MIXED REACTION FOR MOORE: The continuing quest
to bring sophomore quarterback Matt Moore back into the rotation is
proving more difficult than expected. With the team struggling
against the Wildcats, Moore came in for two series late into the
second quarter. Though he looked strong physically, he wasn’t
very productive.
In the second play of his first series, Moore fumbled after an
Arizona defensive lineman went unblocked and disrupted the handoff.
Later in his second series, Moore drove the offense 31 yards before
eventually throwing an interception leading to Arizona’s
third touchdown.
“There were a couple of plays I told (the coaches) that I
could complete, and I didn’t, which upset me,” Moore
said. “But other than that I played alright. I probably could
have done things differently, though.”
The coaching staff had previously decided Moore would come in on
the fourth series and, depending on the game’s status, could
possibly see more playing time. However, with the game in doubt in
the fourth quarter, Moore was forced to sit on the sideline.
“I don’t know what to think about that. I
don’t know if they didn’t put me in because of the pick
or that’s what they had planned,” said Moore.
When asked about the ongoing controversy between himself and
starter Drew Olson, Moore, like head coach Karl Dorrell, offered no
definite answers.
“Nobody knows (what will happen). I have no idea. If
(Olson) wins a game he’ll play, if I win I’ll play. I
don’t know how to take it. I wake up every day not
knowing,” Moore said. “I’m happy to be out there.
It’s more fuel in my fire not to be playing. It gives me the
desire to play.”
Meanwhile, Dorrell says the coaching staff will have to evaluate
the tapes and decide later.
ANKLE INJURY SIDELINES WARE: Star cornerback
Matt Ware suffered a left ankle sprain late in the third quarter
when teammate Brandon Chillar accidentally collided with him. Ware
did not return for the rest of the game and his presence is
questionable for next week’s game.
“He was in a lot of pain,” Dorrell said. “If
you judge by the expression on his face, it looked pretty
severe.”
The injury could be a significant loss for the Bruins, as Ware
is one of the top cornerbacks in the conference.
While Dorrell said they would probably X-ray the ankle after the
game, Ware appears more confident he will be back.
“I don’t plan on missing any time," Ware said.
“I’ll see how it feels, and we’ll go from
there.”
LEISLE, SCORING THREAT: For the second straight
game, defensive tackle Rodney Leisle scored a touchdown off a
turnover. After last week’s fumble recovery in the second
half against Washington, Leisle returned an interception for 55
yards and a touchdown to give the Bruins the lead. Both his two
career touchdowns have come this season.
BRAGG MOVES UP IN THE RECORD BOOKS: Craig Bragg
continues moving up the UCLA career records list. He is now eighth
in career receptions (121) and 11th in total receiving yardage
(1,816).
Compiled by Jessica Bach, Bruin Sports Reporter.