The talk at Tuesday’s football practice was all about
underestimating Arizona and how the Bruins (3-2, 1-0 Pac-10) will
not be doing that when they travel to Tucson for this
weekend’s game.
“Our challenge is to make sure that we are ready to
play,” UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. “I have played
against teams like this, and all they need is a spark for things to
start going their way.”
The Wildcats are 1-5 and 0-2 in conference play. Their embattled
coach John Mackovic ““ who survived a 40-player uprising this
past year ““ was fired two weeks ago and has been replaced by
interim head coach Mike Hankowitz, the team’s former
defensive coordinator.
Still, the Bruins are not treating Arizona like a bunch of
injured kitties.
“If you were in our meetings, you would know we
aren’t looking past anyone,” senior defensive tackle
Ryan Boschetti said. “Arizona is going to come out with a
great effort against us.”
Ңbull;Ӣbull;Ӣbull;
In another day of UCLA’s budding quarterback controversy,
Dorrell said sophomore Matt Moore had a better Tuesday practice
than this past week and will see more action than he did in
UCLA’s rout of Washington on Oct. 4. Sophomore Drew Olson
will start against the Wildcats.
When asked whether Moore would replace Olson when Moore is 100
percent healthy, Dorrell said, “The plan is, we will evaluate
that situation when we get there.”
Previously Dorrell said he felt that a player should not lose
his starting job to injury.
Ңbull;Ӣbull;Ӣbull;
Junior safety Ben Emanuel II was held out of practice Tuesday
after suffering a mild concussion in this past week’s game.
Team doctors held him out of practice because of lingering side
effects, but he probably will practice today.
Sophomore safety Jarrad Page is suffering from a sore right
shoulder after a collision in the Washington game. He is doubtful
for this week’s game.
Finally, sophomore tight end Keith Carter, who dislocated and
fractured his right hip in a motorcycle accident April 3, practiced
again on Tuesday.
“We will see how he feels tomorrow, but (Carter’s
practicing without injury) is encouraging,” Dorrell said.
Ңbull;Ӣbull;Ӣbull;
UCLA senior defensive end Dave Ball was named the Bronko
Nagurski-Football Writer’s Association of America Defensive
Player of the Week on Tuesday for his performance in the
Bruins’ 46-16 victory over Washington on Saturday.
Ball had 4.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks.