The Show Me Season: Scrimmage Day Open Thread
Are you ready for some football?
I am sure many of you are heading down (or up) to Westwood this afternoon for the much anticipated scrimmage. If you still haven't made up your mind and are looking for last minute details here is the info. And if you are too lazy to scroll down here are todays scrimmage related news and notes.
SPJ has been rounding into shape and will try to maintain his recent good form at practice:

Photo Credit: Bruinslowflrezcmalcolm37
The scrimmage begins approx around 11 am PST. Also in case you haven't had a chance to go through it yet, here is the online version of 2007 media guide. Lots of goodies in there that you an over while sipping coffee on a Sat. morning.
If are checking in after coming back from the scrimmage please post your notes in the comment thread. Of course if you took pictures and have uploaded them on flickr, share the links here, or feel free to email them to us bruinsnation@gmail.com.
In just two weeks the Show Me Season gets started for real.
We are getting antsy.
GO BRUINS.
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The story above, the poll here
by TuneMan7 on Aug 18, 2007 11:36 AM PDT 0 recs
Washingt Post will rank UCLA 11th
by Nestor on Aug 18, 2007 11:39 AM PDT 0 recs
Washington Post feature on the Bruins
The article discusses the high expectations for the team, both from the outside as well as from the players, though the piece focuses on 2 things: 1) the win over SC, and 2) DeWayne Walker, especially his having coached a year at SC under Carroll.
by bruinhoo on
Aug 19, 2007 7:32 AM PDT
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Emphasis on Walker makes sense
by Nestor on
Aug 19, 2007 9:38 AM PDT
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additionally
by bruinhoo on
Aug 19, 2007 7:38 AM PDT
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not that much Pac-10 love by the AP
by bruinhoo on Aug 18, 2007 1:47 PM PDT 0 recs
Just got back from scrimmage
QB
- Olson 7/10 61 yards .. looked average, but did was more secure with the ball.
- Cowen 6/10 51 yards ... looked better than Olson at times due to scrambling but almost picked off 3 or 4 times and was hurried more often.
- Bethel-Thompson 5/11 46 yards ... looked good
- Rasshan 3/37 - looked real good, missed easy pass for TD (right through his hands)
- Everett 2/30
- Ketchum 2/27
- Johnson - not tallied yet ... had a great catch at the sidelines near end zone over a defender. Looked real good.
- Sheppard 12/46 - few great tough runs
- Bell 7/40 - a couple good break out runs
- Carew 17/38 3 TDs (1, 2, 2 yds - lots of fakes and tricks)
- Markey 1 TD (3 yd ... not tallied yet but some good some horrible. Caught from behind from a lineman, caught backfield a few times)
- 115 plays from scrimmage
- 25 drives
- 13 total first downs
- 4 TDs Offense (1, 3, 2, 2 yrds all rushing) all during Red Zone only drives
- 1 TD Defense (fumble recovery 30+ yards)
- 3 FGs (43, 48, 32)
- 3 missed FGs (29, 42, 45 blocked by Verner)
- 5 Punts (33/7 yr return Graves; 45/0 down at 3; 42 [Rees]1 Austin; 57 3 Graves; 27/0) - many other stalled drives with no punts or FG attempts
- 37 1st Down plays, 11 passing
- 7 Penalties
- 12 shot gun formations (could have been more)
- 6 fumbles (many by QBs Cowan/Forcier on hikes)
- 6 sacks (3 Cowen)
- 4 batted passes
- 5 near interceptions (mostly Cowen)
- many hurries
- hard to keep stats, but these names kept coming up on tackes: Slater, Bosworth, Verner, Hale, Horton, Schmidt, Meadows, Brown)
Las bit - a big scare for a family member of DT Jerry Siewierski, looked like his grandfather. The heat got to him and as the scrimmage ended he needed emergency medical attention, which came slowly. He stopped breathing, went blue, the shock paddles came out and they shocked him back to life. Incredible to see. He was breathing again as he was loaded into the ambulance. Jerry was visibly upset, but looked much better when he saw that his grandfather (?) was breathing again.
by BruinCore on Aug 18, 2007 2:58 PM PDT 0 recs
thanks
by bruinmikeh on
Aug 18, 2007 3:16 PM PDT
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Overall - not inspiring
Defensively we looked good, but top 10 in the nation ... we'll have to see. The secondary is still our weak spot, but our RBs did break through the line quite a few times. Can't tell you who was on the field then (1st or 2nd team) but this was not a dominating rush defense. I would not put too much on their performance however. I see them being good ... they have to show me more for me to say they are great.
by BruinCore on
Aug 18, 2007 3:23 PM PDT
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More clarification
That is the word, this offense is in no single place consisten .. not one position, not one player.
by BruinCore on
Aug 18, 2007 3:29 PM PDT
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Just posted my thoughts a bit after yours.
by meow meow on
Aug 18, 2007 4:29 PM PDT
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yep
by BruinCore on
Aug 18, 2007 7:01 PM PDT
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micah reed?
by hawk on
Aug 19, 2007 8:18 AM PDT
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yes
by BruinCore on
Aug 19, 2007 9:07 AM PDT
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thanks for the nice post
by hawk on
Aug 19, 2007 8:22 AM PDT
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good stuff
* i never was a fan of Cowan. Ben should have a ton of success early in the season.
by uclabruins05 on Aug 18, 2007 3:11 PM PDT 0 recs
Lots of thoughts and lots of emotions, so I hope..
Now onto my observations, starting with the breakfast festivities...
First, the burritos were pretty good at the breakfast, although the lines were long and stalled, since it only looked like one guy was making burritos for a thousand people. Second, I couldn't hear what Guerrero, Geoff the cheerleader guy (who is an awesome man!), or Dorrell were saying during their breakfast speeches since the sound system that was set up was shitty...again, just like the spring scrimmage, it seems that planning and logistics for football events is a bit lacking...yet, our school is committed to football...yeah, ok. Keywords or phrases that I did catch during Dorrell's speech were as follows: "This is the most talented team we have had", "these guys have given 110%", "we are making progress and are coming together", "I have high expectations"...I think it was the same speech he gave at last year's breakfast. He also introduced the coaches, including Eric Scott, who received a loud cheer from the many Dorrellistas at the function...myself not included.
Now from the scrimmage...
I will start with the positive. I thought that the o-line looked much, much, much improved from what I saw at the spring scrimmage. The first team actually looked like they were getting a push at the line of scrimmage against our first team d-line. I only counted about three false start penalties throughout the entire scrimmage, and it looked overall like they were giving Olson and Cowan enough time to throw for the majority of the scrimmage...and I felt good about that, given the defense that they were lining up against. Further, Bell, Carew and Sheppard had some nice runs as a result of the blocking up front, and Bell actually manufactured some yards, given his tough running style. Markey, well, he looked good at times but let's just say I'm not too impressed...and I doubt any of our opponents will be either. Raymond Carter could have helped and I spotted Milton Knox at the scrimmage...too bad he can't suit up now!
Some nice catches from Dominique Johnson, Gavin Ketchum and Osaar Rashaan. Osaar dropped a t.d. pass, and did push-ups on the field as a result, however overall, he is a playmaker and could do some exciting things given his size and speed. His speed alone is a plus...since, he blew by the DB on a few plays, causing the DB to just hold him on one play and get flagged for P.I.
I don't recall Joe Cowan, Breazell, Austin or Everett doing much, nor was the tight end position utilized much in the passing game which are all concerns to me. One of the previously mentioned WR's made a nice 25 yard catch from Olson in the beginning of the scrimmage...a beautifully thrown ball...which also happened to be Olson's only highlight.
I am one of the biggest Olson supporters out there, but he does not look comfortable in game situations. Watching him throw the ball in warm-ups is a thing of beauty, but once there is a defense putting pressure on him, he looks indecisive. Dear SPJ, it is ok to throw the ball out of bounds rather than hold onto it for 5 seconds...it is better than a sack. In his defense, he was playing against our defense and I did not see much separation from our first team receivers against our starting DB's...that defense is STINGY and when they wanted to stop our offense, they did just that. Olson had the time to throw, he just either can't make a decision, doesn't have the speed at the receiver position to create separation and a window to throw the ball, or a combination of all of both...including a shitload of "installations" that have him confused. Again, in his defense, he didn't throw an INT since he wasn't forcing the ball...but he wasn't throwing much either.
Pat Cowan, bless his soul. He can create with his feet, as he was able to escape the rush and made a couple of nice throws, but he is not bigtime D-1 program material (I know, who am I to make such an assertion?, but he is tough to watch at times). His inaccuracy throwing the ball is still obvious, not as bad as the Nutbowl performance, but it is still an issue. I just hope that Olson improves in the next two weeks because our WCO is in trouble if Cowan is the starter for the entire season.
Not many downfield throws by Olson and Cowan, some shotgun formations, but largely inneffective and none of the excitement promised by Dorrell and Norvell. I only hope that they were hiding the passing plays that will be used throughout the season and that our defense really is THIS GOOD.
Oh, I almost forgot. Dorrell has continued his love affair with field goal kickers. Kai Forbath has a strong leg and looked for the most part accurate during his NINE or TEN field goal attempts. Instead of utilizing many of those fourth down situations for offensive growth and development, he decided to bring in the field goal kicker. I made my disgust for this typical Dorrell tactic known during the scrimmage, and a Dorrell supporter opened his mouth.
What a wuss, first of the all the guy looked as though he never played a down of football in his life, therefore he can't comprehend the importance of scoring TOUCHDOWNS, but I bet he tears it up in his fantasy league...he had the nerve to tell me that the scrimmage was not in any way geared for spectator entertainment but for the players, including the kicker, to get as much game time experience as possible. I agreed that the scrimmage is first and foremost for player development of course, but it also a way to get the fans excited about the upcoming season...why else would the Alumni Band be there, as well as Geoff and other cheerleaders leading eight claps? Did I, (a) come out on my Saturday to sit in near 100 degree sun with no shade to watch field goal after field goal or perhaps, (b)witness some sort of progress offensively and perhaps maybe some excitement that was missing offensively last year to get me all fired up for the upcoming season?
Football is largely entertainment and it is the biggest moneymaker for the university...a university that I care deeply for...and I want to see the Rose Bowl packed and I want to go to a BCS game, which all bring money to our university...but that won't happen if our field goal kicker is our best weapon (Refer to last season...in particular just before the half of the Nut Bowl, when the life could have possibly been sucked out of FSU with a TOUCHDOWN, but instead we kicked a field goal on a fourth and goal, giving them an ounce of life, which turned into an ass-kicking by the eighth ranked team in the ACC.)
Overall, the scrimmage left me a bit confused, yet optimistic due to our o-line play and of course that defense. Most of the attendees that I spoke with seemed to be of a similar mindset, the "if not now, then when" one. There seemed to be more fellow Bruins who are fed up with the Dorrell regime, but the supporters of mediocrity were in full swing at the breakfast, as well as the scrimmage. I hope to see the team and Dorrell succeed, and of course it would be a great thing for all of us who care about the program and our university. But nothing today made me even slightly glad or thankful that he is our head football coach for yet another season.
Again these are just my observations and my opinion...and before you bash me, please say a prayer for the elderly man that was struggling for his life in the stands at the end of the scrimmage. Regardless of your take, or on whatever side of the fence that you are on (Pro-Dorrell or Dump-Dorrell), we are all Bruins.
by meow meow on Aug 18, 2007 4:23 PM PDT 0 recs
9 or 10 field goal attempts????
by bornagainbruin on
Aug 18, 2007 8:51 PM PDT
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It was field goal day I guess...
by meow meow on
Aug 18, 2007 8:59 PM PDT
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That is so disappointing.....but
by bornagainbruin on
Aug 18, 2007 9:08 PM PDT
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meow, core, Pops
by Nestor on
Aug 19, 2007 9:43 AM PDT
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THANKS
by ryebreadraz on Aug 18, 2007 6:53 PM PDT 0 recs
My version on the good, the bad, and the ugly...
The Bad:
-Offensive Line (in my view): Though the line did do better than expected, without a serious face lift on it I think that it is inevitable that Ben Olson will be hurt, along with the more versatile Cowan succeeding more. There is definetly room for improvement and with some more practice perhaps the line could be fixed up.
-Passing game: Not as accurate as I had hoped. Even though there were a few nice catches, there were far more opportunities for nice throws.
The Eh: (the majority of what I saw before me)
-Running game: Though there were some excellent runs, they were not by the starters and supposed lead running backs (e.g. Sheppard and Carew played great, while Bell and Markey were disappointing)
-Penalties: I guess they are unavoidable, and all teams make mistakes, but wouldn't it be nice to have a sound team that did not have to commit penalties? Maybe I'm dreaming but that would be an immense improvement if penalties don't pop up so often as in previous years.
-Carrying/Handing (fumbles): I had expected a few dropped plays because of the perhaps lack of familiarity so I put this under the Eh column. I believe we had 6 or 7 fumbles or close calls.
-Karl Dorrel: Play calling was disappointing, including all the field goals attempted. How does the team grow from that?
-WEATHER: I got pretty badly sunburned and you know its bad outside when people bring umbrellas to a football game.....
-The water: Wasn't cold enough :P
-In-n-out being replaced by Carls Jr. truck: L
The Good:
-Defensive line: Lots of hurries, a sack or two and two fumble recoveries (might have been 1?) Overall I was impressed and glad, in my view, we can rely on SOMETHING to be consistant.
-Defensive backs: Either it was bad throws or good pressure/guarding and I'd like to give the benefit of the doubt to the latter.
-Special Teams: Karl Dorrell must really like this Kai Forbath and the special teams for doing so many field goal attempts.
The Most Excellent (Ref.: Bill+Ted):
-The post practice autograph session: Never have I seen college players sign so many posters and books. Big props to whoever came up with that. I must have come home with 40 autographs including Bruce Davis, Ben Olson and Chris Markey, so that made the weather worth it.
-The presence of recruits: I spotted 5 recruits at the game including Milton Kno, Donovan Carter and Aaron Hester, indicating that they are trying to raise excitement with incoming recruits, which excited me as well! (And I got there autographs)
I am sure I missed something but this is my version of our UCLA scrimmage's The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
If you read all of this I love you lol.
by PopnFried on Aug 18, 2007 7:03 PM PDT 0 recs
I just read all of it
Thank you so much guys.
GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on
Aug 19, 2007 9:40 AM PDT
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Also:
by PopnFried on Aug 18, 2007 7:05 PM PDT 0 recs
Uh, I'm 6'3"...
Also, I gotta disagree with you on the o-line as a negative...they have made tremendous strides as a unit since what they showed at the spring game. I happen to feel quite optimistic about their play...I think the inconsistency comes from the receivers inability to get open, Olson's and Cowan's inability to make the proper reads, and our lack of a true stud at running back. It seems to me that most of our playmakers are still being rotated with the second and third strings too (see Osaar Rashaan and Dominigue Johnson).
by meow meow on
Aug 18, 2007 8:55 PM PDT
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Wow, you really are optimistic.
Maybe they haven't all had their installations yet. Installations are the key, as you know.
by Fox 71 on
Aug 18, 2007 9:32 PM PDT
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Optimistic only based on the o-line play.
I remain optimistic to justify the money I spent for the breakfast, the money I spent for my season tickets, as well as the painful sunburn that I obtained while sitting at Drake in that sun. But based on my original post, Karl is still our coach, he still loves field goals, he still believes in his WCAO (which appears to be a problem area for Olson) and this season, I will still most likely ask myself why I dedicate my Saturdays in fall to this madness.
by meow meow on
Aug 19, 2007 8:45 AM PDT
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The Madness
The question is...can we ever return to a sane and prominent football team. I say yes!...I hope
by PopnFried on
Aug 19, 2007 1:43 PM PDT
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Well Obviously..
by PopnFried on
Aug 19, 2007 1:40 PM PDT
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UCLA Stat Man has all the stats!
by BruinCore on Aug 18, 2007 7:30 PM PDT 0 recs














