Foster Is There in Name Only for Senior Day

One by one, the UCLA seniors dashed to the field through a gauntlet of cheerleaders and well-wishers. Their names were displayed on the four large video screens at the Rose Bowl as their names were announced in a pregame ceremony.

DeShaun Foster’s name appeared on the screen, but the suspended tailback was not announced and was not present.

After three days of indecision, he concluded that he would attract unwanted attention and be a distraction to his teammates.

“He felt that if he came every media person would want to talk to him,” senior receiver Brian Poli-Dixon said. “I’m sure he was excited by our victory and he would have liked to have been here in person. But I understand why he didn’t come.”

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The Bruin senior who had the most starts the last four years was unable to finish his last regular-season game.

Linebacker Ryan Nece, a steady performer and Butkus award semifinalist, fractured the fibula in his left leg on the first play from scrimmage. He played until midway through the third quarter before trainers diagnosed the injury.

“It got rolled on and at first I didn’t think it was broken,” he said. “But it got progressively worse.”

Nece recovered a fumble at the Arizona State 22-yard line four minutes into the third period. Fullback Matt Stanley scored three plays later to extend the lead to 31-14.

“I played enough to make it memorable,” said Nece, who made his 31st consecutive start.

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Craig Bragg’s seven catches were the most by a Bruin receiver this season. The redshirt freshman had six against USC, a total reached twice by Poli-Dixon and once by Ryan Smith.

Bragg’s late surge gave him a team-high 29 catches for 408 yards. His touchdown receptions--of 62 and 39 yards--were his first. Earlier in the season he scored twice on reverses.

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Cornerback Matt Ware reinjured his shoulder and sat out the second half.