Spaulding Roundup - "We've Closed the Gap."
by freesia39 on Nov 22, 2011 6:30 AM PST
in Football
Email
PrintCoach Rick Neuheisel opened this week's press conference with a plain v-neck sweater. I am disappointed, fashion wise, but for crazy quote wise, just keep reading.
The most out there quote of the day?
When asked about the "gap" with USC:
We have closed the gap more with SC. We got a chance to win a championship this week. That's closing the gap. We haven't had that chance in the past. We'll see where the gap is after the ball game, but the gap is closed. We're much closer to them than when we first got there. The gap has closed - I'm not sure if it's all the way done.
Neuheisel stated that the goal was always to have the SC game to be meaningful, and in that regard, in his mind, the gap has closed with SC.
Except SC doesn't do silly things like lose to Arizona on national television and get into brawls that everyone talked about the day after. Also, as their season has gone on, their team has shown improvement, and we're stuck in a win-lose pattern. So no, the gap hasn't closed. Sure, we expected this team to be in contention for the Pac-12 South, but not the way we've nearly backed our way into the title game.
Crazy quote two, when asked about USC:
They are a very talented football team. They have a very good coaching staff and it's no accident that they improved. Especially when you see younger players playing when they get over the course of a season they're going to be much better at the end of the season.
Funny, that doesn't happen on this side of town. What a novel concept - younger players improve over the course of a season if you play them. Huh. (Side note: Ben Howland, check that idea out!)
Are Nelson Rosario and the wide receivers going to have to challenge SC down the field?
Our offense is predicated on controlling the line of scrimmage and being able to run the football. When people stack up against it, we either have to get the quarterback involved in the running game or we have to get the ball downfield... last week was a prototype of what we'd like to do. We were efficient throwing the ball. Our yards per attempt were a big number. We were able to run the ball effectively. It wasn't perfect but if we can have our way that's what we'd like to do.
Was Neuheisel expecting SC to be down a little longer?
No, and I've been on record that I can't concern myself with what sanctions will mean to their program. You have to expect SC will always be very talented. They've placed an incredible amount of importance on the football program. We just want to be good with them and make this game as it is this time for champion stakes. When I got here it's the first thing I said publicly, it's the first thing I said to Pete Carroll, I want to play for more than just city championships - he didn't think it was possible, but here we are.
What about our road game problems?
We are a work in progress. We are working to develop out of that, we got to be come a more tough minded team. If one side of the ball is struggling, the other side doesn't fret and continues to play hard and well and waits to catch fire. Unfortunately on the road that has not always been the case and we got to fix that, as fast as this weekend.
Will this game be played differently if UCLA has already locked up the Pac-12 South (Utah and ASU play on Friday)?
Absolutely not. I'm not even sure if I'll know what the score of that game is. We are trying to win this conference and we are trying to do it through the front door. If we get an opoortunity, that's all we can ask for. I'm excited for this chance.
More after the jump about Kevin Prince, Derrick Coleman, and UCLA/SC Memories...
One reporter (I suspect Jill Painter) was absolutely obsessed with Kevin Prince mentioning that Prince said something along the lines that he was given "permission" to run:
I wanted Kevin to know from the coaches standpoint the reason we thought he'd be so good in this offense is his ability to run. He needed to be a runner. There were times in the AZ game he was looking to get out of bounds. It was understandable with his history with disappointment and injury . Thankfully he took that to heart and took the permission slip and used it, and away we go.
There were overtures about not taking unnecessary risks. If you're running, You want to go get the yards, but you can't be the scrambling quarterback looking to take the hook slide, not the team we want to be.
In regards to Derrick Coleman:
He's overcome his disability in such a way that nobody notices his disability. He comes and grabs you on his shoulder so he can look, and tell you what you said when you're 35 yards away because he can read your lips. He has worked so hard and he has such a great attitude about it in terms of not being insecure in any way about it, it's really how phenomnal how little it impacts anything. It doesn't downgrade the accomplishment he has set for himself, he really makes it seamless. He has been a phenomenal success story for us and I hope he goes out with a bang. He has been a joy, he's not only an accomplished running back, but he's also on special teams. He's one of those guys you'll be really sorry to see go.
Does he read the other teams lips when he's 35 yards away?
I have not, but it's a hell of an idea.
Our strategy has been blown!
What is Neuheisel's favorite thing about being the UCLA football coach?
It's home. It's where I grew up. I never imagined anything else in terms of my dream job, of being in a position to help take UCLA to the place where I think it belongs. It's been there before and there's more to achieve, and hopefully I get the chance to do it.
It's a beautiful, romanticized version of returning home after a long journey around the college and pro football coaching ranks... except he might not get that chance.
When asked if he ever thinks he shouldn't have said anything along those lines...
Oh no. I plan to be here the next 20 years and I hope to heck I get that opportunity. I am very aware these jobs are fluid and there are a lot of factors that those that make those decisions choose. I haven't let it be a distraction, I just do my best, I believe we are on a great path and I think great things are in store, not just this year but years to come and I hope to keep that momentum going.
Neuheisel probably doesn't read BN.
Does this game still push that button for Neuheisel?
This is the game. This is it. When you grow up a UCLA Bruin, you can't wait to play the USC Trojans. It's electric. There's nothing like being on that field, lining up against those guys when we're in ours. It's an exciting time, especially when we're playing for stakes, rather than just bragging rights in offices across the town.
Hopefully those uniforms are traditional Bruin Blue. True Blue. BLUE.
What's the sentiment as you see USC on the schedule?
This is what you come for. This is a huge opportunity for everybody involved for everyone to take that field - it's an honor. You've got to make the most of it, everyone's got to give their level best in regards to preparation, coming up with strategy, and executing the strategy. You have to picture the scene enough so you don't lose focus in the moment. Often young players get caught up in all the pomp and circumstance rather than the X's and O's. There will be plenty of emtion and it's exciting for everybody involved.
Mine is... BEAT SC OR ELSE. We've beaten USC ONCE the entire time during my UCLA fandom. ONCE.
What's the one SC/UCLA memory that pops into your mind?
My senior year. We were down 10-6 at halftime, found out that WSU had beaten Washington, knew if we came back and won we're going to the Rose bowl. Came back out there, scored 3 touchdowns, beat them 27-17. Going through that fourth quarter, knowing we had to bleed clock, churning out first downs, going out against great players, and beating them at the Coliseum for our return trip the Rose Bowl was something special. They're long lasting memories, you'd be foolish if you didn't spend your week wisely in preparation to make those memories.
That's better than my memory of the Coliseum.
GO BRUINS.
82 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I am a senior at ucla
and have been here since 2008. My first football game at UCLA was the one vs Tennessee that we won in OT with a missed field goal and I remember being very hopeful about the future of the program. Fast forward 4 years and it feels like we are right back where we started. I am have been a true bruin fan throughout my ucla career (having gone to almost every game) but I cannot help but be disappointed in the development of the football program. Our great university deserves a great football program. Moreover, having a great football program benefits the school in many tangible ways such as increased revenue and publicity. With that said, I disagree with individuals who want us to lose this saturday against $C simply because they want to see rick go. This game coming up is about having honor and UCLA pride, not about the coaching or AD situation. I know a lot of the guys on the team, fauria, richard, jetski, smith, ricky, and they want it bad. To want to see them fail is an insult to them and our school. Lets get a W sat, then worry about the future of slick rick and donut man.
Also, do you guys think this rumor has any truth to it? http://www.puntingiswinning.com/ucla-busting-out-all-white-uniform-vs-usc/
Go bruins!
Really sorry that your experience as a student ...
… has been so bad when it comes to football (and hoops). You deserve better than that.
The uniform rumor is def. hot and heavy We are tracking it but haven’t seen any official reports yet. It is obviously a terrible freaking idea.
I don't believe it
As far as the white prototype uniforms go. If it was true, the protoype model would have Adiddas all over it. In fact the image has him wearing Nike gloves. So I don’t think UCLA, or Adiddas is that stupid.
I don't think anything
in that mock up picture is evidence of whether the rumor is true or not. The rumor is what prompted someone to create the mockup, the mockup didn’t start the rumor.
i also started my time in westwood in 2008
and also experienced great joy after Tennessee’s FG fell short in OT. and with the basketball program struggling, too, i can’t help but think i’m responsible for a rough era of ucla football/basketball. (I know we’ve had 2 NCAA tourney appearances, but obviously our standards are much higher than not making it past the first weekend)
Rick is GONE WIN or lose!!!!
So tell your boys they can perform with confidence and not have to worry about playing for that moron again.
NO TRUE Bruins would ever want UCLA to lose, regardless of the team or circumstance. Unless is was a life or death situation, which is highly unlikely. Anybody who telsl you they want UCLA to lose to anybody, especially SUC, is NOT a TRUE BRUIN!!!
GO BRUINS!!!!
by BruinFaithful on Nov 22, 2011 11:38 AM PST up reply actions
I think that Uni looks pretty sweet.
I actually like our normal white unis more than that lame powder blue.
However, Uni’s don’t make you play better, regardless of what Prime Time might think. We need to go out there and smack those Condoms like some BITCHES!!!!
GO BRUINS!!!!
by BruinFaithful on Nov 22, 2011 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
That looks like Cal's white uniform
I don’t think it’s ours.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
The comment about "gap closing"
… is just tragicomic.
As for Jill Painter, she has no clue about sports. None.
CTSS is not just a bad coach. He's a delusionally bad coach.
First of all, I see no evidence of the closing of any gap. just$c* laid an egg at ASU, but should have beat furd. They have twice as many wins this year as we have. They are a better team by any definition. And now, this delusional coach gives them the only thing they didn’t have – a nice couple of quotes to discuss at the team meeting.
I see a defeat that will (a) be the most horrific in the history of the rivalry, and (b) will seal the deal for CTSS.
I would rather this clown had just kept his mouth shut, figured out a way to win, and then let us continue to argue that his whole body of work warrants his dismissal.
If closing the gap is having this game be "meaningful"
(beyond the traditional rivalry meaning), then the only gap that was closed was on the NCAA’s end. This game would mean nothing championship-wise if $c was eligible this year.
Obviously, they aren’t, and for good reason. But nobody should overlook the fact that this game is meaningful because $c is ineligible, not because we did anything to capitalize on the sanctions.
That's not true
Fig Tech is 6-2 in conference. UCLA is 5-3. UCLA wins and they are 6-3 just like Fig Tech. By beating them head-to-head UCLA has the tiebreaker and goes to the PAC 12 championship. This game is still completely relevant sanctions or not.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Yup
regardless of whether we closed the gap after turning the corner allowing us to try like heck to play a whale of a ball game (gotta love these press conferences!), if we win, as CRN said, no asterisk is necessary next to our prestigious “pac-12 south title”.
The only “asterisk” you could try and put on it is that our conference schedule was easier, but if we beat $c, who beat Oregon, we’ll have our chance to play Oregon in the pac12 title game. So, the opportunity is there….I suppose.
And UCLA can't control the conference schedule
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
Stupid, stupid, stupid…
OK, well thanks for the ammunition RN. Seriously…you see, when I have a employee come into my office and tell me about some great deal he is this close to closing and how it’s going to make a difference to his whole year…blah, blah, blah. And then the bottom falls out of it and a competitor hands him is arse on a platter…I am always reminded of the saying about who is the "bigger fool"…the fool himself for spreading the shite…or the fool that believes him.
I aint buying any of this from RN and frankly, these words have wonderful potential written all over them. He’s essentially saying "scoreboard baby" and throwing it down. This is going to come back and bite him. Big time.
Here is the positive thing
Those words confirm we have been arguing all along (which Neuheisel has reiterated before). UCLA does have the talent. In other words there is no excuse for the pathetically inconsistent and underachieving season this year.
+1
I’m really F’n pissed that he said, NOBODY, thought the team would be in this position at the start of the season. What a lame attempt at making it seem like we have OVER achieved. Nice try!!!!
Not only did we think he would be here, BUT we EXPECTED IT!!!! You MORON!!!!
by BruinFaithful on Nov 22, 2011 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
Expected it
without the humiliating losses.
Expected it
1.) With a better South Division
2.) Better Road and Overall Record
3.) and what you said
by BruinFaithful on Nov 22, 2011 3:20 PM PST up reply actions
So now it's just a Baby Gap?
RN sounds like the CEO of BP after week one of the gulf oil spill disaster. F the shut up!
wanting to be able we certainly wished,
... but being allowed to try we didn`t dare
I have been a UCLA fan since I was 10 years old...
It started on my grandpa’s couch during the cotton bowl on new years day when Cade led that incredible comeback against A&M. I was able to enjoy the 8th win in the streak against $c. I wish could say I remembered 13-9, but that was the only victory bell game I have missed since the last Rose Bowl team because I was in bootcamp. The sad part is when my sadistic drill instructor told me UCLA won I didn’t believe him, but my grandpa confirmed it for me a week later in a letter. I am 100% in agreement with BN about CRN, but I can’t emotionally divorce myself from UCLA football, I hope they win by 50 and run up the score just to rub it in.
I'm with you MB
My crew and I will be at the American Legion to watch the game. We vets served in every conflict but are not conflicted about our loyalty to the BRUINS or suc. We always support the team on the field and worry about the off field stuff until after the game, We support BN and want a new AD and HC. We have two games coming up and I hope we stay injury free after this Saturday.
He was asked the question
But the answer should have been “we haven’t closed the gap until we win Saturday,” period.
It doesn’t matter, though, for the game. It may to us, but when the football is kicked off, it’s just 11 against 11 in a heavily favored SC match-up in a hostile environment. Something a coach says in a presser goes out the window. I saw our guys walking to the Rose Bowl from the bus Saturday. They looked mean and had a chip on their shoulder. They looked focussed. Had the “us against the world” look on their faces. Actually wouldn’t look at us fans and kept walking. Turned in a great performance.
If they carry that into Saturday, then we may have a chance. Prince, Marsh, Odighizawa, Franklin, etc. have to play like and become legends that day, like Pat and Bruce. But these rivarly gamedays are starting to feel irritatingly similar and ominous and I wish that would end.
On the positive, I was at SJSU and then Colorado games and our offense has REALLY come along. I would put our offense up against most teams in the country at this point. They’re where they should be at the end of the season in a season with a 1st year coordinator. We’ve really improved and the team should be proud. The defense, we’ll see. Our front four have to play with a sense of urgency, early and often.
Would not agree
about the offense. The 45 points on our side of the scoreboard (for a change) was a welcome sight, but it was still the same offense that only the week before scored 6 points against Utah, and on the same field and in the same conditions where Utah put up 31 points.
The only gap Rick has closed is the window of opportunity to justify keeping his job.
This Offense is nowhere near some of the top Offenses in the country
BUT, it has gotten better over the year. Part of that is the playcalling and the other part is the guys becoming more comfortable with the plays.
Also, don’t make too much of the 45 points as it was against a horrible slow Colorado D. Seriously, I couldn’t believe that team came from the Big-12. Looked more like an FCS team…heck SJST looked more competitive.
I’ll say this though, CMJ gives us a chance to beat $C. If Rick stays out of his way and allows CMJ to call the game I believe we’ll put up points.
"The gap has closed ... I'm not sure if it's all the way."
Empty, equivocal words.
Just do it. (Can we say that? )
I Hope we Beat $C
I don’t think it will happen, but i’m sick of seeing them get to a point where they fold. I want to see 60 minutes of smash mouth football where they go out and take it from those arrogant, pompous spoiled children.
I think Donut Dan will take the cheap skate route and keep the Rick around to avoid the buy-out, regardless what the results are. So were in for another shitty year next year. (However, he’ll be forced to play the younger players, so there is some small hope)
The UCLA coaching job may......
….become higher profile with Arizona filling their HC position with Rich Rodriguez and Ohio St. talking with Urban Meyer.
Chris Peterson or Mike Leach or even Urban Meyer would do well at UCLA. Pretty sure they would not be a delusional as CRN.
Question for CRN.....
…what is your game plan to stop Barkley to Woods? Rather than yapping about closing the gap…..focus on what are you going to do to beat a team that handled Oregon. This is their bowl game and extra gravy for the trogans when they keep UCLA away from a Pac12 championship game.
If you think we took a ridiculous number of bad penalties in some of the past games – there will be plenty on Saturday. There will be countless PI penalties on whichever Bruin is saddled with covering Woods or Lee.
I would like to see the Victory Bell in blue again….but it isnt gonna happen this year.
Their bowl game was last week, we're an after thought.
The gap has been closed? Really, when? Have we even competed in a game against USC?
...
Second part of the post is directed at CRN, not you Taz.
We've beaten USC ONCE...
It wasn’t always that way. See my Fanpost from the other day.
by ucla717274 on Nov 22, 2011 9:15 AM PST via mobile reply actions
I know.
I arrived on campus in the fall of 1999.
“WOOHOOOOOOOOOO WE’VE BEATEN USC 8 YEARS IN A ROW!”
Then we lose and lose and lose until 2006. :(
We have found the cause.
Oh no is it your bad karma that started the downward spiral?? Just Kidding. Let’s hope we can start a reversal of fortunes Saturday.
Bruin 1986
Our Athletes are on Par
We have closed the gap as far as talent is concerned. I’m convinced, while watching every game over the past 7 seasons, that our talent is on par with everyone in the conference. We are just as talented across the board with the only exception being QB1. The difference is the coaching.
Our coaching staff is vanilla and conservative. We play not to lose. We don’t play the most talented player, we choose experience over talent. It’s a shame.
We should be running a Bill Walsh West Coast Offense with speed at WR (Smith/Evans) and height (Rosario); a solid TE (Fauria) and great depth at RB (JetSki,Coleman, Jones, James).
The players are there, we just need to coach better. Which means CRN probably needs to go.
I Disagree on Talent
The talent has DEFINITELY improved, but we are nowhere near the level of Talent that SUC has. Every single class they’ve had the last 4 years, from top to bottom has been much better than ours. Now take in to account the fact that MANY of our top players from those Top Ranked classes are either gone, constantly injured, or a non factor.
2008:
1.) Moore gone
2.) Dean gone
3.) Crissman Hurt
4.) Woods gone
5.) Knox gone
2009:
1.) Presley gone
2.) Sua-Filo gone, but coming back
3.) Brehaut injured
4.) Hasiak gone
5.) Golper hurt
6.) Pollard gone
7.) Thigpen hurt
8.) Allmond gone
9.) Mascarenas hurt
2010:
1.) Jefferson hurt
2.) Riley hurt
3.) Kip Smith hurt
4.) John Young hurt
5.) Wesley Flowers hurt
6.) Derrick Bryant gone
Only Cid from the 2011 Class has played, but he’s a JC transfer. All the others, it’s too soon to see what impact they will have. But, it was a pretty weak class.
Anyway, that’s a whopping 20 players who are either gone, have been chronically injured and/or won’t be available for the SUC game. That’s a HUGE number and most of these players were in the top echelon of those classes. So no, our talent wasn’t as good a SUC’s before these issues and it certainly looks much worse when you take into account who we’ve lost.
Now, before you jump all over me, I’m just trying to make the point that our talent level isn’t there yet, and although I do think it needs to and should get better, once we get the right coach, it still doesn’t excuse the level of play thus far. We’re definitely closer than we’ve been in a VERY long time, maybe 10 years or more.
But honestly, look at that list. Most of the players listed are 4-5 Star players. That’s a LOT of talent or expected talent to lose. Take into affect that the SUC talent was already better before the losses.
I think that sometimes when we look at ALL those GREAT classes and become enamored with them, we only remember the rankings and not who isn’t even here anymore or has been injured. Thankfully, it seems that the 2010 Class was finally one that stopped the defections and most of the injuries.
Truly, all those players you mentioned are some good players. But, when you think about it, which UCLA players would you take over SUC’s, talent wise of course, not douche wise? Seriously?
Offense:
1.) QB Prince vs. Barkley? SUC
2.) WRs Rosario/Embree/Evans/Smith vs. Woods/Butler/Lee/Carswell? SUC
3.) TE’s Fauria/Harkey vs. Grimble/Telfer? SUC
4.) RB’s Franklin/Coleman/Jones/James vs. Sexual Baller/McNeal/Morgan? UCLA
5.) FB Barr/Fauria/James vs. Ellison? UCLA
6.) OL Baca/Capella/Maiva/Cid/Harris/Yandall vs. Kalil/Martin/Holmes/Martinez/Graf? SUC
Defense:
1.) LB’ers Bailey/Dawson/Pullard/Galippo/Horton vs. Love/Zumy/Larimore/Westgate/Kendricks? SUC
2.) Safeties Dye/Hilliard/McKay/McDonald vs. Starling/Jones/Wright/McDonald/McAllister? SUC
3.) CB’s Hester/Abbott/Carroll/Price vs. Robey/Wiley/Burnett/Harris? UCLA
4.) DT’s Chandler/Marsh/Edison/Carter/Jones vs. Tupou/Harris/Uko/? UCLA
5.) DE’s Owa/Jones/Holmes/Tepa?Graham vs. Horton/Kennard/Perry/Greene? SUC
Again, it definitely looks like SUC has more top line talent, but we have more depth. I would expect a close game. Hopefully a win for us.
by BruinFaithful on Nov 22, 2011 1:55 PM PST up reply actions
You are looking at it the wrong way
It’s not about talent we have seen on the field, its about the talent Neuheisel recruited. Lot of these guys were rated higher but simply haven’t been developed. Our receivers are talented enlighten but they were never developed. Same goes for our LBs, safeties, defensive line, running back etc. Comparing head to head matchup now and pronouncing SC has more talent is worthless because it doesn’t account for the big picture painstakingly discussed on this blog.
by Nestor on Nov 22, 2011 2:17 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I Completely Agree about development
CRN and Co, have done a HORRIBLE job there and given some development, who knows.
However, my assessment was based on pure talent, which players were better before they got to Westwood and SUC repectively? I think SUC’s were. Just making a myopic comparison. Pure talent vs. pure talent.
by BruinFaithful on Nov 22, 2011 3:25 PM PST up reply actions
Meanwhile in Tucson
That AD over at UA is on the ball. He fired his HC when he felt he needed to so as not to go behind his back looking for his successor. Now he announces a new HC, Rich Rod, realizing that with more $$ coming next year, UA needs to get with the program.
It is so refreshing to see an AD who is competent, and has the authority and balls to get the job done. What a relief to know that not all programs are in a constant state of paralysis, as some seem to be… Sigh…
Mensgym
Are you implying
That our AD isn’t on the ball???? I am shocked.
by ucla717274 on Nov 22, 2011 10:09 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
The only gap I see is between our DB's and other team's WR's
and it’s not closing. 9 and 2 (10 and 2 soon) vs 6 and 6? Whatever he’s smokin’, I want some.
At least compete
I have a terrible feeling that this game will turn into the Matt Barkley highlight reel. I have no confidence that this coaching staff will try something other then the conservative let’s just not screw up anything approach. Which will lead to an epic failure like it has in the past. I can already picture the Trojans jumping up and down on the sideline as we’re being humiliated, does anyone foresee any other outcome if so please share because I need some optimism
by uclamike on Nov 22, 2011 10:37 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Sorry. I agree. We made even rookie QB's look like Peyton Manning
If we do the 10 yd cushion Tresey deal, we may get Matt the Heisman in top of getting killed.
Only hope is...
SC has a major let down after their huge win at Oregon. Maybe they are tired, and fat from too much turkey on Thursday. With our defense, placing pressure on their qb will be tough. We need the next coming of Jamir Miller.
If we play the large gaps/cushions we will get killed
and, there is not reason to think we won’t.
To make matters worse, sc has some strong, fast receivers who will get significant yac.
The way to beat Barkley is to come after him, hard and to force him to make some bad throws. If we let him sit back, hit wide open receivers and then try to tackle them in open space, it will be a long day.
I’m not as worried about the O — but I am worried about a typical sc cheap shot aimed at KP.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Nov 22, 2011 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
Delusionsal
We got a chance to win a championship this week
How does beating SUC win us a championship of anything other than the pathetic Pac-12 South? Drink more of that sweet lemonade, Rick . . . everything will be all better when you awaken.
Wait, after some thought I get it now
Rick is looking past SUC to an epic showdown with Oregon that will surely not only be an embarrassment but will result in bowl ineligibility too. Ahhhh . . . sweet koolaid
Laughable, and pathetic
Does he really think we closed the “gap”? Sorry, but $c has completely crushed us despite getting pounded by infractions and having nothing to play for. Is this what Rick Gap-Closer Neuheisal was dreaming about? Getting smacked around multiple games but somehow sliding into a title game that only happened because we have one of the worst divisions in football, and the best team in it is ineligible due to infractions?
I’m sick to my stomach of how low our standards have fallen. And I think the Rick is trying to be Slick again, but his spin here was so not smooth…..
Which Gap? The one between his legs?
WHAT A MORON!!!!
"Surely, you can't be serious"..
Reporter: Coach, how soon can turn the corner?
CRN: I can’t tell.
Reporter: You can tell me. I’m a reporter.
CRN: No. I mean I’m just not sure.
Reporter: Well, can’t you take a guess?
CRN: Well, not for another two seasons.
Reporter: You can’t take a guess for another two seasons?
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
(Formerly "HoozierDaddy")
by BlueWave on Nov 22, 2011 11:39 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
There's no need to panic....
can anyone on board fly a plane? :)
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
(Formerly "HoozierDaddy")
I'm sorry son, but you must have me confused with someone else.
My name is Roger Murdock.
by Kenneth Powers on Nov 22, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions
Yo try dragging Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 45 minutes a night..
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
(Formerly "HoozierDaddy")
Theres no reason this team
shouldn’t be able to beat the hated ones! The coaching staff needs to do their job and prepare the team to be ready! Do we have a game plan? Will we continue to kick ourselves in the nuts with stupid penalty’s?
There is a gap, but it has nothing to do with talent on the field.
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that counts" - John Wooden.
lol my bad
damn bloody Marys at lunch.
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that counts" - John Wooden.
Only way this doesn't become a Barclay highlight reel.......
…..is Price tires Woods out by hanging on to him and forcing him to drag him around for three quarters. You want penalties – there will be plenty of PI with Woods and Lee.
Maybe CRN will put Carroll on Woods for a while – at least Carroll has the speed to match him.
Without pressure on Barclay….will be a really hard game to watch.
Widening Gap
RN is clearly in an offensive mode trying to save his job.
Those of us, me included, who thought he would bow out gracefully — for the better of his school — are clearly wrong.
I am disappointed that he is making his case in public forums. But, at least he has not pulled a KD by playing the race card or throwing players under the bus.
He is the worst head coach in recent history and is acting like we are finally where we are supposed to be.
And, BTW — this game is always meaningful. He didn’t elevate us to a position where it matters. It has mattered every time he has coached against sc — and as far as his career is concerned, to me the results have mattered.
Win this game, and step away. Let someone else coach in the championship game and Rose Bowl.
Leave with your head held high — but, please, leave.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Nov 22, 2011 12:35 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
There is a gap.....
…between CRN and reality.
I believe that he is genuine in his comments and perspectives. But it is kind of like the psycho girlfriend trying to convince you that she is not a psycho and that this will all make sense at some point in the future. It is a dysfunctional relationship that needs to end. DG is the ugly girlfriend that is egging CRN on to hang in there and it will get better. He needs to go as well.
Based upon some of the posts on here about how players are responding to CRN during the game – I am pretty sure they have reached their limit with him and whatever message he is telling them. Maybe there are multiple gaps between CRN and his players, UCLA alumni, and reality.
Gut feeling
I think DG will keep Neu if we win Saturday evening. I have a really bad feeling about it. I don’t think we’ll come close but look at 13 – 9. If we do end up winning the only way I think he WILL let him go is if we get WAXED by Oregon or Stanford, I mean destroyed. If we put up a good fight, and I have no idea what the definition of ‘good fight’ for DG is, I think he’d keep him through the bowl game. TTTTTTTTThen if we win the bowl game???
Yep, then the gut feeling would probably turn into reality. I think we’ll be stuck with him for another year. Man, I’m freakin’ pist right now.
A Rational DG Will Not Keep RN When We Beat sc
if for no other reason than that he was burned so badly by keeping KD for another year — even after losing the Nut Bowl.
And, KD’s record was far better than RN’s.
But, “rational DG” may be an oxymoron.
sjh
My first year in marching band, 13-9 happened
The next 3 years of band were a disappointment otherwise, then I graduated without ever seeing us come close to beating $C again.
They are laughing at us across town and we don’t even put up a fight.
"/>That comment just pisses me off!
CRN just doesn’t get it. Just make him stop, please make the pain stop. CRN please resign, take any pride you have left and get the hell out of UCLA coaching before you run the football program even further into the ground..as for Donut Dan you know you’re worthless and you shud be fired today!
by Trojanswearskirts on Nov 22, 2011 3:02 PM PST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bruins Nation
Related FanShots on Bruins Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
