Throwback Huddle, a Toss Pitch to Foster

Continuing a homecoming tradition, the Bruins will come out of the huddle in serpentine fashion on their first offensive play against California.

The move salutes the great UCLA teams coached by Red Sanders in the 1950s. The Bruins won their only national championship under Sanders in 1954.

Once the Bruins reach the line of scrimmage, look for business as usual. DeShaun Foster has carried the ball on the first play in each of the first five games.

Another tradition, however, came to an end. Ed Kezirian, the Bruins’ director of academic services, did not give his Ducky Drake speech.

On the Thursday before every previous game against Cal in the Toledo era, Kezirian made an impassioned talk to the team to honor Drake, the late Bruin trainer and avowed Cal hater who always gave a similar speech.

“We lost the last two years,” Coach Bob Toledo said, laughing.

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Bruin seniors Robert Thomas and Ryan Nece are two of 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s best linebacker. UCLA is the only team with two semifinalists.

“That’s kind of rare, I think,” Toledo said. “And it’s because we are playing good as a team. That’s what gives players the opportunity to win awards.”

Thomas, the middle linebacker and a Butkus semifinalist last season, leads UCLA with 51 tackles.

A review of film against Washington gave him a fourth tackle for loss, boosting his total to 17. He also has four sacks.

Nece, the weakside linebacker and a four-year starter, is second on the team with 30 tackles. He has returned an interception for a touchdown and has a fumble recovery.

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The time of the home game against Oregon on Nov. 10 has been changed to 12:30 p.m. to accommodate ABC television.