UCLA uses bye week to ease into Arizona State preparation

UCLA is working through a bye week, which is a balancing act for Coach Jim Mora.

The Bruins face Arizona State, the Pac-12’s South Division leader, on Oct. 27. Arizona State plays second-ranked Oregon on Thursday.

The danger with the extra week, Mora said, is, “You don’t want them getting stale, talking about Arizona State too soon. You plant the seeds in their mind. I’m sure they will all be watching the game on Thursday night.”

UCLA has started working on its Arizona State game plan, though Mora said, “You’ve got to be careful
how much you do too soon. You want to keep the focus tight.”

The Bruins will practice on Monday, which is usually on off day. Arizona State scheming will begin in
earnest then, Mora said.

In other practice news:

--Wide receiver Kenneth Walker was absent while attending to a personal matter that was described as not negative.

--Guard Carl Hulick was in a walking boot, though he was also in full pads. He has a minor injury.

--Cornerback Marcus Rios left practice because of a sinus condition that causes migraine headaches.

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