Spaulding Roundup: An Early Start For Arizona Week

With the Bruins playing this week's game on Thursday night rather than on Saturday, the team has adjusted its practice schedule accordingly, with game preparations starting with a Sunday afternoon practice session. Having football players  deviating from their routine can sometimes have an effect on how they come out. At least after one day of practice, Coach Neuheisel thinks they are handling the change well.

"A very crisp practice," Neuheisel said. "I was pleased with the tempo, I was pleased with the way the kids are into it as well they should be. It’s exciting around here. We’ve got a big game on national television and if we can keep this thing rolling and play well this weekend, we can be in the thick of things so we’re excited about the opportunity."

The offense capped off practice with their best set of 2-minute drills of the season, starting off with an 80-yard TD from Kevin Prince to Shaq Evans, followed by a 35-yard pass play directed to Cory Harkey. Tyler Gonzalez made a pair of Field Goals to close out the session. Jill Painter filled in for Gold yesterday, and noted Brett Hundley saying that his progress has sped up greatly since getting the increased practice reps following Richard Brehaut's injury. Adam Maya quoted Neuheisel saying that Hundley will be ready to play on Thursday, if needed. In another intriguing practice note, Peter Yoon reported that Randall Carroll spent part of Sunday's practice with the first team defense - lining up at Cornerback when it went up against the scout team offense - while rejoining the first-team offense when it saw the field.

In injury-related news, Albert Cid, Sheldon Price and Nelson Rosario were all back and participating at practice, while Tony Dye and Alex Mascarenas were still unable to practice. Price and Rosario will both play against Arizona. Peter Yoon talked with Sheldon about his time off of the field and recovery from his sprained knee, and also with Datone Jones about his slow start, and the hope that his performance against Washington State is a sign of things to come from him. Video of Coach Neuheisel's post-practice remarks to the media is here.