Slow starter
Though UCLA quarterback Cory Paus finished the day with 216
yards on 12-of-24 passing against the Beavers, there were times in
the first half that head coach Bob Toledo considered benching the
junior signal-caller.
Toledo gave Paus an earful on the sidelines at Reser Stadium
after the quarterback misfired on eight consecutive passes in the
first half, as well as getting sacked twice.
“There was a point when I thought about sitting (Paus)
down for a series,” Toledo said in Monday’s press
conference. “But he’s our quarterback. Let’s not
get into a quarterback controversy. He’s 4-0, he hasn’t
thrown an interception, and he’s one of the leading passers
in the nation.”
Toledo also acknowledged that he is especially hard on Paus
because of the magnitude of the quarterback position in getting the
team on an early roll.
“He’s just got to understand that he has to start
stronger,” Toledo said.
Added Paus, “He is tough on me, but it’s nothing
that I can’t handle.”
Heisman what?
The Heisman talk about DeShaun Foster is just starting to pick
up, but Saturday’s 147-yard, three-touchdown game against the
Beavers has already garnered the Bruin tailback a few midseason
awards.
Foster was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week for his
stellar performance, and was additionally awarded a special
“Gladiator Award” by the UCLA coaching staff. The
award, given to players who have notable performances during the
season, was given only once last year to flanker Freddie
Mitchell.
“It’s kind of a special award,” Toledo said.
“You have to play really well to get it.”
As to all that Heisman talk, the UCLA Athletic Department has
yet to launch a campaign comparable to that of other candidates
across the nation.
“If they don’t want to promote me, I guess
that’s it,” Foster said. “Everybody has their
reasons. I just try to show up each week and go from there. You
always want to get pumped on the Heisman. If you’re playing
well you want to get some kind of recognition for it.”
Injury update
Though the bye-week could potentially slow down what has been a
streaking team, it will give the Bruins a chance to rest injured
players.
Three players sustained concussions against Oregon State,
including linebacker Robert Thomas and receivers Tab Perry and Cody
Joyce. The three will play sparingly in practices this week.
Other players who will be rested are defensive tackle Ken Kocher
(sprained knee), fullback Matt Stanley (high ankle sprain), tight
end Mike Seidman (hip-pointer), and tackle Mike Saffer (knee
injury).
Notes compiled by Joshua Mason, Daily Bruin Staff.