Bruins want to take their best shots against zones

Who would have guessed? Rick Neuheisel has UCLA playing as well as USC

Text messages from press row . . .

Bruins go far outside comfort zone with opening loss

UCLA is unrecognizable in its loss to Cal State Fullerton, the worst performance he has seen in 13 years. Many of their problems seem too tough to fix.

Bruins, far from perfect, need lots of practice after loss to Cal State Fullerton

The 68-65 double-overtime defeat reinforces fears the team is in for a rocky season. 'We have a lot of improving to do,' says senior Michael Roll.

Stanley Hasiak regroups and returns

Freshman lineman is back at practice after a trip home to Hawaii to sort things out.

It could be open season on Bruins

UCLA loses opener in two overtimes, doing little to refute notion that young team may be in for a long winter.

Bruins continue to search for a consistent running game

UCLA will try to find consistency with its rushing attack against Arizona State, which has the 21st-ranked rushing defense in the nation.

There goes the neighborhood: How UCLA stadium bid was scuttled

A campus football stadium in Westwood was in the works in 1960s but never made it off the drawing board. Opposition from local residents, some with political connections, may have turned tide.

Bruins can show progress with bowl game

UCLA is on the fringe of bowl eligibility with a 5-5 record, but its chances are hurt by the fact all five losses came in conference play.

Bruins go to backup plan they seldom use

Blowout victory allows UCLA coaches to give playing time to many who normally never leave the sidelines.

Chane Moline runs with opportunity

Senior fullback scores three touchdowns to help Bruins rout Washington State.

Ben Howland puts focus on defense

The Bruins have yet to adopt the coach's trademark pressure defense but plan to incorporate double teams as it prepares for its season opener against an athletic Cal State Fullerton.

Bruins insist they won't take 1-8 Washington State lightly

Linebacker Reggie Carter points out UCLA recently experienced its own five-game losing streak, so the team had better be ready for a tough road game. 'A victory is never guaranteed,' he says.

Derrick Coleman will get first start of season for UCLA

After a rash of fumbles, the Bruins will turn to the 230-pound back against Washington State.

Guard Stan Hasiak returns to the Bruins

Freshman had been involved in numerous incidents, including near fights with teammates.

Bruins look better in final exhibition

UCLA beats Humboldt State, 74-57, as Michael Roll scores 17 points. Bruins open the season Monday against Cal State Fullerton.

The Rose Bowl remains his eternal favorite

There's nothing the author likes more than Saturdays (or any other days) spent around the Pasadena stadium.

Josh Smith commits to play for Bruins

The 6-foot-9 center from Kent, Wash., says the team fits his playing style.

Stan Hasiak leaves Bruins for indefinite amount of time

Coach Rick Neuheisel says the freshman guard, who went home to Hawaii over the weekend, is "dealing with issues."

Ben Howland's challenge: Turning cubs into Bruins

With one exhibition game remaining, the UCLA coach faces the prospect of molding a team out of many freshmen and sophomores. 'We're behind right now,' Howland says.