Spaulding Roundup: Bruins Head to Tempe

Today the Bruin football team had a walk through and then travelled to Tempe, Arizona in preparation for tomorrow night's big game against the Sun Devils. So while there is nothing to report from Spaulding, we do have some news. There is still no news about Brett Hundley's status, although Coach Mora said yesterday, that he wouldn't play him unless he could bring his full toolbox (running and throwing) and unless the medical staff says Brett is fully ready to go. From Chris Foster:

"It wouldn't be fair to him, it wouldn't be fair to our team, to ask him to go out there and be somebody that he's not," Mora said. "I don't think we can limit him that way. If he does play, he's got to be able to do everything."

So while we wait to see what the game time decision will be, we do have a few things to share with you.

First, UCLA Football put out a nice highlight video today of the Texas game. Some new angles on old plays. Paul Perkins was incredibly impressive and we will need him to continue to excel. Here is the UCLA vs. Texas Highlights, Beat ASU video:

Second, according to College Game Day, of all the undefeated FBS teams, UCLA has played the hardest schedule:

Of the 25 FBS teams still undefeated, UCLA has played the hardest schedule. pic.twitter.com/HmwuElvajC

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 24, 2014

With most schools beginning conference play this week, 4 of the 5 schools will see their schedules get tougher (especially the SEC which played a cupcake non-conference schedule).

As for the ASU game, while we may not be sure that Hundley will play the game, according to Ryan Kartje, ASU Coach Todd Graham has no doubts that he will play:

"He’s going to play," Graham said when asked about Hundley on Tuesday. "There’s no doubt in my mind. We fully expect him to play."

Mora, on the other hand, says the decision needs to be made in Brett's best interest:

"You’re going to push it out as far as you can," Mora said. "You want to make sure you’re making the right decision. At this level, different than the next level, guys aren’t getting paid. This is not a profession. It’s a game."

We also do not know yet if DB Anthony Jefferson will be ready to go tomorrow night.  He injured his ankle in warm-ups before the Texas game. According to Karje, Malcolm Bunche is questionable, but should be ready to go, Fabian Moreau is ready to go, and the newest Bruin, DE Takkarist McKinley will play. With the injuries in the defensive backfield, LB Zach Whitley has been practicing with the secondary this week and Adarius Pickett and Charles Dawson are back practicing with the D.

Jack Wang had a really interesting article in The Los Angeles Daily News about Paul Perkins' "long in the making" career at running back. The article discusses his upbringing in a family of running backs:

Judging by his family tree, this career is hardly a surprise. His father, Bruce, was an Arizona State running back who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts before spending three seasons in the CFL. His grandfather’s brother, Don Perkins, was the first Dallas Cowboy to ever make a Pro Bowl, and was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor in 1976.

Bruce never shoved any expectations on his son. The only story Paul remembers him telling is that he once met Bo Jackson. He never even showed Paul his game film from college or the pros.

The article also has a little follow up to what we saw on "The Drive" after Jacob Brendel gave Paul a little advice:

"If you just hit it off the play side of that one-tech, you’re gone," Brendel said.

The exchange was prophetic. At the start of the second half, on first-and-10 at the Bruins’ own 25-yard line, Neuheisel handed the ball to Perkins. The tailback ran up the middle to the left of Brendel ‑ who had Brown completely blocked off. He made one cut to avoid linebacker Jordan Hicks, then easily side-stepped safety Jordan Hall about 10 yards later.

By the time three tacklers finally surrounded him, Perkins had gained 58 yards. It was the longest run of his 16-game career.

Perkins had a great run.  But congratulation on Brendel for an incredible block!

That's all for now.  Don't forget to catch The Drive tonight:

And if you're looking for a place to watch tomorrow's important game, the list of watch parties is growing!  Of course, we would love to have you join us here on the game thread. Bring your memes and gifs, we're going to need them!

Have a great day and ...

Go Bruins!