Tuesday’s sound bites from UCLA practice

Is this a do-or-die week for UCLA? Eddie Vanderdoes thinks it is.

If the Bruins don’t beat Arizona this weekend, their hopes of anything other than a mediocre bowl are shot. If there was ever a time for a sense of urgency, it’s now.

Coach Jim Mora spoke extensively with the media Tuesday, so along with the Vanderdoes post, there’s a story on Myles Jack’s not getting the ball on fourth down and a post on Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon.

And, as always, your quotes from Tuesday’s practice. Happy hump day.

Coach Jim Mora

On running back Paul Perkins: “Paul has become extremely dependable. He’s so smooth, I think sometimes we don’t give him enough credit for being powerful and explosive. He does everything with this real ease of movement. It’s fun to watch, man. And I think he’s four yards away from 1,000, and that’s great. I’m happy for him.”

On receiver Thomas Duarte and his return from a hamstring injury: “He’s better. He’s got a shot to play. I think it’ll be a game-time decision.”

Running back Paul Perkins

On his 92-yard touchdown run against Colorado: “The elevation up there, I’m not used to that, so about halfway I was getting kind of tired.”

On having an extra gear to get into the end zone: “I wish I could lie to you and say yeah, but no. I was a little too tired.”

For more Bruins observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook