While the UCLA offensive line has vaulted quickly to the top of
the Pac-10 under new line coach Tom Cable, two opposing coaches
have been critical of its blocking techniques. Both
Washington’s Keith Gilbertson and San Diego State’s Tom
Craft have both spoken out against the Bruins, claiming they have
been using illegal chop blocks. Craft called the blocking patterns
a “blatant, irresponsible practice,” and said,
“There’s not a place for it in football.” But on
Tuesday coach Karl Dorrell vehemently defended his team. “I
take offense to all those things,” he said. “I
don’t think that’s part of football that I try to coach
and our program tries to coach. That’s not something we want
our kids to do.” UCLA was penalized 15 yards for one illegal
chop block Saturday against San Diego State. Dorrell called the
play a missed blocking assignment in which both fullback Michael
Pitre and the tackle did not recognize the assignment and blocked
the same player. Veteran lineman Ed Blanton also dismissed
Craft’s concerns and said they simply have become better
blockers under Cable’s watch. “It’s ridiculous.
It would get called if it was illegal, and the refs are out there
for that,” Blanton said. “I don’t understand;
it’s not anyone else’s place except the refs to call
what’s legal or illegal.” But when watching the Bruins
win at Washington, after which Gilbertson had also expressed
concerns about the chop blocks, Craft said he alerted officials
before the game. After the Aztecs’ 23-point loss to UCLA on
Saturday, an angry Craft said he expected the issue to come to the
forefront. “I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t,”
Craft said. “There were at least three plays that were
blatant posts and cuts, where the tackle is totally engaged with
the defensive end and the running back comes in and cuts
them.” The criticism has been loud enough that Arizona coach
Mike Stoops said he would warn the officials before this
Saturday’s game at the Rose Bowl and, to an extent, be
cautious of it. “We turn in any plays that could harm
kids’ health, and that’s somewhat of a concern, but
that happens across the front in every game,” Stoops said.
“That’s something we try to make our players aware of
and the Pac-10 officials aware of. But I don’t think
that’s something they’re trying to do
intentionally.”
INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Justin London, who is
still recovering from a high ankle sprain, practiced with the team
Wednesday, but his availability is still questionable for this
Saturday’s game against Arizona. Dorrell said he would have
to wait another day until he could be more certain of what
London’s contributions will be. … Center Mike McCloskey
twisted his ankle during practice and will be reevaluated today.
… Tackle Kenneth Lombard will not play this weekend due to his
shoulder injury. … Linebacker Aaron Whittington (hip) also
practiced and will probably play on Saturday.