Mitchell Considers Return

Freddie Mitchell, expected to miss the rest of the season after breaking his left leg Sept. 19, is quietly making such progress that he might be able to play in the Bruins’ bowl game, if only on a limited basis.

“Freddie is a wonderful optimist,” team physician Dr. Gerald Finerman said. “He thinks he could play this Saturday. I won’t say it’s impossible that he could play in a bowl game, but I will say it’s unlikely. He’s healed his fracture faster than anyone I’ve seen.”

Whether it translates to an appearance Jan. 4 in the Fiesta Bowl or Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl, the destination to be determined this weekend, remains to be seen. The return of the popular teammate could be an emotional boost for the Bruins, but the impact it has on the chemistry of a team playing it’s best at the end of the season also will be considered.

“I’m not even worrying about it,” said Coach Bob Toledo, who also has been told that Mitchell could be ready for a bowl appearance. “And even if he does play, it will be very little.”

The issue of whether Mitchell, a major threat when healthy, plays in January carries implications beyond January. He is still considering whether to petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility, and playing in the bowl probably would cost him that chance.

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Toledo was named the Pacific 10 coach of the year after the Bruins became only the fourth team in conference history to post an eight-win season.

“It’s a tribute to the assistant coaches and all the players here,” he said.

One of them, offensive coordinator Al Borges, has been selected as one of five finalists for the third annual Broyles Award as the best assistant coach in the nation. It’s named in honor of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles, who developed a reputation in his coaching career of having top assistants.

Meanwhile, quarterback Cade McNown has been invited to New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation, as expected. Ricky Williams of Texas, the likely winner, Michael Bishop of Kansas State and Tim Couch of Kentucky also will attend.

Next Up for UCLA

Who: Miami

Where: Orange Bowl

When: 11 a.m., Saturday

Radio: AM 1150