September 21, 2007
Bouncing Back
Brian Dohn ran an interesting graphic in yesterday's Daily News listing Dorrell's biggest losses and how the team fared in it's next game. In each case, the team bounced back and won. Unfortunately, a couple of those losses occurred in bowl games so the analysis is flawed in that the team that lost wasn't the one that bounced back .. it was a new team and the game they bounced back in was the first game of the new season which were gimmes.
The other major flaw in Dohn's analysis is that it doesn't include other embarrassing losses during the Dorrell era. Take Notre Dame last year … we got spanked by Wazzu 37-15 (and it wasn't that close) at home the very next game. Not exactly a bounce back there. Nor did we bounce back after the Wazzu loss, taking a beating up at Cal the very next game. We could go back to 2003 and list 4 of the 5 straight losses to end the season as evidence of no bounce back .. since we were beaten soundly in every game against Washington State, then Oregon, then SuC, and then Fresno State.
What is interesting about Dohn's analysis are the quotes from Dorrell and his players after every disappointing loss … they always say essentially the same thing. The team lacked focus, heart, passion, they overlooked the opponent, they gave a game away etc. etc. etc. Preparation, focus, playing to win, heart and passion is always about coaching. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. It's a little nuts that Dorrell is still our football coach. To the list:
UCLA Football Bad Losses and Bounce Backs under Dorrell
Result: Wyoming 24, UCLA 21 (Dec. 23, 2004)
Reaction: “We all have to question how we play this game. If we played inspired football like we did against 'SC, then I think it's a different outcome. I don't know if we put everything into each and every play,’’ UCLA quarterback Drew Olson said.
Next game: UCLA 44, San Diego State 21 (2005 opener)
Result: Arizona 52, No. 7 UCLA 14 (Nov. 5, 2005)
Reaction: “We thought we were better than we really were. We have to come out and know that any given Saturday we can lose. That's how it is. You have to be able to play football with a heart and passion and not underestimate anyone,’’ UCLA tailback Maurice Drew said.
Next game: UCLA 45, Arizona State 35
Result: No. 1 USC 66, No. 11 UCLA 19 (Dec. 3, 2005)
Reaction: “We had a great week of practice, and to perform the way we did is disappointing. That's what our players are saying. We did not operate at a level we're capable of. That's not taking anything away from USC. They're a very, very good football team, but we're a better team than showed up,’’ UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said.
Next game: UCLA 50, Northwestern 38
Result: Florida State 44, UCLA 27 (Dec. 27, 2006)
Reaction: “We can be a great team and compete with anybody, and there are other games where we just give games away,’’ UCLA running back Chris Markey said.
Next game: UCLA 45, Stanford 17 (2007 opener)
Result: Utah 44, No. 11 UCLA 6 (Sept. 15, 2007)
Reaction: “It can’t get worse than this. It’s one thing to go out there and fight, but it’s another to get your (butt) kicked up and down the field,’’ UCLA cornerback Trey Brown said.
Next game: UCLA hosts Washington Saturday
