Monday, October 26, 1998
Football Notebook
Thomas comes through in end
True freshman linebacker Robert Thomas had a total of seven
tackles entering the game against Cal and left with only one more
to add to his total.
However, that one tackle was a major turning point in the game
as Thomas stripped the ball at the 2-yard line with 34 seconds left
in the second half.
Although Ryan Nece has received more playing time over Thomas,
Thomas proved why he is one of the top recruits of the incoming
class.
"Thomas is a big time player," safety Larry Atkins said. "He
just naturally knows how to play well. For a freshman, he plays
like he is experienced."
It’s a flagfest
Big Brother (Cal) and the Little Sister school (UCLA) seemed to
be in a sibling rivalry Saturday. Before the sound of the final
horn, both teams would accumulate 18 penalties (including 12 by
UCLA) for 113 yards. The penalties contributed to UCLA’s bad field
position: UCLA would be pinned six times inside the 10 and a total
of nine times inside the 20.
Cal had six penalties for 80 yards, many of which gave UCLA new
life and prolonged their drives, including a personal foul which
set up a 13- yard scamper by Jermaine Lewis that gave UCLA a 21-9
lead.
Sailer, McNown attempt long kicks
It was supposed to be a simple point after attempt, but it
turned into a 45-yard bomber. After UCLA scored a touchdown on a
pass reception by Brian Poli-Dixon, Chris Sailer was sent out to
make the PAT, but due to a personal foul and two false starts,
Sailer was forced to kick from the 45-yard line.
The PAT would be an omen for the day to come, as Sailer would
have troubles in his punting game. He averaged 33.6 yards per kick
in part due to a strained groin.
Cade McNown dove into the punting action as Toledo had him quick
kick the ball which would travel 49 yards. It would be McNown’s
third quick punt during a conference game, all of them coming
against Cal.
Stephens’ first start a smash hit
Jason Stephens started his first game as a free safety against
Cal and made a huge impact, finishing the game with eight tackles
(six unassisted). He would also get a sack for a loss of five
yards.
"I thought I played pretty well but I have a lot I still need to
work on. For my first game I did average," Stephens said.
UCLA streaks on
Sixteen and counting.
The Bruins are on a 16-game winning streak, keeping its
undefeated record and making it the only undefeated team in the
Pac-10. UCLA is also looking towards a number one ranking in the
Bowl Championship Series poll, which determines who will travel to
the Fiesta Bowl. The poll is partially based on strength of
schedule. Cal, on the other hand, has now lost two straight.
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