Back Surgery Sidelines Simmons

Starting cornerback Antuan Simmons had back surgery to relieve pressure near his spinal cord and will watch the UCLA game from his hospital room, Coach Paul Hackett said.

Simmons, a second-team all-conference selection last season as a sophomore, played through back spasms Saturday against Washington State but worsened Sunday and spent two nights in the hospital before the decision was made to operate.

“We were all shocked,” Hackett said. “We thought it wouldn’t be surgical.”

Freshman Darrell Rideaux will make the first start of his career in Simmons’ place opposite Kris Richard.

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A helicopter hovering over Howard Jones Field drew the attention of the team. “Is [UCLA Coach Bob] Toledo coming over to check out our Swinging Gate?” Hackett asked, teasing about the possibility of trick plays.