Besides readjusting to life as UCLA’s starting
quarterback, sophomore Matt Moore has a few other things to get
used to again ““ increased media attention, constant questions
and more practice time. “I haven’t sweat like this in a
long time,” Moore said with a smile Tuesday after practice.
“It’s nice being back in practice with the guys and
being a part of this team.” On Monday, head coach Karl
Dorrell announced that Moore will start against Arizona State.
Moore has sat out for the majority of six weeks while recovering
from a deep bone bruise suffered in the season opener against
Colorado. With Moore ““ who won the job after training camp
““ leading the team now, quarterback Drew Olson will be forced
back to the sidelines after leading the team to a 5-2 start. The
Bruins are tied for first in the Pac-10 with a 3-0 conference
record. “It’s hard,” Olson said. “This
isn’t something you want to have happen to you. But
it’s not up to me to decide, that’s up to the coaches.
If that’s how (Dorrell) feels, then it’s necessary I
respect that.” Unfortunately, Dorrell hasn’t always
been clear with what he feels throughout the season. After Moore
went down in the first quarter in Colorado, the coach said it was
his philosophy that starters do not lose their jobs because of
injury. But when Moore declared himself healthy again, Dorrell
appeared hesitant to give the job back. While Olson filled in,
Moore appeared in a sporadic fashion ““ only twice in the past
three games ““ coming in for the last two series against
Washington and twice at Arizona where he threw an interception and
fumbled the ball. “I thought I was ready last week, but
(Dorrell) thinks that I’m ready now,” Moore said.
“But that’s why he’s the head coach. He knows
best.” Now Dorrell makes good on his promise, and Olson is
relegated back to the bench. “I was surprised because it was
this late,” Olson said. “With Matt being healthy a
couple weeks ago, I thought if it didn’t happen by then, it
probably wouldn’t happen.” But with Olson completing
only nine of 20 passes for 173 yards and getting sacked six times
last weekend against California, many have called for the more
athletic Moore. With the rather sudden change of quarterbacks, the
team must also adjust quickly to the change. “Learning about
the change this morning was a huge shock,” tight end Marcedes
Lewis said. “Coming into our eighth game, it’s kind of
hard switching quarterbacks. Hopefully there won’t be any
setbacks.” Unfortunately, this is not the week for setbacks,
as the Bruins face a formidable conference opponent in Arizona
State (4-3, 1-2 Pac-10). But with the long wait, Moore feels like
he may have picked up a few tips. “Watching from the
sidelines, I learned I’ve got to be patient,” he said.
“Not that Drew wasn’t, but it’s just something
you really notice when you’re on the side.”
INJURY REPORT: Starting cornerback Matt Ware
didn’t practice Tuesday and was in a boot. He will be
re-evaluated today and the rest of the week but is currently
doubtful to play this weekend. Defensive tackle Rodney Leisle will
also be re-evaluated this week after bruising his clavicle against
Cal.