Who do you think will play?

In general I think the 4/5 will be Berke and Adem with Mara subbing in for both and playing alongside the other. Nwuba can likely play with Bona or Berke as well.

I see Andrews, Mack, and Stef as our other three starters with Vide, Fibeuil, D. Williams as our three primary backups. McClendon will need to find time by making plays and locking down his man, but ultimately if we are going to be a great team, he is likely the odd man out.

That is basically a 9-man rotation with McClendon, B. Williams and Nwuba playing as needed.

I used to think we can play Berke at the 3 with Mara at 5 and Bona at 4, but I don’t think that team works defensively against teams who can shoot from outside. Mara isn’t quick enough and Bona will be in foul trouble chasing guys around the perimeter.

Chip Kelly’s media session before practice:

Login to view embedded media

Looks like Chip has finally received the message.
Go Bruins.
Login to view embedded media

In addition to the video you saw yesterday (and embedded) with Mick Cronin’s formal press conference in Honolulu, there was also a separate side session UCLA recorded and sent me audio of that I transcribed a bit.

The most interesting bits were some insight on international clearance and Cronin’s thoughts on changes needed in the future as it pertains to recruits overseas:

Now that UCLA is moving taking their act to the big stage and finally has the money to hire a big time HC. Hiring an NFL retread or some coach from a mid-tier conference ain't going to cut it. They need a coach that will hit the ground running from Year One. He needs to move the needle and bring some big-time talent both players and staff. I hate losing guys the Ken Norton Jr, Jerry Neuheisel, Foster and Lynn

I don't mind losing 40-50 current players as long as the replacements are better than the guys they're replacing. The new HC has a gigantic task ahead with some tough opponents in 2024.

I hate these 7:30 games

The three-star APB has backed off his UCLA commit with the uncertainty surrounding Chip Kelly and the Bruins

Login to view embedded media

What Bowl will they play in?

In the over 100 years of UCLA football history only one coach had a higher winning percentage in years 4-6 than Chip has right now.

His name was Red Sanders.

I want to see Crybaby Caleb crying his eyes out

It wasn’t pretty but he led Browns to win on final drive.

Here is Mick Cronin press conference (thanks to Freddy for passing it along):

Login to view embedded media

I think you have to go with the guy who beat SC and is 4-1 in the games he has started.

What a happy Sunday Morning.
Has it ever happened that UCLA held SC to 3 yards rushing? And contained a Heisman
winner and likely #1 NFL pick to a second-half shutout? And all at the Coliseum?
Congratulations to the players and coaches for a first-rate performance. Awesome.

This morning’s latest story:

Chip Kelly:

Login to view embedded media
QB Ethan Garbers, RB T.J. Harden:

Login to view embedded media
TE Hudson Habermehl, safety Kenny Churchwell III, edge rusher Laiatu Latu:

Login to view embedded media
Plus the breakdown:

But it’s the lack of detail and effort to be better than 9 wins that sets me in the direction that Chip is the wrong guy.

If we had lost to Utah, OSU, Arizona even in the frustrating fashion with big mistakes…I would grumble but be OK. When you add in the total disaster that was ASU, the season suddenly all seems mailed in.

If we beat Cal, we end up 5-4 in the PAC, but with no quality wins and losses to three teams we could have beaten and one we definitely should have.

With a couple better OL, some better QB evaluation, and decent kicking and returns, this team could have easily been 11-1.

I think the players can feel the vibes that this may be CCK last game at UCLA. Maybe some would thinking about the NFL or how much NIL money their next team will pay them. Maybe they’re feeling that they won’t be on the roster next season and are planning their move?

I wonder if he found all those receipts. It’s amazing all the hype from the media and the nacho eaters clamoring over the guy wishing we hired him as well as the media ranking him in the top 20. I said it was fools gold then and yep it is. Love seeing braggers get their due. Something to be said about being humble

Login to view embedded media Beat SC!!!

Jan Vide and Adem Bona:

Login to view embedded media
Cronin video currently uploading.

Login to view embedded media
Wasn’t able to get around to a game preview with all the football/Chip Kelly madness and other HS freelance work, but I am here tonight.

No official word yet on the NCAA clearance status of Berke Buyuktuncel.