Some good news out of Spaulding field this Hump Day. Walker is shaking things up in response to numbers like these from first four games. From Dohn:

The Bruins allow 37.5 points and 415.8 yards per game, and are 106 th nationally (of 119) in third-down efficiency, allowing 48.4 percent of third downs to be converted.

"Where we're struggling is third and (2 to 6 yards)," Walker said. "There's some things we've been successful on the last few years, and I think teams are picking up on it, so we have to figure out how we can do better from the third and 2 to 6. We're awful right now, and we've got to get it fixed."

bucknellbruin already fanshotted one of the changes Walker is trying out in practice. He has inserted true freshman Dye (5-11, 190) in the nickel packages over red shirt freshman Courtney Viney (5-8, 150). Just by looking at the depth chart it stands out that Dye has the size advantage over Viney. More on the switch (and other shake ups) from LA Times reporter Chris Foster:

"We're giving him (Dye) a good look in practice," Walker said. "He's a bigger guy and a smart guy. He has the ability to do the things we want done. We're trying to find matches we think can help us."

That might also mean more time for Akeem Ayers and, possibly, defensive end Datone Jones. The Bruins have only four sacks through three games. They had 13 in the first four games in 2007.

Part of that was due to defensive end Bruce Davis. He tied for the Pacific-10 lead with 12 sacks. In 2006, the Bruins' Justin Hickman led the conference in sacks.

"It's kind of hard to replace guys like Davis and Hickman," Walker said. "Those are special guys. Even when we were not bringing pressure, they were able to get to the quarterback. We'll look a little bit at personnel."

Walker said that Ayers and Jones were players who could help the pass rush.

"It's something where we either have to blitz more or use more guys to cover," Walker said.

It will be interesting to track the development of kids like Ayers and Jones over next two years. From what I have seen to date, I love Ayers’s speed and I think it might not be a bad idea to stay with him at SLB than senior John Hale, who has really been struggling shedding blocks from that spot.

More on the defense from Dohn who had the following comments from CRN re. generating pressure on the QBs:

Despite opponents throwing the ball an average of 35.5 times per game, the Bruins have four sacks, and are not getting much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. UCLA's one-sack-per-game average ranks 102 nd, and the defensive line has accounted for three sacks - one each from starting ends Tom Blake and Korey Bosworth and one from reserve defensive tackle Nate Skaggs.

So how does UCLA get more pressure on the quarterback? "The answer is fundamentals, and the answer is zone pressure, and the answer is don't try; (use) three-man pressure and drop (into coverage)," UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said. "We haven't had a great edge presence so far, and it's maybe time to not try so much."

I think another issue to keep in mind is that our CBs like ATV has been giving opposing receivers a cushion because of the need to provide cover in case our safeties and LBs miss their tackles. In many ways it kind of reminds me a little (stay with me here) of our Ben Ball defensive strategery from last season. Remember the games LRMAM was out due to injuries? During those games our guards would sag off in their man to man coverage around the perimeter because they didn’t feel as confident in their interior defense without Luc inside. But when Luc came back in the rotation, DC and RW would feel lot more confident about exerting that suffocating man to man pressure up front. I think we have a little bit of the same deal going on here as well. Our CBs will be able to exert more tight coverage if they get better defensive coverage from their safeties (hello Brett) and the LBs and DEs up front. So hopefully giving Ayers and Jones more time will help that cause along with the insertion of Dye who might emerge as a more physical presence than Viney. Should be very interesting how it all shapes up on Saturday night.

On the offensive side of the ball, some good news at TE:

Tight end has gone from an area of concern to an area of surplus in the month since Logan Paulsen broke a foot against Tennessee. The coaches moved Nate Chandler back to the position from tackle and also decided to use freshman Cory Harkey rather than redshirt him.

"We don't pretend to have great depth, but all of the sudden the position looks like a position should look," Neuheisel said.

Moya is the primary receiving tight end, while Chandler is the better blocker. Harkey might be the most complete player. He injured an ankle against Arizona, but probably will play Saturday.

"I'm just getting back in the swing of things," Harkey said.

It is becoming apparent that Paulsen won't play this season. He said he must remain in a walking boot for another 21/2 weeks, though he hasn't decided whether he will redshirt this season.

Makes sense for Paulsen to get his medical redshirt this season and come back strong next year for what hopefully will be a final successful season at UCLA. By that time UCLA offense should be in even better shape with a year of Chow scheme under its belt.

Anyway, it is great to hear coaches shaking things up and not sitting still while dealing with adversity. Here is to hoping that the new kids like Ayers and Jones can use the experience this year to develop just like Hickman and Davis did under Walker last two seasons.

GO BRUINS.

Looks like we are not the only ones who saw progress on Saturday. Ted Miller from ESPN also forwards the hope mantra by suggestions Bruins are “getting better”:

This may sound strange, but UCLA is getting better: As in most competitive games, there were a lot of "what ifs" in UCLA's 36-31 loss to Fresno State -- such as what if freshman running back Derrick Coleman didn't fumble on the Bulldogs' 10-yard line? Or what if the defense didn't yield a nine-minute, 86-yard drive to kill the clock thereafter? But the Bruins' performance suggested there's hope even at 1-3. Hope, first of all, in that Washington State is coming to town next weekend. Moreover, it appears that the Bruins will be able to find at least a few more wins inside the conference and thereby avoid making Rick Neuheisel's first season a complete train wreck. The most encouraging number was 234 yards rushing. A run game will help QB Kevin Craft feel more comfortable. On the downside, as the offense has improved, the defense has regressed.

Joining Miller was Kurt Streeter from the LA Times, who also noticed “real improvement” in the Bruin’s performance on Saturday:

Compared to what it's been so far this year, the running game was a juggernaut. In the season's first two games, the Bruins rushed for a total of 38 yards. Last week they had 115 yards. This week they had 234, much of that coming from freshman Derrick Coleman, a kid who despite a late fumble that helped doom his team for good in the fourth quarter, looks as if he'll be a difference-maker as the years go by.

And the quarterback? This contest proved that the forward pass still exists in Westwood, even if it's not exactly something that'll make good defenses shudder. Kevin Craft, foggy-headed and unsure most of this season, stood in the pocket with a good bit of calm, 11 times out of 20 hitting his mark. He finished with 150 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Then there was Terrence Austin, who almost single-handedly made the difference for the Bruins. Austin had 250 yards' worth of kickoff and punt returns, a wonderful afternoon that none on hand would have ever forgotten if he hadn't had a 100-yard kickoff-return touchdown negated because of a UCLA holding call.

These were good signs for the Bruins. Real improvement. The defense, expected to be the foundation for this team, was another matter. Fresno State rolled up 443 yards and appeared unstoppable on the most important third-down conversions, all of which left Bruins defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker shaking his head. "It was unfortunate we wasted a nice performance by the offense," he said. "If the defense plays better, we could have won this thing."

Speaking of the defense, Dohn reports that UCLA coaches will reexamine their nickel package and “explore options” this week in practice:

"I think some teams are able to take advantage of some man-coverage situations," Neuheisel said. "We probably have to disguise our man coverage a little bit more."

UCLA used redshirt freshman Courtney Viney as its nickel back, but the blame does not fall solely to him since other players are also getting beat in nickel packages.

Meanwhile, Walker said he would explore options during the early part of practice this week.

"We've got to go back and look at it again," Walker said. "We have what we have. Now, we just have to go back and improve."

Again like we have preached with every facets of this team, we will also urge patience with our defensive coaches. Based on what I am reading from Walker’s comments, I think he understands that our defensive performance has to improve as the season goes along. Particularly I imagine he feels a little competitive pressure given the improvement we are seeing on the offensive side of the ball. Hopefully the offense’s continued improvement will have an impact on the defense during practices and move them to upgrade their performance on Saturdays.

While we mention about the offensive improvement at the macro level, at the micro level CRN talked about Derrick Coleman’s bright future at UCLA:

Running back Derrick Coleman fumbled on the 10-yard line during Saturday's decisive drive, and Neuheisel said that he spoke with the talented freshman after the game and told him to keep his head up.

Coleman was going to the right on the play, but Neuheisel said the ball was in his left hand -- it should have been in his right -- and was too low on his body, leading to the fumble.

"I told him to don't worry about it," Neuheisel said. "I think he has a great future, and I want him to understand the importance of ball security, but I want him to know he will have a great career here."

Neuheisel also talked about the need for Kevin Craft to stretch the defense and throw down the field:

"We'd like to have some more chances where we just throw it down the field," Neuheisel said. "Deep throws. We haven't really taken our shots down there yet, and I'd like to see us develop some of that."

Craft's longest completion of the season is 32 yards, and that came on tight end Ryan Moya's catch and run against the Bulldogs. That is also the Bruins' only pass play of more than 30 yards this season.

"I still think we can get better throwing the ball down the field," Neuheisel said. "It's going to take some real work with Kevin and the wide receivers, and get the wide receivers to get off press coverage and so forth."

It’s nice to know Ben Howland is not the only head coach at UCLA’s major revenue programs who can offer frank and constructive  public criticism while offering words of positive encouragement at the same time for the players in his program. Neuheisel’s comments on Coleman is just one example why we continue remain upbeat about the forward progress we are noticing in this program as we follow it on a day to day basis.

GO BRUINS.

Let’s build on Class of 66’s post game thoughts because I found myself nodding with most of what he wrote.  Now that I have had some time to think about it and replay the two in game situations (call to for it on 4th and 1 and the decision to accept the holding penalty that put Fresno State at a 3rd and 22), I find myself completely as peace with the decisions CRN made on those two situations.

The bottom line here is CRN played to win. That is my kind of head coach who will always go for it based on calculated decisions. As 66 explained, both of those decisions were well calculated given the circumstances at the time. Kicking it on 4t and 1 would have been the Dorrellian thing to do. And we know what it feels like to play it safe during last few years.

However, that said right now unlike lot of fans who are being rough on DeWayne Walker for the defense’s performance from last three games, I am not all that upset with what is going on. I really believe Walker’s hands are kind of tied given what he is working with. Let me see if I can explain what I am seeing, while watching our defense. From what I am seeing Walker is in a very tough situation.

It’s obvious right now that the opposing offenses are having their way with our defense by carving it up underneath. QBs like Max Hall and Tom Brandstater have simply killed our offense in that proverbial "death by thousand cuts" (a feeling that unfortunately we became familiar with during the Donahue era). It seems like right now they have all the time they need to sit back and pick their targets, and pick apart our secondary. But what can Walker really do? Let’s take a look at our front-7 again.

We have two incredible talents in Brian Price and Brigham Harwell. Those two are amazing and are doing what they can to seal up the middle. And backing them at LB Reggie Carter is doing what he can to fly all over the field. But besides those three, Walker is having a difficult time putting together a combination that can generate sustained pressure on the opposing QB or contain the opposing RBs when they go outside. Right now from what I am seeing it seems like Blake (Senior LE), Hale (Senior SLB), and Korey Bosworth (Junior RE) are having a rough time out there. Steve Sloan, a RS Frosh starting his second game at Mike. It’s not because of lack of effort on any of their part. They are playing their hearts out but right now getting out toughed by the opposing offense.

It is clear right now that this defense is sorely lacking the athleticism, experience and toughness of Bruce Davis, Justin Hickman, Christian Taylor, Trey Brown, Dennis Keyes, and Chris Horton. At this point Walker is in a lose-lose proposition. I can sense why he is reluctant to blitz because he is not sure if his young CBS can lock down the opposing receivers, the same way Brown, ATV, Keyes and Horton were doing last couple of years. While up front Blake, Hale, Bosworth et al are not being able to complement the inside toughness of DTs with, the effective speed rush we saw courtesy of Hickman and Davis from last couple of seasons. Remember those guys – Davis, Hickman, Brown, Horton, Keyes, Taylor – they came along in their junior and senior seasons at UCLA. Growing/developing into effective football players take time at D-1 level. It sucks that the defense of last two years were completely wasted because of the total cluelessness on offense. But there is no need to go over that Dorrellian offense again.

We have had some really tough words for Walker here on BN, especially during the toxic times of Dorrell era, and the campaign for the head coach (when things got heated and emotional after a decade of train wreck). However, folks cannot dismiss how Walker improved the defense from the Larry Kerr era (another Dorrell fiasco). I think Walker is a good DC. He has the potential of being an elite DC if he can show in next two years, his ability to figure out the spread/multi dimensional offenses in college football, using the talent he has brought into our program.  And I think there is a good chance he will develop into one as he will get more and more support from the developing offense from the other side of the ball (which he didn’t get last two seasons), and the new talent matures by next season (hopefully).

For the short term though, I wouldn’t mind if he gives the news guys more chances. One of the bright spots from yesterday was the play of Akeem Ayers. From what I am seeing, it seems like Ayers brings so much more speed and athleticism at Sam LB than Hale. Seems like every time he was lining up he was in the middle of the action. I think it would also be worth pondering whether any of the new cubs – Dye or Hester – would be better options than Courtney Vinney. Again from what I was seeing, it seemed like Vinney was having a "rough" time. This was not the first time Vinney was struggling. It has been a pattern since the Tennessee game. Same goes for our safeties. I think if Lockett doesn’t step up in next couple of weeks, it might be worth considering starting our other young safeties, getting them ready for next season. We will see how they come out and respond against Washington State next weekend.

On to some of the great positives from yesterday. There were lots of them. Here are just some, I jotted down while watching the game:

• It’s obvious how our OL has been improving. However, we should note that yesterday’s performance came against a Fresno State defense that was struggling against ground attacks, and was missing two of their best DLs. Still a tremendous effort by Coach Palcic’s unit. It was especially heartening to see that performance given how the OL so freaking young featuring true frosh such as Baca and sophomore such as Jake Dean. They were terrific.
  
• It was great to see Kahlil Bell back. Hopefully in couple of weeks he will be back in full form. You can sense he needs to get in little more game shape. And I am digging what I am seeing from Derrick Coleman. I don’t really care about that last fumble. That happens. Watch the replay. He had his shoulder down and was taking care of the ball. It was just a great hit by the Fresno defender. I simply love how the kid doesn’t mess around and just explodes forward.
  
• How about that end of the half 2 minute drill? That was a methodical drive upward with 46 seconds left, which didn’t depend on desperation or athletic skills of freaks like MJD. I haven’t seen a Bruin offense march up the field with such composure with clock winding down, since the days of number 18.
  
• Speaking of methodical, the offensive play calling was a delight. I was I enjoying the package Chow put together featuring roll outs, options to Kahlil Bell, reverse, runs to the outside, draw plays. Man … just mouthwatering stuff and gets you even thirstier when you imagine that offense with little more experience and talent.
  
• Speaking of talent, welcome Terrence Austin!!! Now please don’t leave. Stick around, stay steady and play with same kind of swagger and confidence rest of the season.
  
• Taylor Embree is a rock star. I have never cared about glowing practice reports that we read from beat reporters or message boards. But all that hype we read about how this kid doesn’t drop a ball (knock on wood so that we are not jinxing him) is true and then some. This kid is a natural. In some ways he reminds me of Danny Farmer and Sean Lachappelle. Whatever is thrown at his direction, he comes up with it.
  
• Kevin Craft was steady. Except for a play or two he was steady throughout the day and play within himself. And I also think he has more ability than people give him credit for. Let's hope he keep this up.
  
• As for the special teams, it was infuriating to see that first punt return for TD. However, other than that I though the unit was somewhat steady (not including Austin’s spectacular afternoon) and also provided a huge boost courtesy of that extra point block.

So there we are. That’s what I have for now. In some ways this am, I am not as down as I was following the Arizona and BYU game. I still think there is a good chance (a very good one) that this team is going to struggle rest of the season and end up with 3-9 record or something worse, given the situation described re our defense. I am not sure we have the horses to win shootouts after shootouts. However, what I am more than encouraged from last three weeks is that the team overall is moving towards positive direction. Now if it can take care of business against another desperate team (which it has a very tough time with in recent years) next weekend, it will give us more reasons to hope to keep moving towards the positive direction rest of the season.

Here is to HOPE:

Photo Credit: Louis Sinco (Los Angeles Times)

We have seen enough to keep us charged with it rest of the way.

GO BRUINS.

Well it looks like some BYU fans are already looking beyond next weekend’s game against UCLA. They are obviously riding high after yesterday afternoon’s heart stopping win against UDub at Seattle. Notwithstanding the questionable call at the end of the game, they pulled off an impressive victory at a tough Pac-10 venue and we have to give them credit for it.

One of the biggest concerns for UCLA heading into next weekend’s game is to figure out a way to stop Max Hall. He was deadly against the Huskies. He completed 30 of 41 pass attempts for 338 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception. His job was made easier by the running game of a beastly Unga who punished the Husky defensive line for 136 yards in 23 carries. Unga was setting up Hall with short yardage situations all day and he made the Husky defense pay. The BYU offensive converted on 3^rd downs 12 out of 14 times (full box score here). So needless to say there is going to be a lot of pressure on our secondary next Saturday and with that in mind Walker opened up the FS position for competition between Ware and Moore:

"That's good that he's doing that so we can both stay on our toes and continue to work hard, rather than get comfortable and feel good that you're starting," Moore said. "It's a good thing. May the best man win. I don't want anything given to me, and I'm sure (Ware) feels the same."

Both players made their first career starts in last week's win against Tennessee, but Ware did so at strong safety, filling in for Lockett.

Now, Ware is back at a more familiar position.

"You're never promised a position no matter who you are," Ware said. "That's fine."

Settling down the secondary is a key as the Bruins travel to No. 15 BYU on Saturday.

When UCLA beat the Cougars early last season, BYU ran for 44 yards and quarterback Max Hall threw for 391 yards. In the rematch at the Las Vegas Bowl, which the Cougars won, BYU mustered 34 rushing yards, and Hall threw for 231 yards.

Hopefully Lockett can provide a more steady effort at SS and Ware be more comfortable at FS. He didn’t do much to make himself stand out last weekend against Tennessee. In addition to Ware, we will need better efforts from Courtney Viney who found himself out of position a number of times against the Volunteers’ mediocre passing attack. Viney and his team-mates will not be able to get away with the same level of play against the Cougars’ more precise and efficient passing attack.

Meanwhile, on the offensive side in addition to putting together some clock chewing drives, CRN has been trying to get his team to play smart ball keeping field position in mind. As a result Aaron Perez has become a pivotal part of our overall game plan:

You punt. You win.

As coaching rhetoric goes, this hardly ranks with "win one for the Gipper." Still, UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel has gone about convincing his team that sending punter Aaron Perez onto the field is not crying uncle.

When Perez casts his punts against blue-gray October sky, victory is at hand . . . really.

"People hear 'punt' and the first thought is, 'Oh we didn't score.' Or, 'we didn't get a first down,' " said Perez, a senior. "But if you have a punter who can help you in the field-position game, you put the defense on the field where it can create some turnovers or back the other team up and make them punt. The field keeps getting shorter and shorter, and you win."

This is a necessary philosophy for the Bruins this season. With an offense going through on-the-job training and a defense that has a hefty resume from the last two seasons, the best option sometimes is to have Perez give things a swift kick. […]

"It's imperative that we make it a long field," Neuheisel said. "With Aaron Perez and his leg, we can do that. As we grow in terms of our explosiveness and our ability to run the ball, we've got to be mindful of field position. So punting is not a bad thing."

Hopefully that lesson now has been totally planted into everyone’s brain after those 4 interceptions in the first half against Tennessee.

Speaking of ball control, Mark Saxon from the OC Register has a write up on WR Taylor Embree, who has the potential to emerge as the next money receiver in a Bruin uniform.  We heard during both spring and fall camp, how Taylor catches everything thrown his way. We saw what that meant during the second half against Tennessee. The offense is going to need Taylor and his team-mates to step up the same way next weekend in Provo and keep racking up first downs so that they can keep the BYU offense off the field.

We will have more on the BYU game. The Cougar fans can keep discussing their team’s rankings after its victory over UCLA, but here on BN we just need to focus on how we can remain competitive against the mighty BYU.

GO BRUINS.

By now everyone should know that the fall scrimmage is set for today (5 pm PST, Drake Stadium). Looks like lot of you have already made fun plans (making the rest of us who live in exile envious). While it should be a lot of fun hanging around campus and taking in some football action after a long offseason, don’t expect any razzle-dazzle from our football team.

With just two weeks left for the season opener and a number of players nursing nicks and bruises from the training camp, we can expect Neuheisel and co. to put together a scrimmage that will be somewhat vanilla by design. As reported by Dohn, Neuheisel is hoping the scrimmage will give his players an opportunity to gain more confidence (as go through their progression), and players like Craft will be looking to minimize mistakes:

"A confidence, if anything," Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel said. "For kids we're counting on to play to feel like, `I'm gaining on this, I'm starting to feel it,' and coming back Monday with that much more excitement about getting even better. And the other thing is you always knock on wood that you don't lose anybody (to injury)."

UCLA's quarterback derby leader and clear favorite, Kevin Craft, isn't concerned about increasing his stronghold on the position by completing passes and directing a mistake-free, dynamic offense.

"We need to make sure we execute the procedure correctly," Craft said. "Getting plays in and out, getting in and out of the huddle with the right personnel, getting up to the line with enough time on the clock to run a play and getting through our checks.

"It's just making sure all our procedure things are good, and we're not going offsides and not fumbling snaps. We'll make plays, but we need to make sure we have the procedure stuff down first."

The scrimmage will be an opportunity for the young defensive backfield to get some more experience. From the LA Times:

"We're a little inexperienced, but I think we're pretty good ballhawks," Verner said. "We might even be better at that than we were last year. What we need to be better at is stopping the run, because that's where Keyes and Horton made their money."

Depth, though, is Walker's concern. Rahim Moore, an incoming freshman, will start in place of Lockett against Tennessee. Courtney Viney, a redshirt freshman, is the primary backup cornerback.

"The first group, that's an above average Pac-10 secondary," Walker said. "But we can't get hurt, you've got to stay healthy. Then we can develop these younger guys."

Right now the first group features Michael Norris, Rahim Moore, Aaron Ware, and Alterraun Verner. Brett Lockett is out for the Tennessee game and will probably look to win back the starting job from Moore after that first game. It will be not be a surprise if we get to see other freshmen like Hester, Dye and Woods get in the mix on Labor Day.

With the scrimmage set for today the local papers have some profile pieces written up. The OC Register has one on Dantone Jones, the freshman DE from Compton who is looking to follow into the footsteps of recent pass rushing success of Davis and Hickman.

Meanwhile, Kevin Pearson from the Press Enterprise has a write up on OL Sonny Tevaga, who has been working very hard to get himself in game shape and looking to establish his own legacy at UCLA getting out of the shadow of his older brother. And Dohn has a special write up on Kahlil Bell who has been impressing his coaches:

UCLA running backs coach Wayne Moses, who spent the past two seasons coaching running back with the NFL's St. Louis Rams, said Bell impressed him during a recent in-practice scrimmage period.

"He really took over the line of scrimmage," Moses said. "He attacked the line of scrimmage. I'm pleased with what I've seen at this point. He's seeing everything right now."

Bell missed spring practice because of the knee injury, but 10 days of fall practice is enough to convince UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow of Bell's ability.

"He's an NFL back," said Chow, who was the offensive coordinator for the NFL's Tennessee Titans the past three seasons. "He can play there. I really like him, the way he runs, how he sees things."

And showing leadership at practice:

During Thursday's morning practice, with Bell sitting out to keep the strain off his knee and give a sore hip flexor a chance to rest, he watched talented freshman running back Aundre Dean make a poor read. By the time Dean turned toward the huddle, Moses was shouting at him.

Bell quickly went over to Dean to explain the mistake.

Neuheisel said he welcomes Bell's on-the-edge approach.

"You need somebody who can lead you into the alley every now and again," said Neuheisel, who was asked if Bell possessed such characteristics. "Yes. Without question."

Read Dohn’s rest of piece here which chronicles Bell’s remarkable on and off field development at UCLA.

Lastly, for those who are keeping track of all the bumps and bruises here is the list:

Safeties Glenn Love and E.J. Woods, middle linebacker Reggie Carter and tight end Logan Paulsen will miss the scrimmage because of concussions. Defensive tackle Brian Price also missed time in training camp with a concussion.

"I think it's an (issue) across the country," Neuheisel said. "The test (to check for a concussion) is to count backwards from 100 by sevens. ... I'm giving everybody a chart."

Running back Derrick Coleman (right knee), linebackers Josh Edwards (foot) and Mike Schmitt (ankle), receivers Taylor Embree (shoulder) and Gavin Ketchum (shoulder), right tackle Mike Harris (ankle) and guard Jess Ward (knee) also will not participate in the scrimmage.

The list re. concussions is a little troubling and as CRN notes this is something that is not unique to UCLA. It would be interesting to see if anyone puts together a credible study on the new helmets.

Anyway, if you are out at Westwood this afternoon/evening, enjoy the scrimmage. We will put up an open thread in a bit so that you can file quick impressions directly in the comment thread. Otherwise for those with detailed impressions (we love them) and pictures etc to share, please put them up via our FanPosts and FanShots. We rather depend on you than the local reporters covering our programs. Enjoy your Saturday.

GO BRUINS.

So yesterday we blogged about how much Chow is always in a teaching mode at Spaulding field. The early reports from camp on Olson are somewhat encouraging. Chris Foster from the LAT leads today’s story focusing on Big Ben. Olson is having his share of up and down moments, but he is working through the kinks:

There was the Big Ben, lofting a pass worthy of a how-to video, that wide receiver Taylor Embree snagged for a long gain during seven-on-seven drills. Later it was the other guy, as Olson forced a pass into coverage that was intercepted by linebacker Akeem Ayers.

This is the daily drill, as Olson prepares for his final season.

He is learning from a fourth offensive coordinator -- though it is quarterback guru Norm Chow -- while trying to work himself into shape playing on a sore right foot.

"Some days it feels better than others," Olson said. "You're not going to feel great playing football. It's just one of those things you got to deal with and I felt we did some good things today."

Always a glass-is-half-full guy, Olson added, "We got to work through our kinks. I am encouraged where we're going and what we're doing. We have made a lot of mistakes, but we have shown signs of improvement."

What’s important is Olson’s health. Right now from the report it seems clear (as Olson admitted himself to Foster) that he is not totally recovered yet and “not in good shape” as he works through to get back to 100 percent. And it was a little bit disconcerting when he told a reporter that he had “no plans of informing the coaches that he was too hurt to practice.” As CRN said couple of days ago Olson needs “police himself” and “has to be honest” with the coaches about his foot so that if he is feeling sore the coaches can “back him down.”

Still coaches are encouraged by what they are seeing from Olson. Here are Chow’s impressions in Dohn’s report:

"He's doing a nice job. He really is," Chow said of Olson. "When he's in sync, he's a real good player. And that has to work. Everything has to be in rhythm."

And Neuheisel gave a little hint of the matrix he is using to evaluate Olson’s performance in these first days:

"He's sore," Neuheisel said. "I guess that's to be expected when scar tissue breaks from healing, but he's pushing through it. Hopefully he'll get to be the consistent player we need him to be."

Still, Neuheisel was clear that, "I don't mind if the foot is the reason for the non-sharpness. But I do mind when it's his decision-making. The key is for him to stay as consistent as he can be in his decision-making, so we can count on where the ball is going to go and know that it is going to go in the proper place."

Reading through the lines I get the impression that Olson should not put too much pressure on him mentally. He should certainly not be paying attention to reporters concern trolling (pretending to know what is going through the minds of UCLA fans) about how he has to take total command of this offense.

As CRN laid out above he needs to be honest himself and his coaches with his health so he can look out for the long term interests of both himself and his team. So while he is working through the kinks and going through the ups and downs, he needs to make sure he is making right decisions in concert with his coaches. I think we have to appreciate the kind of trauma this kid (and all of his team mates on offense) has gone through last three years at UCLA. I still cannot get over yesterday’s story about last year’s team not varying their snap counts, tipping off the defense on pretty much every play. As one of the commentators noted the predictable offense probably led to atrocious performance of our OL which led to opposing DLs/LBs blowing through huge holes and gunning for the tackling dummies in our backfield. One has to wonder whether kids like Olson or Cowan would have been so battered and bruised up if the offensive received competent coaching last few years.

Anyway, the coaches seem to be aware of what Olson and others have gone through and they are doing everything to make sure he is not just healed up physically, but also mentally as which will hopefully turn him into a better QB and a team-mates. From Dohn:

Chow gave Olson the book "The Inner Game of Tennis," by Tim Gallwey, as a summer reading assignment.

According to the book's Web site, it is "a revolutionary program for overcoming the self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses of concentration that can keep a player from winning."

"I got a lot out of it," Olson said. "It's based on, 'You have to take care of your responsibilities.' That's what you have to understand as a quarterback. I have to execute what I'm asked to do, and you have the confidence and faith in your teammates that they're going to execute what they're supposed to do in order for you to be successful."

Chow said he became familiar with the book when one of his sons began playing tennis.

"I think it has a lot of life's lessons," Chow said. "It's, 'I can't look at my teammate and say you screwed up.' It's how to allow yourself to be successful and work hard."

I am sure all the Lakers (and Chicago Bulls) fans will automatically start thinking of a certain basketball coach after reading that story. Good stuff.

Now moving on to our defense Walker is working to sort out his secondary. According to Dohn’s post yesterday right now first team has Norris and Verner at CB, and Ware and Moore as safeties.  Norris is still holding “steady” according to Walker:

"I think (Norris) has been steady," Walker said. "When you look at a guy like him and Ware, a guy that really hasn't taken a series, they had a solid spring and are starting with a solid camp. As long as they can continue to play solid, it's going to be a big boost for us."

Walker said Courtney Viney and Aaron Hester will continue to compete with Norris at cornerback, and Tony Dye will continue to get looks at safety. And Walker added Moore was performing better than Glenn Love at strong safety.

"Rahim Moore, I think he's really outplayed Glenn Love to an extent, but there's still competition there," Walker said. "We have to get Viney and Hester and Dye, those guys are critical. We're on the clock for the first game because those guys are going to have to play."

I still wonder how long Morris can hold of a kid like Hester and I am surprised that Moore has been able to go ahead of Love so early despite the head start Love had last Spring. Would be interesting in hearing impressions from folks who have been at Spaulding because just be reading from the clips it seems like Moore is something special. Guess we will have to find out when he lines up against the Volunteers.

One kid who is not going to leave the field against Volunteers is Kyle Bosworth, whose improvements in pass defending ability as a Will LB has made him a mainstay at least in the eyes of Walker:

The weak side linebacker will be a mainstay in the lineup this season for the Bruins in large part because of his ability to defend the pass.

Walker typically runs an extreme amount of the nickel package, meaning a linebacker has to come off the field and be replaced by a defensive back. But Bosworth focused on improving his pass coverage in the spring and summer and has shown a marked improvement in the early stages of training camp.

The nephew of former NFL linebacker Brian Bosworth, Kyle Bosworth said that he focused on his footwork and hip flexibility in an effort to improve his coverage skills. Early in his career, he was frequently beaten by receivers.

"I've been working on it for a while, but over spring I showed that I knew my stuff," Bosworth said. "I think he saw that. It was a slow process for me. I felt like I should have played a long time ago, but it's all right."

Kyle and his team-mates get back to Spaulding Field today at 3 pm and they are going to be in full pads tomorrow when they practice from 4:30-6:45 pm.

Once again thanks to Menelaus for those great shots from yesterday. As always if you are out there please feel free to let us in on your fun by sharing pictures and notes on how our boys are working through the kinks.

GO BRUINS.

With the training camp scheduled to open tomorrow, I will wind up our analysis of the post spring depth chart by doing a little roundup on our special teams.  I didn’t bother to do this post last couple of years keeping the focus just on offense and defense. But then we got this reminder on the importance of special teams in the very last play of 2007:


Photo Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

CRN gave an indication on how much emphasis he is going to put on special teams by bring in one of the best special teams coaches in the game in Frank Gransz, Jr. Here is a little snippet on Gansz’s extensive professional and college experience:

Gansz, who has an extensive background at the professional and collegiate levels, was the special teams coordinator for the Ravens in 2006 and 2007, coaching with Neuheisel. In 2007, the Ravens placed ninth in the NFL in punt returns (9.7 yards) and 10th in the league in kickoff returns (23.5). In addition, place kicker Matt Stover made 27 of 32 field goals and all 26 PATs. His 27 field goals tied for 10th in the league.

Prior to his stint with the Ravens Gansz also put together some great special teams at Kansas City.

Given the uncertainty with our offense and the lack of experience in defense, special teams is going to be more important than ever as our team will have to scrape for every point and look for every opportunity to grab momentum of games through blocked kicks, punts … whatever it takes to change complexion of the games. 

Luckily for Gansz (and Neuheisel) this is one unit there aren’t as many glaring concerns (notwithstanding the last play the Vegas Bowl) as there are in other areas of the team. From Kevin Pearson at the Press Enterprise:

Specialists - - This is the one area where there shouldn't be any concerns. Kicker Kai Forbath and punter Aaron Perez are among the best in the nation and NFL prospects. Sorting out the return game and making up for the loss of kick returner and special teams stud Matt Slater will be the biggest challenge.

 More from Dohn:

UCLA's best unit could be this one, led by placekicker Kai Forbath. He made 25 of 30 field goal attempts as a freshman and was 5 for 5 from 50 yards or more. And Forbath is expected to add kickoffs to his duties this season.
Punter Aaron Perez had 35 of his 91 punts downed inside the 20-yard line last season, and averaged 42.3 yards as he became a reliable, consistent performer.
What needs to get worked out is the return game, and there figures to be plenty of auditions. Receivers Terrence Austin and Ryan Graves ,and cornerback Courtney Viney are the leading contenders to return punts, but others could materialize.

As Dohn noted in rest of his post suspended RB Christian Ramirez was penciled in as KOR Specialist in the post spring depth chart. It will be interesting who the coaches call on to take over for Christian. Lot of folks think Jonathan – Jet Ski – Franklin would be an ideal candidate to try out for that spot taking advantage of his speed.

Also as the Daily Bruin notes today coaches may call on Kai to take over as the kick-off specialist over senior Jimmy Rotstein and freshman punter Jeff Locke "could also compete for the kick off duties as well. Whatever it takes to get an edge and foster competition.  It will only make the team better. And as mentioned given the questions around both our offense and defense coaches will need explore all options to maximize efficiency of the best unit in this team.

GO BRUINS.

If you think Walker is going to have his hands’ full with answering questions on his front-7, wait till you take a look at our defensive backfield. Last year we were all so excited about our defensive backfield that we envisioned the return of Safety U. That unit performed admirably finishing 4th in the conference in pass defense (234Yds/G) and pass defense efficiency (115.0) [See 2007-08 Pac-10 Team stats]. However, this unit faces a major overhaul this season.

Gone are the dynamic safety combination of Chris Horton and Dennis Keyes. Also not returning is Trey Brown, the senior LC who was not only one of the emotional leaders of this defense, but also the team leader in interception. And when you consider the departure of Rodney Van (who was penciled in as the starter in the depth chart going into last year’s Fall Camp), DeWayne Walker is basically looking at the task of replacing his entire starting defensive backfield.

So with that note here is how the depth chart looked following spring ball:

** denotes red-shirt
^ denotes walk-on
() indicates number of games started in 06

Right away everyone can spot the inexperience in this chart. Rivals.com pegged this unit as the "biggest problem" in UCLA’s defense:

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner (four interceptions last season) is the only returning starter in the secondary. Two seniors and a junior will enter fall camp as the other starters – Lockett at strong safety, senior Michael Norris at corner and junior Aaron Ware at free safety. However, a talented group of redshirt and true freshmen are lurking. Redshirts Glenn Love and Courtney Viney are in the hunt at free safety and cornerback, respectively. The Bruins also signed four four-star defensive backs.

We will get to those freshman Cubs later. Let’s start with the returning DBs from last season who themselves are rather Cub like in terms of experience.

Unfortunately going into the first game, the most experience guy from this unit will be missing. Everyone here should know about Brett Lockett not being available for the first game of the season. It’s unfortunate for Lockett because it was imperative for him to be in the mix from get go so that he could provide on field leadership from many of the young players who are going to be fighting to get in the mix right away in this unit. According to Walker last spring Lockett had done well "to solidify his spot as Chris Horton's successor" and that it was Ware who would have to compete to "win the free safety position."

I wonder if Lockett’s absence will allow Love to start for the season opener. From observations via the LAT this past spring:

Love is beginning to make an impression on defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker despite suffering a broken left thumb early in spring practice. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound Love had a good effort in last Friday's scrimmage, where he intercepted a pass and had a few solid hits.

"He has shown me something," Walker said. "I've been pretty critical with him and Viney, because it is the first time they have really played. I think Glenn has shown us some pop."

Incoming freshmen Anthony Dye, Aaron Hester, Rahim Moore and E.J. Woods are all expected to get a look in the secondary come August. Jonathan Franklin may be included in that group as well, provided he is not playing tailback.

"I know the guys coming in and it's going to be competitive," Love said. "But that helps me. It makes me want to play harder and pushes me. It will help me a lot, actually."

I will talk about the freshmen a little more below but let’s stick with who we have returning from last year.

ATV is the unquestioned star of this group. He has the ability to light up the Rose Bowl:

Photo Credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times

That was after his game winning pick 6 against the Bears last year. If you wanted another look there is this view from the stands ...

or this from the year before:

ATV is the unquestioned spark plug of this unit and he will be anchoring the left side hopefully for two more years. Ted Miller ranked him as the 3rd best CB in the conference:

Alterraun Verner, Jr., UCLA: Finished fourth on the Bruins with 75 tackles, he also had 15 pass breakups and four interceptions, returning one for a TD. A good student, he earned first-team Pac-10 All-Academic honors.

What about the right side though?

Michael Norris has some experience as a senior. But he could be pushed hard to hang on to that spot. Courtney Viney doesn’t have a lot of size but according to practice observers (if you are the type who gives weight to notes from practice observers from 7-on-7 drills) from last year he is a "cling on type DB" who can hold his own. He was also getting lot of "verbal praise" from the current coaches this past spring. So it should be interesting to see if he can challenge Norris for that starting spot.

Well here is where the much heralded recruiting class from last year can step in and make an instant impact.

The kids who might be giving Norris and Viney a run for time in the CB rotation are Rahim Moore, Aaron Hester and Anthony Dye. Although Moore was a safety at Dorsey High, he has the speed to play corner. In addition at 6-1 he has the size advantage over both Norris and Viney, in terms of presenting better physical matchups against NFL prototype, physical receivers. Similar to Rahim, Aaron Hester at least has the size at 6-1, 188 to play this level as a true freshman. From his Scout.com bio:

Defensively, Hester is strong in run support and plays the pass very well. He shows good hips and can turn with the receiver. Hester anticipates well, shows a good burst and plays the ball well in the air. Overall, Hester is a physical corner that supports the run and shows excellent cover skills.

According to Dohn both Moore and Hester have been performing well during off-season 7-on-7 drills.  But the question remains whether impressive performance in these off season workouts will translate into instant impact on Saturdays?

With Lockett’s absence in the first game, will it open up an opportunity for EJ Woods? Instead of yours truly describing the athleticism of 6-1/2, 192 safety/RB from Crespi, I will let these highlights tell the story:

In other words he can come in and compete for a spot right away. I am sure it will take a while for him to get well versed in Walker’s schemes, but given Lockett’s suspension, there might be no choice but throw him to the wolves (aka an SEC offense) right away.

In addition to EJ, Aaron and Rahim another kid who is going to be in the mix is Anthony Dye, a four star CB from Corona, CA. Like his peers – Moore and Hester – Dye reportedly has "good speed" and described as "big hitter" who can provide "tough" run support. Walker raved about him as "IQ guy" who is "a quick learner." According to Walker he could compete for the playing time "at free safety."

I guess we will find out the answers starting next week. I am excited to see these kids get in the mix right away. However, I think as a reasonable fan we should hold back the expectations a bit taking into the fact that it will these kids a while to get up to speed with the college game. The key here will be note on how these Cubs develop from game to game. It will be interesting to see whether they can cut down on their freshman mistakes towards the end of the season. No doubt they are going to make some during first part of the season against some very tough competition. But for them to play their part in the reestablishing a strong, winning foundation for the Bruin football program, it will be imperative for them to not let up, and come back stronger with encourage from their peers, coaches, and rest of us as we go through the first season of Rick Neuehisel.   

GO BRUINS.