Update On Kevin Prince

by Nestor on Dec 1, 2009 1:16 PM PST in Football

Chris Foster from the LA Times is reporting that Kevin Prince has a "mild shoulder separation":

Prince was injured while scrambling; he was tackled by USC’s Everson Griffen and landed on his right shoulder. An MRI Monday revealed the extent of the injury.

The usual recovery time from a Grade 1 AC sprain is three to six weeks.

This is Prince’s third injury this season. He suffered a fractured jaw against Tennessee the second week of the season and missed three games. He also missed the second half against Washington because of a concussion.

The Bruins sill have hopes of reaching a bowl game, which may have been enhanced by Notre Dame players voting against playing in a game. Prince's availability for a game would be questionable.

Obviously, lot of folks are wondering why did he go back into the game after he was initially hurt. Here is what Jon Gold reported on that front:

UCLA redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince begged Neuheisel to re-enter the game after a big third-quarter hit on a 5-yard run resulted in a slight shoulder sprain.

Neuheisel acquiesced, Prince went back in the game for the next drive and he threw an interception.

"He just told me he didn't mean to hurt the team," Neuheisel said of his postgame conversation with his quarterback. "He's a great kid and he's had a great learning experience, and he's going to be a big-time player."

Well, it is going to be interesting if we do get invited to a bowl game. Few weeks ago I would be firmly in the camp of coaches making sure Richard Brehaut gets enough "meaningful" snaps in the game. However, after what I have seen from Brehaut this season (specifically in the Washington game when he had his best shot), I am not exactly sure and actually more leaning to argument Ryan and ucla13_usc9 have been making all along about how Brehaut has simply not been ready this season.

Perhaps Chow and Neuheisel will give Brehaut a shot to compete for time in the bowl game during practices lead up to it. However, I am comfortable if they go with the decision of giving Kevin Craft the first shot and then see what happens from thereon out. I know it's not the optimum scenario we are dealing with but I trust Chow and Neuheisel's collective judgment when it comes to deciding our starting QB.

GO BRUINS.

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Comments

Craft vs. Prince

If I am correct, the comment at the end about coaches using Prince…. I would recommend Kevin Craft, with RB in relief, if KP is out for the game. Even if he is OK, Craft might be the better and more healthy choice.
Bill

Mensgym

by Mensgym on Dec 1, 2009 1:20 PM PST reply actions

Yeah, my bad

Meant to write Craft. Don’t think we should risk Prince in a bowl game. Let him heal and let Craft finish it out.

by Nestor on Dec 1, 2009 1:21 PM PST up reply actions

Agreed

We really don’t have much to lose in a bowl game. Heck, we might even finish win a winning record if we draw an easier big-conference opponent.
Plus, it would be nice for our seniors to experience post-season play, including Craft.

by longbordr52 on Dec 1, 2009 1:25 PM PST up reply actions

Agreed x 2

I think it would also be nice for Craft to go out on a winning note.

by apbruin on Dec 1, 2009 1:50 PM PST reply actions

Absolutely.

For all the crap we give Craft, the guy has been supportive of both UCLA football and his quarterback colleagues. The man has heart. It’d be awesome for KC to go out there and end his UCLA career on a high note.

by Centric on Dec 1, 2009 2:41 PM PST up reply actions

Here Here

Craft deserves to end on a high note (as do many of the seniors)

by Bruin Dad and Grad on Dec 1, 2009 4:27 PM PST up reply actions

Is Ptince going to be the next Ben Olsen?

No one knows how good Ben could have been because he spent so much time in a supine position. Let’s how history is not repeating itself.

by Fox 71 on Dec 1, 2009 2:53 PM PST reply actions

The difference between Prince and Olson

is that Olson kept going down on seemingly innocuous plays. Prince’s injuries, for the most part, can be preventing by being smarter, recognizing situations and learning to slide.

Formerly ryebreadraz

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 1, 2009 3:47 PM PST up reply actions

True but....

Does it really matter if he still keeps on getting hurt? A better offensive line next year should help, but the kid needs to learn how to avoid contact. Too much rides on him staying healthy.

by Bruin'96 on Dec 1, 2009 4:06 PM PST up reply actions

It does matter

because Ben’s injuries just kept happening. Prince’s injuries can be avoided if he learns.

Formerly ryebreadraz

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 1, 2009 4:26 PM PST up reply actions

Let's hope for the GMAC bowl then, to give Prince more time

For the love of God, I don’t want to see Craft throw another pass.

by bluebland on Dec 1, 2009 2:59 PM PST reply actions

And yet he played better than KP against SC.

And he led our only scoring drive.

I’m with Centric, he has been an upstanding Bruins both on and off the field, and deserves to go out on a high note if KP is not available.

with the amount of time between now and the possible GMAC bowl, there is no reason CRN and Chow cannot tailor a game plan around his strengths and minimize his weaknesses.

The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Dec 1, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions

Craft

Healthy Craft is far better than Prince. The kid hasn’t look great most of the games he’s played. With an injury, I don’t trust Prince at all, his timing has already been fairly poor.

by Bruin'96 on Dec 1, 2009 4:08 PM PST up reply actions

Let Craft ride of into the sunset in his last game

he deserves it

by Sideout11 on Dec 1, 2009 3:11 PM PST reply actions

I say play Craft if we get into a bowl

but not for the rid into the sunset reasons. I just think Brehaut isn’t ready to play and I don’t think three weeks of practice will get him ready. Craft gives us the best chance to win.

Formerly ryebreadraz

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 1, 2009 3:48 PM PST up reply actions

Right?

The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Dec 1, 2009 3:55 PM PST up reply actions

Agreed

his scrambling ability will help to get a few extra third downs and will someone mitigate his inability to throw down field.

UCLA '08

by BruinTrouble on Dec 1, 2009 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

My Sentiments Exactly

Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!

by Minnesota Bruinfan on Dec 2, 2009 4:27 AM PST up reply actions

I'd go with Brehaut in a bowl game

I’d play Craft for part of the game, but the benefit of a bowl game for UCLA right now is three weeks of practice and game experience. Give Brehaut the vast majority of the snaps during the practices, and get him a few quarters of game experience. A bowl game right now wouldn’t exactly be a reward for a good season, but it could be a chance to build for the future. I’d love to win, but I’m not worried about winning as much building for next year.

by LA Seitz on Dec 1, 2009 3:49 PM PST reply actions

QB only matters if

We fix execution. The fundamental strategy for all this season is to play mistake free offensive football and strong defense. The strategy has been fundamentally conservative: gut out a win. All we need is enough offense to get a touchdown and a few field goals. Then we can get out of Dodge with a win.

Couldn’t pull it off consistently in the regular season. Hope we can clean up our act for any post season.

Here is to winning the next game 16-14 whoever we play.

by Bruin Dad and Grad on Dec 1, 2009 4:33 PM PST reply actions