas was named a Butkus award finalist.
The last hope
Last Thursday, senior linebacker Robert Thomas was named a
Butkus award finalist, along with senior Rocky Calmus of Oklahoma
and junior E.J. Henderson of Maryland.
The award, presented annually to the nation’s best
linebacker, will be presented Dec. 7 at the Downtown Orlando
Marriott-Expo Center by the award’s namesake, Dick
Butkus.
Though UCLA struggled on all fronts against the Trojans
Saturday, Thomas was one of the few Bruins who played an impressive
game. He tied for the team lead in tackles with seven, forced a
fumble and added two tackles for a loss to his school-record
breaking total of 24.
Calmus, who was a finalist for the Butkus last year, still has
two games to play (including the Big 12 championship game) and
currently has 107 tackles, three sacks, 12 tackles for a loss and
one interception.
Henderson completed his regular season with a solid game
Saturday in the Terrapins 23-19 defeat of North Carolina State. He
finishes with 139.5 tackles, six sacks, 28 tackles for a loss and
one interception.
Thomas will be at a disadvantage because his team has played far
worse than the Terrapins and Sooners, both with a 10-1 record.
However, the Bruin defense is still the best in the Pac-10 and a
big game against Arizona State on Dec. 1 could certainly boost his
stature.
Thomas currently has a conference-leading 106 tackles, 5.5 sacks
and 24 tackles for a loss. He also has two forced fumbles.
Embarrassing exit
After the loss to USC, senior split-end Brian Poli-Dixon was one
of the last Bruins to make his exit from the somber UCLA locker
room. With his head held in his hands for nearly an hour,
Poli-Dixon was no doubt reflecting on the painful performance he
had.
On the last play of the first quarter, one of quarterback Cory
Paus’ passes went through the hands of Poli-Dixon and into
the grasp of USC cornerback Antuan Simmons, who returned the
interception for a 36-yard touchdown run. To make matters worse,
Poli-Dixon’s highlight was replayed for a sold-out crowd to
watch him standing still on the field as Simmons ran the ball back
without being pursued.
Paus passed to his senior receiver only once more the rest of
the game ““ an incompletion.
Injury update
It wasn’t just Bruin spirits that exited the Coliseum
crushed Saturday evening. Three-quarters of the Bruin secondary
left with injuries incurred during the disappointing contest.
Marques Anderson suffered a shot to the ribs in th first half,
and sat out the rest of his final USC game with bruised ribs. Matt
Ware also left before the half with what was believed to be a
broken collarbone, but returned to action when it was diagnosed to
be only a separated shoulder. Strong safety Jason Stephens was also
lost when he reinjured his turf toe.
Receiver Ryan Smith left on crutches after reaggravating the
ankle injury that has been plaguing him since the Stanford
loss.
With running back DeShaun Foster ineligible for the remainder of
the season and the Paus’ punishment still uncertain, the
Bruins will have to overcome significant obstacles to prepare for
their final game of the regular season against ASU.
Change in game plan
After Saturday’s 27-0 loss, the UCLA coaching staff opted
to cancel both Monday’s weekly press conference and Monday
practice. The Bruins are now scheduled to hold only two practices
this week, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Notes compiled by Joshua Mason, Daily Bruin Staff.
CORRECTION:“¢bull; The football notebook
(Sports, Nov. 20), says that the UCLA coaching staff opted to
cancel both Mondays’ weekly press conference. There was
actually no press conference originally scheduled for Monday.