On-the-Job Training Works Well for Meyer

Senior center Mike McCloskey, UCLA’s most experienced and consistent offensive lineman, is expected to play Saturday against Stanford after sitting out most of the Bruins’ 51-28 victory over Oregon State last weekend because of a sprained right shoulder.

But if the injury that has limited McCloskey’s practice time this week keeps him out, the Bruins are confident they have found a capable replacement.

Redshirt freshman Aaron Meyer filled in admirably for McCloskey last Saturday in his first significant playing time this season.

“The longer it went, the better it got for him, and I think that’s typical,” said offensive coordinator Tom Cable, who also coaches the offensive line. “Early, it was a little bit ugly, but the longer it went the better it got. By the end it was really good.”

Meyer, whose only previous playing time came late in UCLA’s victory over Rice on Sept. 10, acknowledged feeling “a little nervous” when he entered the game. But some advice from McCloskey helped him settle down.

“He just told me to go in and play hard and no matter what happens, just always try harder the next play,” said Meyer, part of a line that held the Oregon State defense to one sack of quarterback Drew Olson. “I learned the speed of the game and how to pick up blitzes and tendencies.”

McCloskey participated in some snapping drills Wednesday and is expected to accelerate his participation today.

Whoever plays center for the Bruins on Saturday will face a formidable challenge. Stanford nose tackle Babatunde Oshinowo had four tackles for losses, including three sacks, last weekend during a 45-35 victory over Arizona State.

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Sophomore defensive tackle Brigham Harwell tweaked his ankle toward the end of practice but is expected to be fine.