Ejection Benches Ball for First Half Against Oregon

With three sacks and four tackles for losses, Dave Ball applies more pressure on quarterbacks than any other UCLA defensive lineman. But he must learn not to crack when an opponent takes a cheap shot.

Ball, a junior end, must sit out the first half against Oregon on Saturday because he was ejected in the fourth quarter of the Bruin victory over Oregon State for throwing a punch.

Although replays showed that Ball reacted to a blow from a Beaver player, he was chagrined because the personal foul extended an Oregon State drive that resulted in a touchdown.

“I do emotional, stupid things sometimes,” he said. “On the sideline, I was praying they wouldn’t score. When they did, my self-esteem decreased by a level of six.”

Coach Bob Toledo had warned his players about Oregon State’s reputation for baiting opponents, reminding them that officials usually see the retaliatory blow, not the initial one.

The Beavers took shots at Bruin offensive tackle Mike Saffer’s broken rib. Saffer finally retaliated and was called for a personal foul.

“If you look at video, you see why players were getting frustrated

Asi Faoa, a junior, will play in Ball’s place, making his first start. Faoa has been a valuable reserve, making 12 tackles and two sacks.

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Defensive tackle Rodney Leisle had foot surgery Tuesday. He is expected to be out five weeks.... Running back Manuel White’s hamstring injury will keep him sidelined Saturday.... Free safety Ben Emanuel is suffering from a neck injury, so Matt Ware is practicing at free safety as well as cornerback.... Quarterback Cory Paus has a bruised right shoulder and is not throwing much in practice. Emanuel and Paus will play Saturday.