Toledo Shakes Up Lineup

UCLA, No. 3 in the nation but obviously struggling in some areas, made sweeping changes to the lineup Monday, dismantling the secondary while also switching at split end and left guard.

Counting the promotion of Travor Turner at defensive end because of an injury to Kenyon Coleman, the Bruins will have new starters at six positions Saturday at Miami. One of those, Larry Atkins, was at least in the opening lineup the last game, but he has been moved from strong safety to free safety in a change that Coach Bob Toledo had been considering for weeks.

The uncertainty that has been surrounding the secondary from the start of the season reached a critical moment Saturday, when Houston quarterback Jason McKinley passed for 269 yards, only 47 less than the previous two games combined. Two days later, Toledo announced new starters at three of the four spots.

Anderson, the starter the first two games at left cornerback, was replaced by Ryan Roques, a former tailback. Jason Bell, who played well at right corner against the Cougars, is the only starter to stay in place in the secondary, with Eric Whitfield becoming his backup after making the opening lineup the first two games at free safety.

The move of Atkins, one of the stars of the defense, to free safety creates the opportunity for Tod McBride at strong safety.

The two other switches were on offense. Brian Poli-Dixon becomes the starting split end in a decision that also includes the former starter, Brad Melsby, being moved to backup flanker. And, James Ghezzi replaces Matt Phelan at left guard.

The latter may turn out to be a temporary change, depending on how long the true No. 1, Oscar Cabrera (sprained ankle), is sidelined.

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Quarterback Cade McNown, who bit his tongue after Saturday’s victory while other Bruins spoke of cheap shots by the Cougars, unloaded Monday.

“I don’t feel like they played us tough,” McNown said. “They played us dirty. A lot of cheap shots. A lot of going for knees. It was evident.

“Everything from walking on people to twisting ankles in piles. It was rampant in that game.”

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Next Up for UCLA

Who: Miami

Where: at Miami

When: Saturday, 9 a.m.

TV: Channel 2

Radio: AM 1150