Road game means feasting as a team

It’s not quite like home, but the UCLA football team will have Thanksgiving dinner at a hotel in the Phoenix area where they are spending the night before Friday’s game against Arizona State.

Some players said they would miss being with family.

“It’s not like we’re going to get to sit there and eat and chow down on turkey before we play,” receiver Terrence Austin said.

But others did not seem to mind, offensive lineman Scott Glicksberg saying: “It’ll be cool. I’ll be with my teammates.”

Coach Rick Neuheisel is accustomed to celebrating the holiday with his players. During his time as the coach at Colorado, the Buffaloes played Nebraska on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

“It’s a special time,” he said. “Everybody wants to be with their families but in some ways . . . we hope this is an extension of family.”

The centerpieces on every table will include canned and packaged goods for a Thanksgiving dinner and a $20 gift card to purchase a turkey, all of which will be donated to 40 families through an organization that helps the homeless in Phoenix.

More Thanksgiving

The Bruins held a short practice amid sprinkles on Wednesday night. Afterward, Neuheisel praised his oft-maligned quarterback, Kevin Craft.

Not only has Craft been the target of criticism from fans, he has also weathered more than a few tirades from his coach during games and practices.

“Much has been said about my antics on the sideline, but I wonder where we’d be without him,” Neuheisel said.

Craft has appeared to take all the critiques in stride. The junior has refused to deflect blame to a shaky offensive line.

“He’s a very resilient kid,” Neuheisel said. “A very tough-minded kid.”

Bad guys

Arizona State’s defense ranks about the middle of the Pacific 10 Conference, but Austin says he has been impressed by the Sun Devils’ linebacking corp.

Mike Nixon, Travis Goethel and Morris Wooten rank among the team’s top four tacklers and have been adept at catching the ballcarrier in the backfield.

“They’re active,” Austin said. “They’re flying around out there.”

Arizona State also has defensive end Dexter Davis with nine sacks and safety Troy Nolan, who has 49 tackles and three interceptions.

Living room

A victory over the Sun Devils could change more than the conference standings.

“The winner has the momentum of a winning streak,” Neuheisel said. “Those are important things as you head into recruiting.”

The Bruins coaches watched local prospects last week and can soon hit the trail in earnest when home visits are allowed. The program has already secured commitments from several high school prospects while turning to another source of talent.

“I think we’ve looked for some help in the junior college ranks whereas most years we’re a freshman recruiting operation,” Neuheisel said.

Junior college players can have more difficulty qualifying for admission, Neuheisel said, “but there is some need in our program at particular positions so we have scoured the ranks to see who might fit both academically and physically.”

That’s where another victory could help as the clock ticks down toward national signing day.

“I think recruiting is going to be terrific anyway,” Neuheisel said. “But I think it would be another shot in the arm.”

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david.wharton@latimes.com