UCLA math: Four equals one
UCLA FOOTBALL FYI
That's four strong quarters equals one good game -- the goal against Washington.
If all UCLA's football team is striving for -- four focused quarters, a perfectionist's approach to fundamentals -- could be accomplished in one game, it would appear Saturday's at winless Washington would be the one.
In a 3-6 season where flaws at quarterback and offensive line and defensive breakdowns have sabotaged any legitimate hope at a bowl invitation, the Bruins want this to be a showcase.
"We're focused on finishing as strongly as we start," linebacker Reggie Carter said. "We've been playing good for two quarters or three. We're shooting for four. Our defense needs some swagger, and the guys are fired up for this. We've had fun this week, and that's what the game should be. We've got to continue doing this up there."
UCLA coaches stressed attention to detail this week in practice, shouting out instructions such as, "Look alive!" to lumbering offensive linemen, and, "Stay on your angles, go low!" to tackling defenders.
Tight end Ryan Moya said he sensed the importance of heightened awareness when he leaped to make an impressive catch in the end zone, only to be greeted not by clapping but the shout of Coach Rick Neuheisel telling him "to make sure I read the defensive coverage right."
"We've gone back and made sure we're doing all the little things right," Moya said. "This is the opportunity to get back on our feet. Guys have stepped up as leaders this week, and the coaches are on us about accountability."
Pugmire is a Times staff writer.
lance.pugmire@latimes.com
