COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Skip Hicks Still Might Redshirt

Tailback Skip Hicks, trying to come back from a serious knee injury, still may apply for a redshirt season, according to Coach Terry Donahue.

“I think he’ll give it one more week and make a decision after the [Fresno State] game,” Donahue said.

Hicks, a junior, returned to the lineup against Oregon on Sept. 16 and ran 52 yards for a touchdown on his first carry, but he rushed for minus-six yards in four carries against Washington State.

For the season, Hicks has gained 48 yards in six carries.

“I’m not sure Skip can play,” Donahue said. “I know he made a great run [against Oregon] . . . but up on that [artificial] turf Saturday, he was extremely unsure of himself.”

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Though not condoning quarterback Ryan Fien’s controversial comments after Saturday’s loss, receiver Kevin Jordan said he can appreciate what the quarterback is going through.

“I can definitely understand his frustration in wanting to go out there so bad, after all these years, and wanting to lead this team,” Jordan said. “And right now, he’s not been able to do his part.”

“I would try and encourage him any way I can just to tell him to be patient. . . . You just have to be patient, and persevere through the tough times.”

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Fresno State would seem to be catching UCLA at the right time, but Coach Jim Sweeney said he would prefer the Bruins were 4-0 instead of 2-2. entering Saturday’s game at the Rose Bowl.

“I’d rather fight a happy dog than a hungry dog,” Sweeney said.