Stephens Replaces McBride at Safety

Coach Bob Toledo, upset that some members of his secondary are still not in proper formations even as the season reaches the halfway point, on Monday made another lineup change, benching Tod McBride in favor of Jason Stephens at strong safety.

“I think he deserves an opportunity,” Toledo said of Stephens. “If we go a couple weeks and give people chances and they keep making mistakes, we have to make a change.”

This one includes moving McBride, who started the last three games, to free safety to back up Larry Atkins.

“We’re looking back at Larry Atkins, and Larry Atkins is getting himself out of position because he’s spending so much time helping other guys get in position . . . Larry’s trying to compensate for other guys who are misaligned and consequently is not able to do his job as well as he can.

“We’re not getting lined up soon enough or quick enough. And that’s one of the reasons we’re making the change.”

Only one member of the Bruin secondary has been in the opening lineup each game at the same position, Jason Bell at right cornerback. Atkins has started all five, but shifted safety spots in the Sept. 21 shake-up after the Houston game.

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Cade McNown getting sick near midfield Saturday against Oregon may be the least of the Bruins’ problems. By Monday, about a dozen players, including several starters, had flu symptoms.

“I think I’m getting sick too,” Toledo said.

Which may or may not be bad news.

“I told Cade to kiss me in the cheek so I can get a mild case of the flu and lose five pounds,” the coach said. “Just a mild case.”