Farmer’s Record Chase Jeopardized

Danny Farmer is getting closer to good health, but farther away from the possibility of claiming both of the UCLA career receiving records that were once within his reach.

A sprained left ankle, which could hamper him all season, cost Farmer two games. He played Saturday at Stanford, but did not have any catches, giving him only three for the season, nowhere near what anyone would have expected for an All-America candidate.

That means he needs to average 6.7 catches in the final regular-season games, or 5.9 including a bowl appearance, to jump from fourth to first on the all-time list for receptions, very unlikely since he had seven in a game only twice last season with Cade McNown. But Farmer needs only 10 catches to move into third place and 22 to claim second, which is reachable.

At least the mark for receiving yards remains a foregone conclusion, health willing. Farmer needs only 46 yards to move past Kevin Jordan for the No. 1 spot.

“I don’t even think about that stuff,” Farmer said. “I just worry about winning. If they [the records] come, they come. If not, I won’t worry about it.”

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Doctors are encouraged that the right wrist of Brian Poli-Dixon will be able to heal without surgery, so they plan to keep the arm in a cast for about a month, then re-evaluate the injury. The junior flanker is likely done for the season either way.