Two weeks after kicking off fall camp, UCLA’s football
team finally lined up against some competition. Judging the
results, however, was difficult because both sides wore Bruin
helmets. Although Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage was
slightly marred on offense by several penalties and an
interception, the offense did show signs of an improved passing
game. Quarterback Drew Olson completed 10-of-18 passes for 128
yards, including three touchdown passes, two to receiver Craig
Bragg and one to tight end Marcedes Lewis. Backup quarterback David
Koral also threw the ball well, converting 7-of-9 passes for 60
yards, highlighting one of his better days of camp. “I
thought this was one of the best scrimmages, offensively at least,
that we’ve ever had,” Olson said. “The ball just
moved consistently, except for a few hiccups here and there, but
overall guys did a great job. There’s a couple throws I made
that were an inch off or not even close. But I felt comfortable out
there, as comfortable as I’ve felt here at UCLA.” Olson
only turned the ball over once, when he was intercepted by
linebacker Spencer Havner. Still, the Bruins showed promise of a
solid passing game and showcased several young receivers. True
freshman Brandon Breazell caught five passes for 61 yards while
sophomore Chris Steck also looked impressive with four catches for
44 yards, including a touchdown. While there were some signs of
improvement, offensive coordinator Tom Cable saw problems of an
unpolished team that created multiple penalties, leading him to
give the offense an overall rating of C-plus. “There were too
many penalties, those killed us on three drives and that
hurt,” Cable said. “It put us in bad situations.
“We had four penalties on the offensive line,” he
added. “That’s unacceptable and we can’t do that
to this offense.” But despite the rough edges the Bruins may
have scraped themselves on, coach Karl Dorrell said he was pleased
with the overall performance. And with the first game less than two
weeks away, Dorrell hopes to have fine-tuned the team by then.
“I was pleased by the effort that I saw out on the field
yesterday and that was verified when I watched tape,” Dorrell
said at Sunday’s practice. “Are we ready to play
against Oklahoma State right now? No. I think we’re a good
week and half of getting ourselves ready for that.”
ONE TOUGH WEEK: The Bruins suffered heavy
injuries throughout last week’s practices. Linebacker Justin
London suffered a high ankle sprain and will have to miss the
remainder of fall camp. London is hoping to return for the home
opener on Sept. 4 against Oklahoma St., but there is no exact
timetable for his return. “I feel good about it,”
London said on his crutches. “I’m just in prayer right
now, praying that it’s not serious.” He began therapy
Sunday and will have an X-ray performed today. “We’re
looking forward to Sept. 4. That’s the goal,” London
said. UCLA also lost fellow linebacker Tim Warfield, who fell on
the same day as London, with a hyper-extended knee. Warfield also
had to sit out of the scrimmage. With both Warfield and London
hurt, junior transfer Dan Nelson moves in to the starter’s
position at the inside linebacker position. According to Dorrell,
Nelson gave an impressive performance during the scrimmage.
SHORT PASSES: Several key members of the
Bruins’ football team sat out of Saturday’s scrimmage.
Tight end Keith Carter, who continues to stage his comeback
gradually, was medically advised not to practice two days in a row.
Some of the other names to have missed the scrimmage were guard
Eyoseph Efseaff (groin), linemen Kyle Morgan (knee surgery), and
lineman Brigham Harwell (knee surgery), Safety Dennis Keyes
suffered a strained groin muscle but was able to participate in a
limited manner during Sunday’s practice. Redshirt freshman
running back Derrick Williams had nine carries for 40 yards and one
touchdown.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT: The Bruins will continue
to have open practices this week through Wednesday. The team is
scheduled to practice Monday from 9-11:15 am and from 3:30-5:30
p.m.; Tuesday from 9-11:15 a.m.; Wednesday from 9-11:15 a.m. and
from 3:30-5:30 p.m. After Wednesday the team will begin preparation
for its game against Oklahoma State.