When he was in the running for UCLA’s newly open position of defensive coordinator, DeWayne Walker sought out the advice of a longtime friend and colleague. And then Walker promptly ignored him. Karl Dorrell dismissed his defensive coordinator, Larry Kerr, after back-to-back seasons in which the Bruin defense was ranked at the bottom of the […]
Author Archives: Adam de Jong
Rivalry retains dynamic nature
The 2006 edition of the UCLA-USC rivalry game features a couple of rebuilding programs with a shot at redemption. Both teams have a new complexion after the loss of core players left them with inexperienced offenses. And both coaches know that the way their young teams finish the season ““ on Saturday and in their […]
De Jong On College Football: Notre Dame continues to fall short of expectations
The USC-Notre Dame matchup last week was set up perfectly to go down as a game for the ages. It was Saturday night, Thanksgiving weekend, on national television. It was the rematch of last year’s inspiring matchup in South Bend, Ind., that left Knute Rockne turning in his grave. The Bowl Championship Series was hanging […]
De Jong on College Football: ‘SC on track to rebuild its way to a championship
Rebuilding seasons just aren’t what they used to be. At least not for Pete Carroll. To say USC came into this season with question marks would be a gross understatement. There’s no team in recent memory that has had to replace so much of its core, especially on offense, and still has been able to […]
Bruins mourn former teammate
Tempe, ARIZ. “”mdash; Redshirt freshman linebacker Reggie Carter straggled behind his teammates following UCLA’s 24-12 win over Arizona State on Saturday night. As the rest of his team disappeared into Sun Devil Stadium, Carter stood at midfield and paused for a few moments. He held above his head a towel that had been written on […]
Dorrell dubs Olson starting quarterback once healthy
No matter what results Pat Cowan delivers against Arizona State on Saturday, Ben Olson will return to his role as UCLA’s starting quarterback once he is fully healthy, UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said early this week. It’s a coaching decision that will likely lead to Olson starting against USC on Dec. 2 and in a […]
De Jong On College Football: Rutgers poised to topple the heirarchy
There’s a tyrannical rule in college football that seems to predate the North Korean regime. The hierarchy in place for the polls and the bowl appearances carries over each year. The only change from year to year is which team out of the Pac-10, Big XII or the SEC will hoist the glittering national championship […]