DorreLavin 30 Cal 21
Karl Dorrell had another Steve Lavin day (winning a game we weren't favored in to save his hide), and Cal and Tedford had a another brain lapse at the end of a game for the second demoralizing week in a row. What a game! At the Rose Bowl you could sense that Cal was going to blow the game and blow it on that final 3rd down. Why Tedford called an out with a wide open field behind him on 3rd down in field goal territory is a mystery, especially given the fiasco the week before. Sure, the run game was stalled (nice job defense) but the run game could have gotten a couple of yards without turning the ball over either. Sure, your kicker missed one already from the exact same location earlier in the game, but it's less risky to have him kick for the win then to call a play that gave the defense a chance to win the game. After what happened to Cal last week, you'd think Tedford would have learned not to mess with the football gods.
In any case, our Bruins came to play today … which was finally good to see. And although we had another set of ridiculous calls by Dorrell, and although Dorrell owes Tedford a thank you card (and Verner!) for Tedford's own stupidity, Dorrell did not lose this game … something that was entirely possible. He didn't outcoach Tedford, but he did not lose (although he played not to lose). Verner saved the game, after Tedford's brain freeze. Without the interception Dorrell would be getting crucified in the press for that pathetic 4th and 1 and for losing a game he should have won. The defense played very well, even with some bad penalties, as they focused on and stopped the run just like we said they should. Dorrell escapes again just when he needed to … but still doesn't carry with him any confidence that he can have his team show up regularly. Dorrell gets lucky at OSU (with OSU turning over their lead and the game), he gets a little lucky against Cal today with Tedford's horrible call, and he gets lucky that Stanford beat SuC on the day he should have received national attention and scorn for a humiliating loss to winless Notre Dame … and lets not forget how lucky he was that Carroll blew it last year and saved Dorrell's job.
Dorrell pulled a Lavin … and the response will be predictable. 4-0 in the Pac-10, back in a 1st place tie with Arizona State, and a key opponent taken care of … the Dorrellistas are already coming out talking championship again. "Dorrell beat Tedford!" "Dorrell beat Tedford!" Next week, another patsy Dorrell has a hard time beating … this time away … at Washington State. Which team will Dorrell have show up??!! Anyone's guess. But one thing is certain, Dorrell did not magically become a great coach overnight … he will lose more games. More tomorrow …
October 20th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
What was that fourth down call?!? Burn a time out to try to draw them offsides? And then punt, when you were on their 38 with one-yard to go. So against Notre Dame, we run a play-action pass with our third-string freshman quarterback. But against Cal, whom Khalil Bell has been running all over all afternoon, we don’t even put Bell in the backfield. Good coaching.
Here’s what Dorrell told reporters after the game, via Brian Dohn’s Inside UCLA:
“I didn’t want to make a mistake,” Dorrell said. “It was long than just fourth-and-1. it was about fourth-and-one-and-a-half. I just didn’t want to put ourselves in a bad situation there. You can get a chance to put them in their end of the field and make them drive to score some points. We were donw by one at the time. We didn’t nail the punt like we wanted to, but our defense came through and protected ourselves.”
October 21st, 2007 at 1:11 am
And, now, the Dorrell apologists at the LA Times are saying that his decision to basically shut down and silence a rocking, pro-UCLA stadium by not going for it on 4th and 1 was ‘coaching 101′. Geez, where did we hear that before…
You know, UCLA fans are all giddy and excited at this upset because it was so unexpected. But, you’ve got to ask yourself why? If you go back to the preseason rankings, Cal and UCLA were both rated very highly and not that far apart. This shouldn’t have been that big of an upset except that we had Dorrell coaching this talented team with a lot of returning starters.
October 21st, 2007 at 3:26 am
You know, everyone seems to be focusing in on the 4th and 1 decision.
Frankly, we should never have been in that position in the first place. For the second game in a row, Dorrell and Training Jay called a pass play on third and one. For the second game in a row, we should have been running the ball up the gut for the first down. For the second game in a row, the pass was incomplete.
In a 3rd and 1 situation, you hand the ball off to your fullback and get the first down. That’s football 101.
You do that, Karl, and you avoid the 4th and 1 situation altogether. Not that I would expect you to realize that.
October 21st, 2007 at 6:03 am
I don’t think this was an upset. I understand that Cal was rank 10 or 12 in whatever poll you are looking but I didn’t think that Cal was all that amazing. We all know about the 4th and 1. Even the TV annuancers were in shock of what had happen. UCLA match well against a team like Cal. Cal’s defense was not better than UCLA’s defense. We all knew that. The key was going to be if UCLA could pass the ball after pounding the ball. Question was answer. This was only one game and they need to keep getting better on offense. One thing is for sure. UCLA defense is starting to play better. I only hope the offense can start clicking and try to get this team going. I know that is not what a lot of people what to hear but I route for UCLA.
October 21st, 2007 at 6:45 am
DUH-rell is still a fool, but I sure am proud of the blue and gold for that game. Are they going to start a “Dump Tedford” site up north? : )
October 21st, 2007 at 8:15 am
Beating Cal has nothing to do with Karl Dorrell saving his job. Beating a Cal team that clearly has lost its edge, simply illustrates that Karl Dorrell shows up to coach when he feels like it, is unable to motivate a team week in and week out, and last but not least, illustrates that Karl Dorrell has squandered the most talent and opportunity of any coach in the nation. The celebration should be reserved for the day he is fired and we hire a coach that comes prepared each and every day to earn his salary.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:35 am
All those who want to dump the coach should not worry about this latest win because he had nothing to do with it. After making the wrong call in a crucial situation, he was saved by a defensive player who made an excellent individual play. Otherwise, because of his direct game deficencies, they probably would have lost. Which leads me to reflect on what a head football coach is really reponsible for? Bottom line:
1. Having the team prepared & ready to play
2. Selecting the team starters & leaders (especially quarterback & captains)
3. His immediate staff that supports his philosophy and strategy
4. Making the crucial calls during a game
5. Making adjustments when the gameplan in # 1 is not working
6. Student academics
Going down the list, a good case can be made that the coach is below norm on almost every item. Personally, I sincerely wish it were different because I truly wanted him to succeed just as several of his young predessors have done. However, his established record over time speaks for itself. And, since it does not appear that he learns or changes, next week and thereafter when the Bruins are favored over a lesser opponent, if form holds true, they will lose. Then when they are major underdogs or even, they will win. The coach will take care of his own demise because eventually the AD will judge him on the basis of unrealized expectations, lack of improvement, and overall performance…and either he will make the hard decision (that’s why he is in that role), or he himself will be gone and the next AD will do what needs to be done, very simple really, it’s enevitable, but it may take a little time…
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I agree with most comments, however getting a better coach requires UCLA to pay a salary that will ensure getting one!
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:49 pm
How about Norm Chow as a Head Coach? I wonder why he has not had an opportunity? Norm Chow has good recruting ties in California. Never mind that he coach at SuC. We need a proven winner that shows passion like Coach Howland does with the Basketball Team. What about Dennis Green as a coach? He has proven himself before at the college level and we all know he is intense and has passion for the game. It is time to move pass Dorrell, because it sure appears that he do not care, whether he does or not.
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:46 am
I like Rick Nuehiesel. Has UCLA ties and is a bonafide effective OC. Norm Chow would be great choice as HC. Never mind he worked for the enemy. Where does KEN NORTON JR. coach again?
October 23rd, 2007 at 9:55 am
Do you guys know that Ken Norton asked Dorrell for a job, and KD turned him away? UNBELIEVABLE!!
Neuheisel was supposed to be the natural choice after Donahue left in 95, but Donahue backdoored him. It made Neuheisel bitter toward UCLA, but I’d be willing to bet he’s ready to return to Westwood. I don’t know if I want him here or not, but I guess he fits all the criteria we want. Even though he was absolved of all his cheating charges, there is a shady element that follows him. I don’t know if we want that kind of attention.
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:19 am
Yes, Diego I knew that. Please read my previous postings. That in itself was a tell-tell sign of things to come. I truly doubt if Anthony Davis, Junior Seau or Ronnie Lott wanted to coach, ol Petey wouldn’t turn them down. He would make room. Dorrell probably feared KN jr. would out shine him or see through his stoic in control demeanor. What a fake!!!
October 23rd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I hung out with the 82 & 83 Rose Bowl teams. I remember Rick as a die hard Bruin!! Always leading the fight song and cheers. The guy had guts at quarterback and lead his team (My friends) to the rose bowl and
demolished Illinois and there #2 ranking and vaunted defense. 45-9
I sat next to his Mother and sister in the stands. Of course he’s still
a little bitter about being passed over but he’d jump at the head job with complete vigor if it was offered. This guy bleeds blue and gold when he gets cut! So he ran into a female athletic director that caught him in a lie up at Washington, So What! Tyronne Wittingham has been there and that guy hasn’t done anything for anyone since he left Stanford!
October 23rd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Look at how the Baltimore Ravnes are fading this year. If Rick gets the offer, he jumps on the next airplane to LA.
October 24th, 2007 at 2:33 am
e40, sorry, I hadn’t read your previous posts, but I knew you were being somewhat facetious in your post. I agree, no way would PC pass up on Ronnie Lott or Jr.,if they wanted to coach at SUC
October 24th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Here’s what I think the coaching future needs to be for UCLA
HC - Rick Neuheisel - a bit of risk for UCLA, but I think no doubt DG will strongly enforce a “keep it clean” rule. He is a recruiting guru, a guy who wants the job, and as stated before- he bleeds blue and gold. He has energy, can motivate kids….he is Pete Carroll with a blue and gold jersey.
OC - Jim Bonds - ex-UCLA QB under Rick and bleeds blue and gold as well. He’s a true diamond in the rough. Currently HC at St Francis HS and has the most spectacular football mind I’ve ever met and I’ve been around football my entire life. He put up mind staggering numbers at Alemany HS with Casey Clausen & Co, and against top opponents. Problem at St Francis is they don’t get the talent. You get this guy some talent, and he’ll make Bob Toledo look like KD.
DC - Dewayne Walker - need I say more! Just keep paying him what he’s worth
Asst DC - Ken Norton - at some point, DC is gone. KN is a good underlink to fill the void when it probably occurs. It’s remarkable that KD declined KN for the UCLA linebacker coaching job. Norton brings energy.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Valencia Bruin, I have never read a post that’s ever made more sense than this one. You are definitely a brillant mind!!! Yes, Rick is risky, but this is his alma mater. I dont think he would take such risk that would tarnish UCLA’s gold. Norm Chow would be a great choice also( if nothing more just to stick it to U$uC fan!).Will DG be willing to pay the salaries required to attract either one? With the excitement and talent either choice would bring, the Rose Bowl would average 90k a game like U$uC and that should cover all salary issues. And lets not forget increased merchandising sales and BCS bowl pay outs.(I’ve never seen so many U$uC jersey’s worn in my life since ol Petey arrived and turn their program around)_
October 25th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Here Here for Valencia Bruin. The trouble with your suggestion is that it makes perfect sense! Why do something that would improve the program is present management focus.
With that being said maybe you need to make one adjustment to your proposal.
Who will be the new Athletic Director to implement your rebuilding plan!
October 25th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
I don’t think Norm Chow is much of an option. Is a fantastic OC, but questionable with a HC job. He doesn’t have the moxie to be a HC (much like KD). And I am too sick of seeing SC shirts everywhere.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Stop short of saying we have to fire DG. The guy has been a great AD. When he came in, he had to address bball first. Remember, he had to firings and two hirings to make. He had to address bball first. That’s how things are in Westwood when it comes to bball.
It’s now time to address football, though. Remember, he played at UCLA. He wants to see football strong, but you guys have to realize that the UCLA administration is cheap and it gets in teh way. WE have to address all of our concerns to them, not DG. We have to appeal to the Administration so that they let DG do his job.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:07 am
I agree Diego, BBALL is always 1st! Also you’re right when it comes to DG. He can only do what his boss’ allows him to. That’s probably what led to KD’s hiring in the first place.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:56 am
The problem that the administration needs to look at is, when the team becomes just another mediocre program, the revenue that the program generates will start to evaporate. No disrespect to the Baseball program or the other sports programs, but I do believe that Football and Basketball pay for the much of the Athletic department’s budget. (and alot of other school programs)
So back to what is the priority of the AD??? Maybe he is just waiting for that Anteater’s job to become available, where baseball and basketball are their only sports!
Back to Bruin in Valencia - Norm Chow, a great OC, historically the good OC’s make lousy head coaches…Paul Hackett, Bill Callahan, and of course don’t let me forget to include NORV TURNER. Norm Chow should be considered as an OC….by the way how is he doing in Tennesee these days?
October 26th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Every one of Valencia’s picks is right on the money. Neuheisel’s “ethics problems” were really a bunch of bull. He’d definitely be a big improvement over the retarded clown (no disrespect meant to real retarded clowns) that we have now. DUH-rell always looks like he’s having a hemorrhoid attack on the sidelines. What a motivator!
October 26th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
One other comment about DG, he did Fire The Greasy One and Forced Adams out in Baseball…. I know it’s not given much due, but for those of you who don’t know Adams was a horrible coach at UCLA for 30+ years, we still haven’t won a CWS game. The new Coach Savage has us on the verge with a loaded group of young talent, and DG brought this guy in. I think he’s a little slow with Duh-rell cause it was his guy, but I think he’s a winner, and a couple years from now we’ll be thanking God for DG, cause Dallis was a brain dead schlep-rock. Keep focus guys… Duh-rell is the target, and the tumor at UCLA….. Keep the pressure on getting rid of RADIO!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
I’ve never understood the salary restriction thing. Where is it coming from? Cause its a public school?
With Cal, their administration is even more academically snobbish. I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t understand the importance of college athletics, yet they have Tedford and now they’re investing millions of dollars in their program to keep Tedford.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Finally, a blog with some insight…Dorrell wasn’t the best choice to begin with, just the safest one, and the team plays the same way…the fan base is unquestionable, the kids play their hearts out, now take the leap and “Howland-nize” the sidelines…in agreement with Valencia Bruin, and just think how great the March Madness “calcutta” pool would be with Neuheisel in attendance
October 26th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Dana,
I’m confused about the same salary thing as well. Other thing to consider is how can UCLA pay their basketball coach 1.5M and their football coach 850K. I’m no CPA genius, but something doesn’t add up here.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Dana,
Here’s another thought on budgets and payrolls. Assuming my previous numbers are correct, and we only pay our football HC 850K per year. Difference between that and 1.5M for a real coach is 650K, divided by 6 home games per year, equals $108,333, divided by an average attendance of say 60,000, equates to an increase in ticket costs of $1.80 per ticket. Would you pay an extra $1.80/game or $10.83/year for a 1.5M coach?
Gee, would I pay $1.80 a game for a coach, or $3.00 for a bottle of water at a game?
October 27th, 2007 at 6:23 am
$3.00 a bottle? I Think I paid $6 at the last game VB, so I’ll get used to $7 for a bottle of water. And let’s not forget to add a couple of bucks to the parking fees as well. See what a mess Dorrell has created!
Seriously, you are correct with your response to Dana, there are certainly alternatives to consider about how to cover the costs of attracting a big name coach. With a successful program comes lots of endorsements as well.
Sorry for making this next point, but if a small college like Fresno State can pay Pat Hill $1.2 million (and the boosters provide him with a red Hummer to drive) certainly a distinguished school at the forefront of cutting edge learning and ideas can figure out a way to fund a top $ coach.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:43 am
How much money, and prestige for UCLA, would be generated if we were playing up to our potential, contending for national titles every year, or at least playing in major bowl games with major TV $$$. The bottom line is that DUH-rell is costing the university money because of the mediocrity of his program. Not to mention the damage to the reputation of UCLA - what are we, the school that settles for less? Underachiever U? It wasn’t like that when I went there, in academics or athletics. Keeping this clown is a slap in the face to all UCLA alumni, students, faculty, and fans.