Neuheisel gets Bruins back to work
UCLA FOOTBALL REPORT
They practice for the first time since their controversial one-day sabbatical, and the head coach makes them climb the wall this time to leave practice.
The Over The Wall Gang took the field Thursday, as UCLA's football team practiced for the first time since taking its traditional one-day sabbatical Tuesday.
Whatever anger or unhappiness first-year Coach Rick Neuheisel had about the players leaving practice dissipated, though he made them climb the wall to leave practice Thursday -- something they did not do Tuesday.
"They did it right this time," Neuheisel said, as players -- and offensive line coach Bob Palcic -- scurried over the seven-foot wall.
The moment, which followed a Neuheisel meeting with the team Thursday morning, seemed to conclude the matter in a humorous way, with television cameras from a local sports channel watching. Neuheisel also said that apologies were sent out Thursday morning to the high school coaches and players who came to practice Tuesday.
"It probably wasn't the best decision to make, but we learned from it," senior quarterback Ben Olson said. "We did it as a team and we can't dwell on what happened."
A harsh workout as punishment was not part of the lesson, as the Bruins prepared for the second of three scrimmages.
"There was no shouting and hollering," defensive tackle Brigham Harwell said about the Thursday morning meeting. "He just said he was mad that we didn't go over the wall."
Harwell also said, "As a team we're going to make it up to the coaches. Whether it's watching film or being on the field without the coaches, we'll make it up. We can run a practice ourselves."
That seemed to bring the Bruins back to football.
Neuheisel said they will run fewer plays Friday than the 90 they ran in last Saturday's scrimmage.
Offensive coordinator Norm Chow was expecting a smoother performance by the offense, especially the quarterbacks.
"They have a good understanding of what we're trying to get done," Chow said. "The front guys are getting the most reps, so you see more improvement in them. Guys are reacting instead of thinking now."
Olson has seen improvement from his end as well.
"Coach Chow is very particular on how he wants you to do things," Olson said. "Make a quick decision, get the ball off on time, clearly we're showing that now. Where we are now in spring ball to where we were last year at the same time learning a new offense, it's pretty noticeable."
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