Bruins Nation - New Mexico State Prep: Bruins Get Ready for Aggies, Practice Updates & NotesBlog Of The Bruins, By The Bruins, For The Bruinshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48017/bruinsnation_f.png2013-09-21T19:15:04-07:00http://www.bruinsnation.com/rss/stream/45074532013-09-21T19:15:04-07:002013-09-21T19:15:04-07:00UCLA Football v. NMSU Gamethread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fUpKhV3H85XNAlHSeeBUh6JraKU=/105x0:3896x2527/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19941803/20130831_jla_am8_1256.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Open thread tracking the first half of UCLA's home football game against New Mexico State</p> <p>Here we are. Congrats to everyone for making it thought a largely mediocre day of college football to get to our main event. The Bruins are about to take the Rose Bowl field to take on the New Mexico State Aggies. our game notes and other coverage throughout this game week are<a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-new-mexico-state-bruins-aggies-2013"> here in this week's hub</a>.</p>
<p>The game will be <a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30500&ATCLID=209263062" target="_blank">televised by the Pac-12 Network </a>(though preempted in the Northwest by Wazzu/Idaho), called by Ted Robinson, Glenn Parker and Drea Avent. <span>Chris Roberts, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14533/matt-stevens">Matt Stevens</a> and Wayne Cook will be calling the game on the radio for the Bruin/IMG Radio Network - 1150am in Southern California, and </span>satellite radio<span> channel 85 on both SIRIUS and XM. </span></p>
<p>This is your open thread for the first half of tonight's game.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013/9/21/4756480/ucla-bruins-v-new-mexico-state-aggies-1st-half-gamethreadPatroclus2013-09-21T05:30:05-07:002013-09-21T05:30:05-07:00Bruin Bites: Nick, Barr, Tailgates, & 11K Students
<figure>
<img alt="The Bruins are back home and back in blue tonight" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9wqaQzm3I0crWPQZDXVSLJ6rO6A=/0x137:4000x2804/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19896613/179162366.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Bruins are back home and back in blue tonight | Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some game day notes from around the UCLA-iverse</p> <p>It's Saturday game day, so let's kick off the day with a few notes from around the Bruiniverse</p>
<p><b>After an incredibly</b> emotional weekend last Saturday in Lincoln, the Bruins worked to get back in their routine in Westwood this week as they prepared for New Mexico State. But U.C.L.A. will take the opportunity to honor fallen WR Nick Pasquale in front of the home fans at the Rose Bowl tonight. From <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-ucla-honor-receiver-rose-bowl-20130920,0,6371924.story">Chris Foster and Hailey Bronson-Potts at the LAT</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There will be 20,000 Pasquale towels handed out Saturday when the Bruins play New Mexico State, and T-shirts will be for sale.</p>
<p>The shirts were donated by Adidas and the printing was arranged for free. All proceeds will go to the <a href="http://nickpasqualefoundation.com">Nick Pasquale Foundation</a>.</p>
<p>The 20-year-old's No. 36 jersey will also be on the Rose Bowl turf the remainder of the season.</p>
<p>At the Rose Bowl on Saturday, UCLA will present a framed jersey to Pasquale's parents and brother during the first quarter.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>An earlier article mentioned there would be 30,000 towels. The fact is that there should be a towel for everyone entering the gates tonight. But besides that, good move by Adidas and the University on this one.</p>
<p><b>The Official Site</b> hosted a <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30500&ATCLID=209264477">Q&A with All-American OLB Anthony Barr,</a> who showed everyone in Lincoln exactly why he deserved numerous defensive player of the week honors this week. Barr talks about how he got into football as a kid (thank goodness he did!) and the difficulties of changing positions (thank goodness he did!) He also talks about what he does to keep in shape and stay ready throughout the season which leads to a somewhat surprising answer as to what he would like to do with his life outside of football.</p>
<p><b>Before the game</b>, there are some new tailgating options for Bruin fans. From the <a href="http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30500&ATCLID=209242555">official site</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Bruin fans have new tailgating options at the Rose Bowl for UCLA football home games, including the Ralphs Ultimate Tailgate and Bruin Spirit Zone.</p>
<p>The Fan Zone presented by Ralphs is located in Lot H, just outside of Gate A & B along Rosemont Ave. and Arroyo Blvd. The Fan Zone is open four hours prior to kickoff and is free and open to all fans.</p>
<p>New in 2013 is the Ralphs Ultimate Tailgate, which offers fans unlimited food and nonalcoholic beverages beginning three hours prior to each game. Guests over the age of 21 will receive three free drink tickets, good for beer and wine. Admission to this area is $25 or FREE with a Ralphs receipt for $25+ of qualifying purchases. Fans can pay to enter the area on gameday with cash or credit card.</p>
<p>The football team starts their Bruin Walk at the Fan Zone, between the Chancellor's Tent and Food Zone, along Rosemont Blvd. and continuing through the middle of the Fan Zone toward the stadium. The Bruin Walk begins at approximately 2.5 hours prior to kickoff.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Fan Zone also contains areas with televisions, a DJ, numerous food options, a kids entertainment area, and a UCLA Store outlet.</p>
<p>It should be a beautiful afternoon in the Arroyo Seco to enjoy some of the pregame atmosphere no matter where you choose to set up. I hope all Bruin fans will welcome the New Mexico State faithful the same way that Husker Nation welcomed the Bruins before last Saturday's game.</p>
<p><b>Hopefully that tailgaiting</b> scene will include a lot more students this weekend. The <a href="http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/09/20/nearly-11k-students-to-move-into-dorms-at-ucla/">LA CBS News affiliate Channel 2 talks about move-in week</a> at U.C.L.A. With the addition of two new residence halls, the school will have a record 11,000 students living in on campus housing and most of them will be arriving this weekend. DeNeve Drive is going to look like the 405 on a Monday morning. New residents were welcomed yesterday by the UCLA Marching Band and other festivities prepared by On-Campus housing (which may differ slightly from the festivities that the students themselves will be hosting once the parents drop them off and drive away). I hope Dan can find a cheap and easy way to get them all to Pasadena on Saturdays to cheer on the Bruins. Eleven thousand students would help make for a great home field advantage in the Rose Bowl, and a great base of support in future years.</p>
<p><b>There may be</b> one other visitor at the Rose Bowl tonight <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Joe-Mixon-140929">who is not a student</a>. Yet. Note the ranking.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>5-star RB Joe Mixon will NOT visit <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Florida&src=hash">#Florida</a> this weekend - Potential visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UCLA&src=hash">#UCLA</a> in works <a href="http://t.co/VDOi8k1pZM">http://t.co/VDOi8k1pZM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jcshurburtt">@JCShurburtt</a></p>
— Justin Hopkins (@JHopkins247) <a href="https://twitter.com/JHopkins247/statuses/380802899615309824">September 19, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Stay tuned to BN for our game day open threads as we watch the day's happenings and get ready for tonight's game against New Mexico State.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS!!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013/9/21/4754544/bruin-bites-honoring-nick-tailgates-questioning-barr-dorm-sweet-dormgbruin2013-09-19T22:40:27-07:002013-09-19T22:40:27-07:00Spaulding Roundup: Rios and Thigpen Near Return
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k_1uDWK1fQGUhTrwiQCbCVjRNbE=/0x156:4000x2823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19841675/20130914_jla_st5_737.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>News and notes as the UCLA Bruins prepare for this weekend's game against the New Mexico State Aggies.</p> <p>The Bruins are continuing to prepare for this weekend's return to the Rose Bowl to play New Mexico State. And a<span>s usual, Coach Mora met with the beat media after this morning's practice. </span><span>While he avoided getting dragged into the mediagasm that is Shaq Evans' comments re. Southern Cal, Mora talked up his ability on the football field - describing him as one of the most underappreciated receivers on the west coast, if not the nation.</span></p>
<p>Later on in the presser, he was asked about the freshman QB for New Mexico State - lucky fellow has been given his first start this weekend... against Anthony Barr and the UCLA defense. Mora noted that he has been good at controlling the ball, but that the Bruin D has recent experience against his type of mobile field leader - being a similar<span> style to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116318/cody-fajardo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Fajardo</a> and Taylor Martinez. Only not as experienced or as good (That last line is all me, and not Coach Mora).</span></p>
<p><span>Mora noted the need for depth on the defensive line - the ideal is to have a two-deep that he can be confident, and he is confident that he has that. Calling out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208111/kylie-fitts" class="sbn-auto-link">Kylie Fitts</a> and Kenny Clark in particular as young guys that are already capable of playing meaningful snaps on D.</span></p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AR2Fw1GuclA" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1379654374609"></p>
<p>Chris Foster has reported that <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/football/la-sp-0920-ucla-football-20130920,0,7846953.story#axzz2fPJuJMWZ" target="_blank">Marcus Rios and Damien Thigpen will be dressed, but not available to play</a> this weekend. Mora describes this step as part of an acclimation process as the two players get close to returning to the field. Damien has participated in practice over the last two weeks and is expected to return for the Pac-12 opener at Utah in two weeks. Marcus has yet to fully participate in practice and is not likely to reach his personal goal of playing against Utah, though at least it sounds like it is a matter of when, and not if he will be healthy enough to play again.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We're letting the doctors guide us on that," Mora said. "The doctors, the athletic training staff and [strength and conditioning coach] Sal Alosi are the guys I'm relying on. We won't do anything until we talk with the family. If they're all OK, then let's get going."</p>
<p>Rios is expected to travel with the team to Salt Lake City and suit up for the game even if he is not cleared.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Jack Wang noted the motivational tactics that Lou Spanos used on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113889/seali-i-epenesa" class="sbn-auto-link">Seali'i Epenesa</a> before the Nebraska game, and how big his<a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20130918/sealii-epenesa-happy-to-record-first-sack-at-ucla"> 4th quarter sack of Taylor Martinez</a> - Seali'i's first as a Bruin - was. Also noted was the $550k that NMSU will receive for making the trip to Pasadena this weekend.</p>
<p>Last night, Nestor noted that <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-new-mexico-state-bruins-aggies-2013/2013/9/18/4747270/spaulding-roundup-versatile-bruins-shaq-looking-way-ahead-honoring" target="_blank">UCLA and Adidas will be handing out blue rally 'Pasquale towels' and selling t-shirts </a>with Nick's number 36 at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night before the New Mexico State game - 100% of the proceeds from the sale of those particular t-shirt on Saturday will go to <a href="http://nickpasqualefoundation.com/" target="_blank">the Nick Pasquale Foundation</a>. <span>The </span><span>UCLA Store has now committed to </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/09/18/nick-pasquale-memorabilia-available-at-uclas-saturday-game/" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">selling the t-shirts beginning next week</a><span> </span><span>at Ackerman as well as online. </span></p>
<p><span>Unlike the shirts being sold at the Rose Bowl that have been donated by Adidas, ASUCLA has to pay for the later batch entering its inventory. So understandably, the net profits of sales from the second batch of shirts will be donated to the foundation, rather than the full sale price like those being sold on Saturday. The exact percentage going to the foundation is not yet clear, but Coach Mora did say during his presser that it will be at least 40% of the sale price of each shirt.</span></p>
<p>In another planned action for this Saturday's game, The Den is asking for <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/other/bruins-thank-nebraska/89339" target="_blank">donations to help create a banner thanking Nebraska for their compassion</a> toward the Pasquale family and the UCLA community that will be displayed on Saturday night. From the fundraising page:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>With all of the negative stories in sports, classy, genuine acts of kindness need to be highlighted. Nebraska’s students and fans need to be commended for reaching out to the Pasquale family and the UCLA community. The Den Student Action Committee would like to make a banner to show our thanks to the University of Nebraska, on behalf of the UCLA student body. We want to display this banner from the UCLA student section at the Rose Bowl during this Saturday’s UCLA Football game vs. New Mexico State.</p>
<p>After the game every player and coach will sign this banner and we will be sending it back to Lincoln, Nebraska in thanks to such inspiring actions.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Nice gesture by The Den, and I trust that they won't have any problem getting that banner funded and printed by Saturday.</p>
<p>For anyone considering making the road trip to Virginia for our game at UVa next fall, this might sound a little crazy to hear so soon, but you really should start looking at making hotel arrangements. I spent 3 years of my life in Charlottesville and can highly recommend making the trip, but keep in mind that it is a smallish town with limited lodging options that fill up quickly during busy weekends. Given that our game in C'ville also falls on Labor Day weekend, it is going to be a busy few days over there, and hotels are already beginning to fill up.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-new-mexico-state-bruins-aggies-2013/2013/9/19/4751082/spaulding-roundup-nmsu-notes-rios-and-thigpen-close-to-returningPatroclus2013-09-18T21:52:48-07:002013-09-18T21:52:48-07:00Spaulding Roundup: Versatile Bruins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fOQMQkyZ35e0BJX0DYH-3S7gLY0=/0x168:4000x2835/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19781671/179158150.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>News and notes from the UCLA football program as the Bruins continue to prepare for New Mexico State Aggies.</p> <p>Not much newsworthy stuff coming out of practice today. Per Coach Mora's comments Bruins continue to practice with focus as he told reporters he haven't seen "any drop" at practice even though the Bruins are not getting ready for a marquee OOC team (or a conference game) this Saturday.</p>
<p>Here are Mora's comments from after practice:</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T7VNlPX7eUU" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>The two main items of conversations were:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mora was asked about the OL and he said that the coaches will try to stick with the current starting 5. Mora mentioned that the coaches will try to get <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208099/caleb-benenoch">Caleb Benenoch</a> time at both guard and tackle given his versatility. But the emphasis remains on developing chemistry among the starting 5.</li>
<li>Mora mentioned how our OLBs - Anthony Barr, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208081/myles-jack">Myles Jack</a>, Aaron Wallace, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162624/kenny-orjioke">Kenny Orjioke</a>, - provide so much versatility with their athleticism that coaches can move them around more freely in space and not just use them as pass-rushers. Mora then mentioned Jack apparently intercepted two passes in practice while covering receivers. He mentioned Wallace is athletic enough to play TEs.</li>
</ul>
<p>Note the common theme in both of those bullet points - VERSATILITY.<span> </span>Other items of note or worth a read courtesy of local media on UCLA football:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/09/18/anthony-barr-eager-to-get-his-first-sack/?doing_wp_cron=1379563711.0622880458831787109375">New Mexico State is going to start a true freshman</a> on Saturday. Per Jack Wang, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/203675/king-davis-iii">King Davis III</a> is going to get the start who has passed for 210 yards and a TD this season. The Aggies are 0-3 this season. We will have more on them later this week.</p>
<p>Chris Foster has a long piece on <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/football/la-sp-ucla-defense-20130919,0,7640217.story#axzz2fD9NSfrS">Bruins playing with a fast tempo on offense</a> and how <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/football/la-sp-ucla-defense-20130919,0,7640217.story#axzz2fD9NSfrS">our defensive guys have no issues with it</a>. Foster connects with the overall trend of supercharged offenses in the Pa-12 courtesy of the Duckies, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a> under R-Rod, and now Cal trying to speed things up with Sonny Dykes. If you have been following college football closely stuff in there will be nothing new for you, but I guess interesting to casual observers.</p>
<p>Senior WR appeared on a local radio show. He <a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/09/18/anthony-barr-eager-to-get-his-first-sack/?doing_wp_cron=1379563711.0622880458831787109375">came on ESPN Radio (710 AM)</a> today and talked about number of topics dating back to his days from Notre Dame and his transfer to UCLA. Shaq talked about UCLA having <a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/09/18/anthony-barr-eager-to-get-his-first-sack/?doing_wp_cron=1379563711.0622880458831787109375">a "different mindset" under Coach Mora and his staff</a>, compared to the previous one. Shaq then looked a little far ahead to the Southern Cal (at the prompting of the commentators) and mentioned how he wanted payback for "0-50" from two years ago and "embarrass" them at the Coliseum.</p>
<p>I dunno. I guess swagger is good to have. But IMO it's way too early for this kind of talk. I like that we have the scoreboard on them from last year, but we haven't built the kind of program yet to talk like that. And even if Bruins finally restablish themselves as one of the elite powers in the West, not sure our guys need to go out and run their mouths, instead of letting their game do the talking. Just my 2 cents.</p>
<p>Moving on to the important stuff, Here is how the UCLA is planning to honor <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162612/nick-pasquale">Nick Pasquale</a> this weekend (per Chris Foster):</p>
<ul>
<li>Paquale's jersey no. 36 will be the Rose Bowl turf the remainder of the season.</li>
<li>UCLA/Adidas are going to be handing out 30,000 "Pasquale towels" this Saturday and will also have t-shirts for sale. All proceeds for t-shirt sale will go to the <a href="http://nickpasqualefoundation.com/">Nick Pasquale Foundation.</a>
</li>
<li>Bruins will also present a framed jersey to his parents and brother during the first quarter.</li>
</ul>
<p>Here is how the Pasquale towel looks like per Coach Mora:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Giving out 30K towels Sat. night. Everyone wave right after moment of silence then lets go nuts for Nick!!!! <a href="http://t.co/t2SL9fn9Gt">pic.twitter.com/t2SL9fn9Gt</a></p>
— Jim Mora (@UCLACoachMora) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLACoachMora/statuses/380497244815773696">September 19, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>And the t-shirts:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Shirt for sale at Sat game, 100% of proceeds to Nick Pasquale Foundation <a href="http://t.co/FIPkI8dvI8">http://t.co/FIPkI8dvI8</a> <a href="http://t.co/uPutBbK8FC">pic.twitter.com/uPutBbK8FC</a></p>
— Jim Mora (@UCLACoachMora) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLACoachMora/statuses/380493990203637761">September 19, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Can't think of better reasons for which to show up at this game.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla-new-mexico-state-bruins-aggies-2013/2013/9/18/4747270/spaulding-roundup-versatile-bruins-shaq-looking-way-ahead-honoringNestor2013-09-17T22:07:42-07:002013-09-17T22:07:42-07:00Spaulding Roundup: Mora Evolves re. Twitter
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YTYgwdzmcpGSTJBBqDOUes7OvLU=/0x64:2926x2015/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19725225/20130831_mjm_al2_127.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>News and notes from UCLA football program as a “focused” (per Jim Mora) group of Bruins get ready for New Mexico State.</p> <p>Bruins are in prep. mode for New Mexico State Aggies (a program that Dewayne Walker left Westwood for few years ago - lol). Anyway, I know some of you are <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2013/9/17/4740916/ucla-football-bns-ucla-at-nebraska-post-game-discussion#185157417">concerned about this game being a "trap" game</a> or something, but I think we can let those worries go.</p>
<p>Seriously - Bruins should be able to take care of business against these guys even with our scout team. Perhaps few years ago when we were coached by someone like Karl Dorrell we'd fret about whether we were going to show up or not on these types of games. But this is the kind of game, if there is indeed a #BruinRevolution happening under the Mora regime, we shouldn't be losing our sleep over. At least I am not going to. We should expect the Bruins to completely demolish the Aggies this weekend at the Rose Bowl. We should look forward to it, not lose sleep over it.</p>
<p>Elite teams (likes the football powerhouses in the SEC conferences) use these games to tune up the backups and if UCLA is indeed back, we'll see Jerry Neuheisel switching to his QB number and taking care of business by Q3. On that note here are Coach Mora's comments after practice. WATCH:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_6C3D5jbbgg" height="480" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>You should watch the video and not depend on my short-hand notes. He seemed to be in a pretty upbeat mode (tough not to be after the weekend we have collectively had in this community) about his team's state of mind heading into this Saturday. According to Mora, the team is in a "good frame of mind" as he used the words "focused," "upbeat" and "locked-in."</p>
<p>Mora also talked about the issue of how the young guys (especially freshmen) are adjusting to playing time at the college level as number of them are getting use the fact that they are not getting the reps. like they used to as high school All Americans. No doubt the conversation was <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2013/9/15/4733576/headlines-in-the-bruin-twitterverse-win-it-for-nick-immediate#184760577">spurred by a tweet from Tahaan Goodman over the weekend</a>, when the freshman DB posted <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2013/9/15/4733576/headlines-in-the-bruin-twitterverse-win-it-for-nick-immediate#184760577">a frustrated tweet for not getting PT against the Huskers</a>.</p>
<p>If you follow the link I just shared above, you'll see that we weren't worried all that much about it and was confident that it'd be addressed pretty smoothly by this staff. Sure enough Mora handled it effortlessly. He mentioned today that Goodman actually texted him 5 mins after he posted that tweet and they had a "very positive conversation" about that tweet. Here is Tahaan's comments after practice which makes it clear that everyone is on the same page. WATCH:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1FUx3UV6hDw" height="480" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>Going back to Mora's comments, he said given that he has a son who is the same age as these freshmen he understands where they are coming from but at the same time he communicated to them that allocation of PT is not necessarily a reflection of how coaches feel about the players, as he and his staff are in the process of trying out "different combinations" on Saturdays to figure out the best possible fit for their game schemes (which makes a lot of sense given that we are in OOC season).</p>
<p>Mora also talked about the "team first" mindset and the example he used was Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who won (citing Mora here) 18 championships, including winning NCAA championship, Olympic championship and a World championship in one season. Chris Foster immediately put up <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-ucla-football-jim-mora-bill-russell-20130917,0,6644163.story?track=rss#axzz2fD9NSfrS">a trollish post in the LA Times</a> (he can't help himself sometimes) saying that our Laker heavy fanbase won't like that. Whatever, no one cares Chris.</p>
<p>BTW speaking of freshman when asked about Myles Jack's performances in his first two games, Mora predictably gushed about our standout freshman who is off to a fantastic start. The reporters tried to goad Mora into saying that Jack would get sometime in offense. While Mora didn't shut the door on the possibility, he suggested if we were going to see Jack getting some time on the other side of the ball, it's not going to happen at least till later in the season.</p>
<p>I also thought Mora's comments on Twitter was very interesting. When talking about Goodman's tweet he said the wasn't going to impose any new rules on social media use as he acknowledged "Twitter, as we know, is the world we live in right now," and that for him to ask these kids not to use Twitter "would be ignorant." He suggested that coaches can teach the players on how to use Twitter "responsibly" so that the players have an understanding on the responsibility they have while communicating as a student athlete from UCLA.</p>
<p>Now this <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2011/12/14/2634585/UCLA-Jim-Mora-First-Day-Noel-Mazzone-Steve-Broussard">reminds me of Mora's first day with these players as the head coach of the UCLA program</a> when he has <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/2011/12/14/2634585/UCLA-Jim-Mora-First-Day-Noel-Mazzone-Steve-Broussard">asked the players "not to tweet about school."</a> At that time we said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think Mora and UCLA should be thoughtful about implementing a team wide social media policy for the program. I am not sure outright ban is way to go. I think there are strategic ways to develop smart and sensible rules around Twitter and Facebook posting issues, without compromising underlying discipline issues in the program. We will see how it plays out. If this is a start to bringing some much needed discipline and organization into the program, so be it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Seems like that's what we have today as Mora has evolved in his approach slightly while maintaining overall discipline in the program.</p>
<p>BTW it's interesting to read the <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/archives/full/2011#12">blogposts covering Mora in his first month at UCLA</a>. Going through them makes it even more obvious <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/archives/full/2011#12">what a great start Mora had as a recruiter and manager</a> in terms of putting together a smart and strategic staff, which stands in contrast with the total clown-show we have witnessed under Steve Alford's pathetic and embarrassing first five months in Westwood.</p>
<p>I will leave you with couple of other good speed-reads on the program:</p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> Ryan McGree of ESPN.com has <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/82949/week-3-a-pac-12-turning-point?src=mobile">a really cool read on last weekend's game</a> with some great quotes from Mora and Hundley which has Mora saying, "<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/82949/week-3-a-pac-12-turning-point?src=mobile">our aim is to be specia</a>l," adding "<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/82949/week-3-a-pac-12-turning-point?src=mobile">our aim is not to be average</a>." That would mean UCLA playing in a bowl game after December 31.</li>
<li> ICYMI here <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/football/la-sp-0916-ucla-football-20130916,0,7907898.story#axzz2fD9NSfrS">Chris Foster's full report on Nick Pasquale's memorial service</a> where our players joined a massive, overflow crowd of over 1000 folks at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church. It is worth noting of details of how other Pac-12 teams honored Pasquale, including a <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/football/la-sp-0916-ucla-football-20130916,0,7907898.story#axzz2fD9NSfrS">moment of silence Southern Cal had before their game against Boston Colleg</a>e. Good for them.</li>
</ul>
<p>Any other interesting reads, posts on UCLA football we should be taking note of? Share them in the comment threads here or via fanshots or fanposts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>GO BRUINS.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2013/9/17/4743384/ucla-mora-tahaan-goodman-twitter-new-mexico-state-practice-notesNestor2013-09-16T14:19:39-07:002013-09-16T14:19:39-07:00Spaulding Roundup: Mora's Presser, Barr Honored
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0ya6tYOLeXZPmGzlFafI1fENvzA=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19652345/20130914_jla_st5_691.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coach Jim Mora wraps up Nebraska and looks ahead to NMSU, while Anthony Barr racks up the honors.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H8OATpfQuzc" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>As always, thanks to <a target="_blank" href="http://ucla.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1550176">BruinSportsReport </a>for the video.</p>
<p>Coach Mora's press conference this week went off without a single cell phone ringing, so he went the nearly full 20 minutes today. Not so smart questions did return, but we learn to roll with them as we pick out the info that's relevant:</p>
<p>Let's start by wrapping up the Nebraska game. Coach Mora was appreciative to the Nebraska fans, especially to the student section for releasing the blue and gold balloons, and also for the helmet sticker. Nebraska was going with a black, white and red theme on Saturday, but their helmet sticker was blue for Nick, and Mora really appreciated the gesture. Mora also mentioned that Oregon sent an autographed team poster, Cal reached out to the team, and Southern Cal held a moment of silence, and he was thankful to the other Pac-12 teams.</p>
<p>When dealing with the emotional aspect of Saturday's game, Mora was extremely proud of how his players handled the situation. He was proud that they were able to come back and handle the environment of Nebraska, and the maturity and mental toughness showed by the players was really special. He was asked how draining the game was for him, and he, as always, said it wasn't about him, he was more concerned about Nick's family and the players he was responsible for coaching. He does what he can do to deal with it on his own.</p>
<p>The lesson that Mora hoped that the players took away from the game is that you are responsible for each other's dreams. He mentioned that because we handled business against Nevada, because we had such a large lead, they were able to make Nick's dream come true of playing for UCLA in a game, at the Rose Bowl, in front of his parents.</p>
<p>Looking ahead to New Mexico State, they will begin game prep shortly and will work to make sure there isn't a hangover effect for the kids this week. The goal is to prepare for the opponent but play to the UCLA football standard.</p>
<p>(as a side note, we opened as a <a href="http://linemakers.sportingnews.com/matchup/college-football/201309210064/new-mexico-state-aggies--ucla-bruins">42.5 point favorite over NMSU</a>.)</p>
<p><span>Some other quick notes:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span>Mora praised the efforts of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136321/jake-brendel" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Brendel</a> on the offensive line, along with true freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/219747/alex-redmond" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Redmond</a>, singling out Redmond as one of the players of the game. However he did mention that the tackles, who were getting beat in the first half, needed to improve and be more consistent.</span></li>
<li><span>When asked if the offensive line has improved so much that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38230/brett-hundley" class="sbn-auto-link">Brett Hundley</a> is no longer being sacked, Mora pointed out that Hundley still needs to throw the ball away, and it would be even fewer than 4 sacks, but the line is doing much better in protection.</span></li>
<li><span>When asked if UCLA is the "Oregon of the South" which is a terrible thing for some bonehead reporter probably 400 miles away to say, Mora said we're "just little old UCLA trying to get better every week." </span></li>
<li><span>Mora said <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208081/myles-jack" class="sbn-auto-link">Myles Jack</a> is "special" and he's pretty much proven it in the first two games and will be fun to watch for the next four years, where he could eventually play on offense.</span></li>
<li><span>Anthony Barr may not have a sack yet, and it irritates him immensely that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77913/keenan-graham" class="sbn-auto-link">Keenan Graham</a> is leading the country in sacks, but he's happy that the team is 2-0, but he wants to have more of an impact on the team.</span></li>
<li><span>Mora used to make fun of Seali'i Epenesa for not having a sack. He can't anymore!</span></li>
<li><span>It's great that there are five pac-12 teams ranked in the top 25 and people are recognizing there is some quality football being played here in the Pac-12. Suck it, SEC. (editorial commentary there, he didn't say that.)</span></li>
</ul>
<p>UCLA was named the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2013/team130916.html">Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Team of the week</a>, given by the Football Writers of America, edging out Alabama, Colorado and UCF.</p>
<p>Also, Anthony Barr was named the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waltercamp.org/ohio-state-qb-kenny-guiton-and-ucla-lb-anthony-barr-earn-walter-camp-player-of-the-week-honors/#more-4602">Walter Camp Football Foundation player of the week</a> on defense, after recording 11 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. He was also named the <a target="_blank" href="http://lottimpacttrophy.org/ucla-linebacker-anthony-barr-named-lott-impact-player-week/">Lott Impact player of the week</a>. Hopefully this is the beginning of an upward trend for Barr as quarterbacks are reintroduced to the Barr exam.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruin_football/2013/9/16/4737952/spaulding-roundup-moras-weekly-presser-anthony-barr-honors-and-ucla!x!