Arizona Kind Enough To Keep UCLA In It
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 6:59 PM PDT
in Football
108 comments
UCLA sure didn't play well enough to stay in the game so it was nice of Arizona to keep them in it. Three first half interceptions, two of which came inside the red zone, let the Bruins hang around, but despite that, UCLA's offense didn't manage a touchdown. It was a defensive touchdown and two field goals that accounted for UCLA's points in their 27-13 loss to Arizona in Tucson. You can check out the box score here.
Any time you use three quarterbacks, you know your offense wasn't great and the UCLA offense was far from great. Kevin Prince got the offense off to a bad start, Kevin Craft wasn't terrible, but his play wouldn't be described as good and Richard Brehaut was less than inspiring in garbage time that didn't provide a fair look at the freshman. In total, the UCLA quarterbacks were 15-35 for 146 without a touchdown or pick.
While the Wildcats did turn the ball over to keep UCLA in the game, they were always in control of the game, even after losing Nic Grigsby to injury. At 5-2, Mike Stoops has the Arizona program on the rise.
The UCLA defense gave up 27 points, but did score 7 of their own as Akeem Ayers knocked a lateral down that Tony Dye ran in for a score as everyone stood around assuming the pass was incomplete. There are still some major issues with the UCLA defense and Chuck Bullough. Two first half blitzes resulted in interceptions for the Bruins, yet despite the success, Bullough called very few blitzes or anything that could be described as remotely creative the rest of the way. The defense was also repeatedly burned by wide receiver reverses, showing little in the way of adjustments, but this game cant be blamed on the defense, even if there are legitimate concerns about the unit.
This game rests on an increasingly impotent offense. After a game versus Cal in which they looked respectable and improving, the offense was downright awful in Tucson. None of the quarterbacks showed anything to make the statement that they deserved to be the starter, while the pass catchers had a case of the drops again, led by Nelson Rosario. The offensive line also played their worst game of the year. Losing Eddie Williams and having to insert Nick Ekbatani plagued the unit that lacked the continuity it showed in weeks past, while Ekbatani had himself a rough game.
Four losses in a row now with a trip to Corvallis on tap. Things aren't getting any easier and our Bruins aren't getting any better. Something is going to have to change if the 6 wins and elusive bowl game are to even be a remote possibility. Share your thoughts on the game here or if you have any extensive thoughts, throw them into a fanpost. This is your postgame thread.
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Word the day....Frustrating
It is frustrating to see our Bruins play. It is more frustraing to watch a team with no direction. Are we a good defensive team with a bad offense? Are we a running offense? passing? balanced? Who is our QB? The team is regressing. I still stand behind the coaching staff and team. Lets see how we finish the second half of the season and LETS SEE SOME HEART!!!!
by Bruin2000 on Oct 24, 2009 7:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No identity
I think what frustrates me the most is that this team has no identity. You nailed in. Are we a running team or passing team? Are we a finesse team or power team?
I guess our defense has an identity and unfortunately it is a weak reactionary scheme.
Its just hard to judge progress when it seems like we have no idea what we are trying to progress to.
by bruinponcho on Oct 24, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mentioned that last week. Look, a lot of coaches trying to first establish a toughness. That means pounding the ball over and over and over. It’s not pretty, but the linemen develop a mentality that we’re tougher than the d line we’re facing. Think Stanford. You’d have to say that Stanford has less talent (at least by recruiting stars) than the Bruins, but they are going to out hit you. I just don’t see that with the Bruin offense. The offensive plan is a mishmash.
by BlackandOldGold on Oct 24, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sick and tired of...
A QB who coughs up the ball once a game;
Poor tackling;
Receivers who can’t run routes or catch balls;
Penalities;
Conservative play-calling;
Lack of intensity, urgency, and focus
by PeterUCLA on Oct 24, 2009 8:02 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious
Why don’t we use more 3 and 4 man rcvr sets? seems like we run a system to have depth at WR1 & WR2 but Id like to see more multiple rcvr formations instead of rotating players into 1 or 2 positions.. example presley at the TE w/ 3 rcvrs. regardless of shotgun or not. I’m optimistic still tho, and nxt year scratch the senior itch. Still think we should switch up our returners but love TA’s vision. Lets win next week!!
by AllIHadz240s on Oct 24, 2009 7:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
because
we don’t have anyone that can catch the ball?
by King J77 on Oct 24, 2009 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well..
the O-line is blocking enough for them to make plays…it’s not on them. The QB’s made some throws today that should have been catches. We need the WR’s to play with a sense of urgency and I just don’t see it.
by King J77 on Oct 24, 2009 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
then isn't it on the coaches that all our freakin WR can't catch a lick?
by bruin_98 on Oct 24, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and it seems like there isn't enough prep work before the games...our guys are like deers staring at oncoming headlights...frustrating
by bruin_98 on Oct 24, 2009 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick! Someone tell the coaches that our receivers need to catch better
LOL.
As frustrating as it was for me to watch that game I could see it was worse for the coaches. They have a bunch of talented players with potential who are in the process of becoming a team – but they’re not there yet. Some of these guys met a few months ago – they don’t have a rhythm. They need more time under Neu’s and Chow’s tutelage to form into a synchronized team – it started from scratch – but there aren’t experienced leaders to help the young guys get with the program. Until the team ‘gels’ it is going to be ugly watching it.
Usually the guys who are in the process of ‘integration’ play on the scout team but not on TV –
UCLA has to field its scout team this season.
by JonnyG on Oct 24, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we hired a wide receiver coach from North Dakota State
that should probably tell you something…
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Oct 24, 2009 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because the receiver or two
means that we have one less back or tight end, who are screen threats, which slow down the rush and they can also block. our OL is much better, but still just mediocre on a good day.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
I think thats mostly what it is. It’ll be nice when those boys up front progress.
by AllIHadz240s on Oct 24, 2009 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
100%
The “more wide outs” gripe is legit, but unworkable once you fully grasp where we are offensively. We’re starting what amounts to a top-tier High School O-Line squad… so you need help… from TE’s…. and Backs… and motion guys… so your fresh meat, tunnel-vision QB’s don’t take it on the chin, cough up the rock and throw picks.
“Wait, but!” you say. “I know, I know. We get all that every Saturday.”
We’re in some real trouble, boys. Back to the drawing board.
GO BRUIN BLUE
by logan_5 on Oct 24, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don't appear to have a D-1 QB on the roster
Now it’s not exactly fair to say that about Prince or Brehaut since they are RS Frosh and true Frosh respectively….but it’s pretty clear how much a difference it can make having even an average QB. We can’t just trade for a quality QB like in the NFL…looks like we just have to wait. No defense respects our passing game and that hurts the running game…same story as last year.
Nelson Rosario is a total liability with his drops. Maybe he shouldn’t get to play anymore. I’m sure Randal Carroll was benched due to his internet escapades.
by UCLABruins4Ever on Oct 24, 2009 7:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
what is frustrating
is having to wait til close to half time before seeing a blitz from our defense. whenever they got pressure good things happened unfortunately we don’t have a DC that has any imagination. I don’t think the problem is personnel…it’s the scheme.
by King J77 on Oct 24, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
NoBalls
What’s frustrating is they don’t feel like they have the balls to make plays. They don’t even try to push it by going for the TD on 4th down, when they’re in the red zone. The worst that could happen is a defensive touchdown, or the ball is lost. Either way, I’d like to see the team push for the 4th down conversion, and continual success with that should bring up the team’s moral. I like Kai Forbath, but having him on the team seems to be a crutch. They tend to fall back on him simply because it’s almost a sure thing that he’ll get a field goal.
by wingsabre on Oct 24, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
again, sorry to invoke our cross town thugs, but did Petey had that much more ridiculous tatelnt to work with when he took over hackett? he took them to the top in a few short seasons
by bruin_98 on Oct 24, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
'by far' might be a bit strong, but Carroll had some strong talent to work with
Most notably, Carson Palmer and Troy Polamalu were well established when Carroll took over across town, though he had several other pro-caliber player waiting for him, including: Keary Colbert, Justin Fargas, and the never-used Matt Cassel. Additionally, Hackett’s final recruiting class (entering in Carroll’s 1st season) included: Shaun Cody, Matt Leinart, Mike Patterson and Lofa Tatupu.
by bruinhoo on Oct 24, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
CRN's cupboard wasn't bare either
He inherited Brian Price, ATV, and most of our current defense. He also inherited our two best players, Forbath and Locke. He also inherited a pretty solid recruiting class that included Rahim Moore, Kevin Prince, Franklin, Coleman, Embree and Rosario.
I’m so sick of the excuse that the cupboard was bare and that is why CRN’s team looks lost out there. Almost all of the players who are getting time were not recruited by CRN, so he obviously thinks they are more talented than the freshman that he brought in and now refuses to play.
by bruinponcho on Oct 24, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wrong sir
respectfully of course.
Then explain to me why none of these “inherited recruits” are performing well right now? Aside from Moore (Defense) and Franklin, (Coleman hasn’t gotten any PT), none of this class’s star members have impressed me. The cupboard is full, in comparison to KSU and SDSU, but not to any of the teams left (WSU isn’t in the PAC 10 any more)
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh
Which Freshmen do you plan on playing? Thigpen?! We have 3 other backs that are just as good.
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Putting Thigpen in takes out another freshman
so that doesn’t increase the oh so important number of freshmen. The only way to increase freshmen playing is play Carroll more.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carroll
Has he had a catch yet?
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think two
I believe it was one at Tennessee and one versus K-State.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
Because I don’t remember any. At least he’s getting SOMETHING in
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say he doesn't play freshmen
but first of all, freshmen don’t play much at any program. The gap between high school and college is far greater than many believe. That aside, there’s a freshman at quarterback and running back. There’s also a freshman at left tackle and another freshman getting significant snaps on the OL. Presley is also getting his chances. The only place freshmen aren’t getting a lot of snaps is at receiver, but two sophomore are getting a big chunk of snaps. How many teams out there play as many freshmen as CRN and we won’t really even get into all the sophomores.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rye you missed my point
I feel like we are strangely arguing a lot this evening. My point was that the excuse that the cupboard was bare for CRN is a lame excuse because all of our impact players were recruited by Dorrel. Obviously, these players aren’t playing spectacularly and will get better with time. All I am saying is that the secondary excuse (behind the primary excuse that it is a “young team”) that the cupboard was bare has less to do with our misfortune than does bad/conservative schemes on both offense and defense.
by bruinponcho on Oct 24, 2009 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We don't have many impact players
We don’t have much talent and we don’t have much experience. You can blame it on bad/conservative schemes or whatever else you would like, but at the end of the day, opposing teams are throwing better players at us then we are at them. I’m continually amazed at A) people’s inability to recognize the difficulty of young players playing college ball and B) how little talent CRN inherited, specifically depth of talent. This isn’t aimed directly at you, but just in general. A lot is expected of a team that doesn’t have the talent or experience to do much.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright Rye
We need to bring in some other views on the podcast. My greatest fear in society is homogeneity, and although I think we are right, we should try attracting some people that DON’T agree with us
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree and disagree
I agree that we don’t have the same type of players that SC/Oregon/Cal has, but I don’t think it is a stretch to say that we have the same raw talent that teams like Arizona and Stanford have. Yes, our best players are young and will no doubt get better, but I just don’t see the direction under CRN. I posted above about how this team lacks an identity. Its not even that we are schizophrenic as much as we seem like a high school freshman trying to figure out which group of kids we want to hang out with and end up having no idea who we are.
by bruinponcho on Oct 24, 2009 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Name an upperclassman
who is of really high talent? There are zero on offense. On defense there are three, ATV, Price and Reggie. Well Reggie is injured now and three guys don’t make a defense. Our talent doesn’t match what other teams have, at least if you taken underclassmen out of the equation and if you want to match talent with the underclassmen, you have amazing inexperience and a lack of strength. Either way, we’re playing from behind.
As for not having an identity, what type of identity would you like? You can’t have an identity if you’re not successful at anything and right now we don’t have the personnel to be overly successful at anything. Our OL isn’t going to open huge holes yet and our QB’s are Craft or inexperienced. We don’t have much speed and if they’re fast, they’re learning the game. You can’t have an identity with what we have right now. Identity takes an attitude and right now, we’re still working on developing one. It doesn’t come in a year or two.
Also, it’s tough to get way better when you don’t have competition in practice. It’s not that the coaches aren’t encouraging competition, but we don’t have the depth of talent up and down our roster to make practices as competitive as they need to be. It will take a few more recruiting classes for that. Do not underestimate the mess CRN was handed.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rye
I don’t disagree with you, but the big thing that sticks out in my mind is I see the team getting worse not better. I really can’t figure out how that can be happening unless its the coaching.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Oct 25, 2009 5:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
SDSU won its third game yesterday. KSU has become more competitive over the course of the Season. Tennessee lost yesterday to Alabama when the latter blocked a game winning FG attempt. They are all improving over the course of the season. The Bruins aren’t – at best they’re moving sideways. And its frustrating as hell to watch. This team as it is playing now probably won’t be favored in any of its remaining games (WSU will be a “pick-it” – watch), and could conceivable lose out. The offense is unimaginative – nearly basic. Yeah, its possible that the majority of O players are (a) not very good; (b) not very motivated, or © both A and B, but somewhere in that mix coaching – or the lack of effectiveness of same – gets a big piece of the mediocrity pie.
The Mad Bruin
by lostnacfgop on Oct 25, 2009 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Throwing Brehaut into the game...
…was not fair to the kid.
Look, it was clear that neither Prince nor Craft was going to get the job done. Instead of throwing Brehaut into a situation where all he is going to see is relentless pressure, how about letting him START next week and truly see what he can do. We know Craft is not a Div. 1 quarterback and Prince certainly does not seem like he has any confidence right now.
Today’s effort was pathetic and not acceptable at the Division 1 level of football. Lack of focus and concentration on both sides of the ball…lack of tackling effort, bad penalties, dropped passes, poorly thrown balls, missed blocking assignments…this season is devolving into a “lost” season. Were we competing each week, giving maximum effort and showing some improvement in ANY facet of the game, we could fall back on the “we are young” excuse.
by bruinecon91 on Oct 24, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I think he comes in to start the third or fourth quarter
Putting him when they did was bush league.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Oct 24, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If CRN had decided they were throwing in the towel
then putting Brehaut out there is fine. He wasn’t going to do much, but getting him any snaps at game speed is fine. It’s something he can learn from. It was also for a very limited time in which the play calling was controlled so he couldn’t end up having to do too much and being overwhelmed. It wouldn’t work for a game, but for a series to get him snaps and experience, it was fine.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Oct 24, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know how much you can learn...
…in that situation. It’s the 2nd time in three weeks that we’ve put him in under that situation.
I understand why you would think “getting him snaps” is a good idea. But if we are concerned about Brehaut being overwhelmed, then why wasn’t he redshirted? And how does it affect HIS confidence when we put him in situations where success is not likely?
I’d have kept Craft in at that point. Let’s start giving Brehaut his “snaps” in situations where he can actually make plays without the full brunt of blitizing defenses bearing down on him.
by bruinecon91 on Oct 24, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm tired of being the CLIPPERS of the PAC 10
every year is a young team, every year is a rebuilding year, every year is a be patient with the young kids…
by bruin_98 on Oct 24, 2009 7:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Now..
i’m gonna unwind and listen to “One Nation Under a Groove”
by AMM19 on Oct 24, 2009 7:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
While the defense didn’t play too well we have to keep in mind that Arizona has an explosive high powered offense that put up 570 yards and 43 points on Stanford last week; they’re going to put up a lot of points on just about everyone they play. The big problem is that our offense is just awful. They can’t put together sustained drives and the passing game is particularly lacking. I think the biggest problems are the offensive line and the quarterback play. I guess that’s pretty obvious. Oh I forgot the receivers who looked terrible today. I just don’t see any short term solution. I think it’s going to take more improvement with experience combined with good recruiting to ultimately turn this around.
by RogerT on Oct 24, 2009 7:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
OMG!!
Iowa scores TD on final play of the game with :02 left to beat Michigan St. 15-13.
I know better days like this are ahead for our guys, too.
Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!
by Minnesota Bruinfan on Oct 24, 2009 7:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Carrol and others?
Ever since those players have been suspended something has been off. I wonder how much discord is going on behind the scenes. The twitter is probably the tip of he iceberg.
by Bruin'96 on Oct 24, 2009 7:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think so too.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Oct 24, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shouldn't
GPA’s be enough? The last thing that I believe to plague CRN will be character issues
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Expectations--time for a rethink of preseason expectations.
Preseason expectations were for approximately 6 wins. That seems unlikely given the state of affairs. These expectations are the yardstick by which to judge the progress of the program since Neuheisel’s arrival, so by this measure, we’re really falling short. On the other hand, I don’t think anybody counted on the Pac10 being so deep this year, so maybe a 4 win season would be more reasonable. Let’s be clear on this last point—4 wins is not acceptable, but to a team, this conference is tough.
by 8_clap on Oct 24, 2009 7:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey Hey - TD Oregon St.
Looks like Beavers will cut margin to 28-23.
Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!
by Minnesota Bruinfan on Oct 24, 2009 7:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Receivers
I have to say that I’m really disappointed that we are still throwing screen passes on thord and long against a defense that gave up 600 yeards in offense a week ago. I really think that our offensive woes go beyond the quaterback position. Lets face it, our receivers are terrible. Fron route running to catching ability to yards after the catch. We lack athleticism and week after week we get outplayed by defensive backs and LINEBACKERS!! It’s pathetic. We have no redzone offense to speak of, and third downs may as well be fourth downs. Granted, we do have timing issues on offense, and our quarterbacks haven’t really shown much promise but all three of these quarterbacks could get the job done with more talent in the receiving core. Whatever these guys (Rosario and Co.) are doing in practice to earn starting spots, it definitely isn’t translating into the games.
by 1BruinFan on Oct 24, 2009 7:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oregon St
They look like a decent team, next week is going to be rough.
by Bruin'96 on Oct 24, 2009 7:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Defense
I can understand the frustrations on our offense, but the defense has no excuse. DW did not leave the cupboards empty and I was skeptical when they promoted a DC from within. Bullough clearly has not stepped up. The D’s fundamentals have really regressed. It’s almost as bad as Toledo’s D back in the day.
by hongerelli on Oct 24, 2009 8:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
*definition* of SPTR's
Oregon State receiver catches ball in end zone, $C* defender rips his freakin’ helmet COMPLETELY off…no call. No f’in call. Just saw replay from a few minutes after the fact: referee wasn’t even looking at the action. Just a ball into the end zone. No need to look. Un-freakin’-real.
by AZBruin on Oct 24, 2009 8:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It was Taylor Mayes...
that guy has a special hall pass to do whatever he friggen wants. He could run for president according to the guys calling that game. It’s unbelievable that they missed that call!
by 1BruinFan on Oct 24, 2009 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The ABC guys spent several minutes pointing this out.
Of course, I doubt any of the Pac 10 leaders were Watching, Listening, or Caring enough to do anything like what the SEC did to it’s officials.
PS: What does SPTR stand for? I still haven’t figured it out.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Oct 24, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beavers Showing They Can Move The Ball On 'SC
TD seemingly imminent; should cut into Trojan lead again.
Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!
by Minnesota Bruinfan on Oct 24, 2009 8:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seething this
is making me depressed for another loss next week
by AMM19 on Oct 24, 2009 8:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Watching Barkley in the $C vs. OSU game
and I can’t help but wonder what could have been if we had been playing RB all along….
I know we have other problems to address besides the QB position, but hey, having a decent player there couldn’t hurt.
by shipphappens on Oct 24, 2009 8:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
well shipp
I suppose you can wonder all you like… hell nothing wrong with a fantasy at this point in the dance. But pinning all the offensive hopes and dreams of what should be a very-competitive D1 football program on the shoulders of a True_Freshman QB is like throwing a kid in a cockpit and saying “FLY!” because he seems pretty good at math.
Trust your coaches on this one: Richard Brehaut couldn’t and wouldn’t ever be able do it alone. We don’t have the blocking. We don’t have the protection. We don’t have the run. We don’t have the deeps. We don’t have the talent. Your coaches are thinking “tomorrow”, because as of today, that’s about all we have.
GO BRUIN BLUE
by logan_5 on Oct 24, 2009 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good points
I understand. I guess it just depressed me to flip on the $C game after ours was over and watch them win with Barkley. Although he definitely isn’t the primary reason for their success. But I guess 4 straight Saturdays of this terrible, sinking feeling after our games hurts my rational thought process a little bit…
Here’s to tomorrow….
by shipphappens on Oct 24, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey
and you know what? I’m right there with ya. $C has an all-pro front 5 that either one of us could stand behind and make a couple plays. Put that with SUV-sized holes they open up and you begin to understand why the $C-UCLA comparison - especially at QB -- is an apples to coconuts comparison.
Sh*t, while we’re fantasizing, close your eyes real tight and throw Prince, Brehaut & Kraft in there behind those future NFL guys and see if you even recognize ’em.
Rick is Kirk. Chow is Scotty. They need muurr tyyymeee!
GO BRUIN BLUE
by logan_5 on Oct 24, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought
that someone on College Gameday not picking us would not jinx us but that didn’t work out
by AMM19 on Oct 24, 2009 8:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Biggest gripes for me
Why couldn’t we figure out their blitzes?
Why didn’t we blitz more?
Discuss.
by sponkey21 on Oct 24, 2009 9:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No explanation for why we didn't blitz more
I don’t think it was a matter of “figuring out” their blitzes as much as the fact that we have a young o-line. Add to that the fact that we lost Williams, and Ekbatani just looked out of sorts today, and you have a pretty good explanation as to why we didn’t have better pass protection. Some continuity on the line would be nice, losing Williams is a big blow.
by shipphappens on Oct 24, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IN HS
It was called the “Skull Blitz” The overload right or overload left blitz in other words. Easy to check out of, just needs to be recognized, which is pretty hard, considering its ridiculously obscure angles off the side. Usually the QB takes it as a bluff, but if he doesn’t and is wrong, he gets SMACKED by a Defensive End. If he is right, his time is still limited. Of course, tonight, it seemed like it was almost always to the weak side of the routes, making the blitz amazingly effective. Bad luck/good defense IMO
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
good honest Q's
here’s a gander:
1) you can figure out where the shooting’s coming from and never be able to stop it. “recognizing” the blitz and “stopping” it are two completely different tasks.
2) the blitz is a risk. if you go, you better get there (the QB). If you don’t, you get burned deep. you don’t do that on a team that makes it’s living in the air. See 1st quarter, Courtney Viney. Plus, blitzing is TIRING — when your defense is on the field for 40+minutes/game, it’s wise to keep at least some of you powder dry.
This way it’s 27-13 vs. 47-13.
GO BRUIN BLUE
by logan_5 on Oct 24, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I looked it up in Webster's:
receiver n. “one that receives.” Prince, Craft, Brehaut, a volunteer from the stands, what does it matter?
by ReineSeite on Oct 24, 2009 9:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Stretch the field
We have some speed now. Presley, Austen, etc. How come we do not stretch the field? Some successful long passes will help open up every other part of the offense. And if they can not catch the ball bench them.
by placentiabruin on Oct 24, 2009 9:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nope
Presley and Austin aren’t amazingly fast, and if you throw the ball up, you have to catch it. No one can catch it. And you’ll be running out of people quickly if you bench them
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS
Stellar second post. Stick with us, you’ll have fun.
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carter reportedly playing with a torn MCL
Mentioned toward the end of Tracy Pierson’s game wrapup at BRO (not currently behind the subscripton firewall).
Tracy also does not seem to be much of a Bullough fan so far, though noting the level of talent that we currently have; if anything, he makes a good argument that the cupboard is even more barren than I had thought of it.
by bruinhoo on Oct 24, 2009 9:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ya
Noticed how much he got subbed out, he wasn’t himself tonight. But when he played downhill, he was, quite obviously, the best LB in the area.
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tired
We are a team that has no idea how to win, that plays with no heart, and is mired in a culture of underachievement. The truth is that not since Prothro have we had teams that wouldn’t in the end disappoint us. And mind you, he didn’t win any national titles either. This is not a team without talent. It is a team without direction. I think I’ll just die if I see one more of CRN’s teaching moments on the sidelines as instructs the latest player who committed an on field error.
by Harco on Oct 24, 2009 9:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Have a beer and come back tomorrow
No heart? Ouch man, that hurts me. Underachievement? Ya, its literally a cleansing process, 2 years from now will be the first genuine class of “non-losers”. CRN MUST have teaching moments. What do you want him to do? Wait, let me guess, shove his playlist down his pants? or start pumping his players up behind him, and look like the world just ended when the refs drop a pass interference or personal foul on your players (Petey).
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I kind of agree ...
but I think that it stems from an attitude that Donahue and Dorrell gave the team during their combined two dozen years at the helm – they almost prided themselves on being ‘good losers’. [I think that those who get offended at the idea of a moral victory are reacting to the fact that D&D used that to cover their failure to grab the brass ring year after year]. There has been a lot of self-defeating behavior.
Talk about underachievement? Look at the talent Donahue had through the years and he never got close to a N.C.
During the Donahue years, the team only excelled when a player took the mantle of leadership and shrugged off the “good loser” attitude and went for it. One of them was Ricky Neuheisel.
I really think Neuheisel’s speeches about passion buckets and relentlessness (in positive attitude) show that he understands that the whole UCLA team needs a change in attitude. They need to catch his attitude. It takes time. It will probably take many years before he has the whole team playing the way he took us to the Rose Bowl. [I sometimes wonder if the reason that CRN seems to like Craft so much is that kid will never say ‘die’ – even after the beating he took last season. I wish he could bottle up his attitude and give it to the whole team.]
Whenever you have as many mistakes and breakdowns as we saw today – you know it is mental
by JonnyG on Oct 24, 2009 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tired
I took ucla13’s advice and did have a nice cold one, but tomorrow is here. Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. Does anyone seriously believe Boise St. or for that matter Fresno St. has had more talent over the past half dozen years than UCLA? But watch closely when Boise St. plays. Look at the effort. Look at the creativity on both sides of the ball. Watch how the team tackles. Marvel at the play calling. This a team constantly playing beyond its talent level, and it is all about coaching. When CRN “teaches” one of his players on the sideline in front of all, it’s because he hasn’t taught them very well beforehand.
by Harco on Oct 25, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How can I encapsulate all the doom and gloom in my heart at this moment?
As I sit here with heavy heart it pains me to reflect on the state of UCLA Football. There is no denying it. This is the worst I have ever seen it. I’ve spoken with several Bruin fans and alumni recently and there are several things we all agree on.
1) At no time in the last 15 or so years have I ever gone into a game not believing we could win this game. It didn’t matter who we played, and I’ve seen some doozies. Victories over Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas A&M not to mention record setting days for DeShaun Foster and Maurice Jones Drew. Sure, some times we have lost to teams we had no business losing to, but I have never gone into a game not believing we couldn’t win it. UNTIL NOW.
2) I’ve often heard people admit their team sucks. I’ve done this with a mixture of amusement and pity, because as a UCLA Bruin I have always had good teams to cheer on. It has never mattered the sport in question. In fact, my favorite way to end arguments with Trojans is to point out that when they win the football games, we win the basketball games, and when we win the football games, we still win the basketball games. I have never understood the fatalistic acceptance of such a sad state of affairs as to admit your team sucks. UNTIL NOW.
3) Every single year regardless of the state of things between here and South Central I have always felt a sense of optimism going into that game simply because we are UCLA. When dealing with smug and spoiled children before the big game I always respond with optimism to their verbal jabs with, “We’re going to play the game anyway.” When asked to enter into any form of wager I always ask, “what do you think our chances are?” To which they invariably respond, “None.” So I’ll ask, “Not even 1 in 100?” When they say, “no.” I’ll respond, “Well then, I’ll bet my $1,000 to your $100,000.” They of course balk at this so I’ll keep them on the hook by saying, “How about my $100 to your $1,000” and I have yet to find anyone to take either of these bets. I feel comfortable talking trash because I know our teams are up to any challenge, any team, any time, any where. UNTIL NOW.
With this in mind, I think of those who have come online to say that those of us who feel this way are not True Bruins (1st half thread, I believe) or those who say we have to give the coaches all the time we gave Dorrell (2nd half thread, I think) and I say this; no.
Whether it’s fair or not, I don’t have patience to give. The College Football world at large does not wait for any man. The rest of the Pac 10 is certainly not waiting for us to catch up. This is the real world. Zero sum game. What have you done for me lately? Win or go home. There is no time better the present. Like it or not, this is the challenge CRN and company accepted when they took this job. So, like it or not. Put up or Shut up.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Oct 24, 2009 9:55 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Tear in eye
Beautiful. Post that up
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good sumary...
21 years, last time felt this bad was with sorrel during his first year. Even his team improved after that season.
Anyway, solid post.
by Bruin'96 on Oct 24, 2009 10:23 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
You're not alone
Appreciate your thoughts. It pretty much sums up my feelings.
FWIW, I’ve been a BRUIN fan for 35 years. I been through the good and bad. I’ve been patient. I will always be loyal to my team, but it’s tot the point where I can’t defend this program any more. I’m tired of taking heat from others about the state of the program. I’ve gotten to the point of just admitting that we’re BAD. I wish it were different. The truth hurts.
by Bruin37 on Oct 24, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
totally agree! i mean bad in my days 2002-2006 even though there were years where we sucked, watching the games were at least exciting even though we were losing… i mean look at washington, they are not that good of a team either, even predicted to be worse than us… but i’d rather watch their games than ours…. the past 2 home games that i’ve been to is pain to the ass to sit through! 3 and outs, 3 and field goal, 3 and outs….. i mean if we have a sick defensive team, yes we can afford to win by fgs, something is missing in our defense this year unlike DW years… lack of agressiveness, lack of fire, lack of anger… a couple years back, every tackle is met by 3, 4 guys at least that’s why we can stop people even when the 1st tackle was a miss….. these days… one miss tackle and they take it home….. that’s pathetic… and trust me we do have more talent right now than let’s say toledo’s last year
we just play scared, we just play predictable…. norm chow lost his mojo since he left losing with the titans…. we need an overhaul… get rid of our OC and DC, and coach neu start calling his own plays rather than be a booster cheerleader!
by stillgotit on Oct 24, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
This is turning out to be a pathetic season. This is a year and a half in and I feel this program has not made any improvement, despite all the optimism surrounding Neuheisel’s entry. It’s time to truthfully evaluate this coaching regime like we did the previous one.
by LavinRuinedCollege on Oct 25, 2009 12:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does all this mean...
we couldn’t beat Tennessee now?
Tom Skalman '84
Las Vegas
by tskal on Oct 24, 2009 10:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think so
Unless every AP Poll is completely backwards
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the ucla team on the field the past two weeks would not beat
the Tennessee team on the field the past two weeks.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Oct 24, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Yep
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 24, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That being the case...
something’s really messed up.
This team is heading nowhere. I know we aren’t better than the rest of the Pac 10, but we’re not improving. Sure a few individuals-Ayers- have “made plays”, as JW would say, but I can’t remember any funk like this since the Donohue days. We’ve a good kicking game. Is that really all?
Tom Skalman '84
Las Vegas
by tskal on Oct 24, 2009 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Bruins of 1980, 81 would beat this team
These quarterbacks are no Tom Ramsey. These receivers are no Jojo Townsell(or Karl Dorrell). Is Brian Price any resemblance to Irv Eatman?
Tom Skalman '84
Las Vegas
by tskal on Oct 24, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just like to point something out
it might have been said – i didn’t read all the posts – but Stoops took 5 solid years to turn this U of A program around. I understand the frustration, but let’s give CRN some time. I have full confidence that he’ll right the ship, and I think questioning his every move is not the way to go. He and Chow both have proven track records, and i think they both deserve a few years to turn us into Pac 10 contenders. We looked horrible today and we still were in it until the last few minutes. We have the talent – we just need the experience to start making some noise nationally.
Has there ever been a player better than Detlef Schrempf?
by bucknellbruin on Oct 24, 2009 11:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd also like to add that Coach Wooden was head coach for 15 years before UCLA got its first national champtionships
CRN may not be a Wooden, but lets not over react. We’re a young team. CRN and Chow have very good proven records. If we could give Dorrell 5 years, we can certainly give CRN several seasons to rebuild this team. It essentially took Ben Howland 3 years to rebuild the basketball team, and I personally consider this year to be year one for CRN, after loosing both 1st and 2nd string QB last year. There was no way to build from that, so we essentially start from scratch this year.
by wingsabre on Oct 25, 2009 2:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
long time reader... first post
Go Bruins!
I’m a long time reader, for the past few years. I’m want to make this my first post interesting because we are in a very interesting state currently. I’m not losing hope on this program, because CRN is a HUGE step up for the Dorrelian days. Although I’m not happy with the past 4 games, I’m still watching, and I’m still hoping that one day, this team will just click. Like Nestor has been saying all along, it took Ben Howland 3 years to make the team the way it is now, and CRN’s cupboard is DEFINITELY as least as empty as Howland’s was. Even though CRN has his own recruits, we can’t expect freshman to make an immediate impact in turning the program around. It takes time to develop their conditioning and understanding of the schemes; much more so in football. I enjoy this community that we have. Don’t lose hope, our time will come.
Go Bruins!
by ucladanimal on Oct 25, 2009 2:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
WELCOME
Great first post, stay involved man!
There's no one in the world that wants to beat UCLA more than _______.
by ucla13_usc9 on Oct 25, 2009 5:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have to demand better while being realistic.
Cheatey Petey did not do well his first two years and look how much time ND fans are giving Charlie!
Yes, we have under-performed this year, but it was realistically a re-building year anyway.
I’m more concerned that the culture of the program hasn’t changed fully yet than I am about our record.
by PeterUCLA on Oct 25, 2009 2:14 PM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Petey
went to the Rose Bowl in his second year…did pretty well, but it doesn’t matter because it was a totally different team from the one CRN inherited.
I would have liked to see how Petey would have done his first year if he had lost his no.1 and no.2 QB (both seniors) before the season started, along with a starting offensive lineman, then your top tight end in the first game. Not as good, I would say.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
by tasser10 on Oct 25, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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