Who’s starting against California?

Tuesday, October 22, 1996

FOOTBALL:

As Hicks struggles, the starter for Monday’s game still remains
to be announcedBy Brent Boyd

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

There is a running back controversy brewing in Westwood.

For the first time all season, a starter has not been declared
for the upcoming week’s game on Monday.

Each of the past six weeks, Skip Hicks has been that man. But
the starter for this week’s game at California won’t be selected
until later this week.

"I’m taking a good hard look at this," head coach Bob Toledo
said. "I’m really not deciding on a starter right now."

Hicks has experienced a year full of tremendous peaks and
valleys.

Against Oregon, Hicks ran for 160 yards in the third quarter
alone, and after rushing for 114 in the loss to Arizona State, took
over the Pac-10 lead.

However, against Washington, Hicks rushed seven times for 8
yards, and fumbled in the second quarter. Fumbling has become an
all-too common trend for Hicks. He has lost four fumbles to
opponents in only six games this season.

The fumbles are not a result of hard hits, but rather a lack of
concentration, according to Toledo.

Against Arizona State, Hicks ran 2 yards off his prescribed
route and Saturday clamped down on the ball too early.

"He’s a good football player and can make plays," Toledo said.
"But he’s going through a hard time and he needs to fight through
it. He just can’t fumble the ball."

Because of his fumble Saturday, Hicks was pulled for a good
portion of the game early in the second quarter.

Replacing Hicks was true freshman Keith Brown. He rushed four
times for 9 yards, tops among Bruin running backs.

"I think he did very well," Toledo said. "He’s learning and he’s
getting better every day."

Thus far into the season, Brown has gained 84 yards on 21
carries.

To determine the starter for this week’s game, practice will
include the first-team offense going against the first-team defense
for 10-12 plays. Whoever excels will get the starting nod
Saturday.

The choice will be among Hicks, Brown, or freshman Durrell
Price, who has rushed for 147 yards this season.

"We are going to see who can hang on to the ball and can fight
for some yards," head coach Bob Toledo said.

* * *

NOTES: Abdul McCullough, playing with a cast on his right wrist,
did not get positive review from the coaching staff.

"He didn’t play as well as he has been, but that’s
understandable because of the cast," Toledo said. "However, if he
can’t play better with it, then he’s going to have to wait until it
gets better."

McCullough made five tackles against Washington.

The trainers have notified McCullough and the coaching staff
that the cast should continue to get smaller as the season
progresses.

* * *

Despite the 41-21 disaster in Seattle, there were some players
that earned special recognition from the coaching staff.

Shaun Williams was given defensive player of the game honors,
making five tackles and one sack.

"He played outstanding," Toledo said. "He made only one bad play
the entire game."

Brian Willmer also had an outstanding game, making 12
tackles.

* * *

While the emotional scars may linger for some time, at least the
Bruins left Seattle relatively unscathed physically.

Junior nose guard Darren Cline will be week-to-week because of a
bad ankle.

Defensive end Pete Holland will not miss any games despite
suffering a mild concussion Saturday.

Paul Guidry remains hopeful for Saturday’s game against Cal
after suffering a concussion of his own against Washington.

FRED HE/for the Bruin

Due to the recent struggles of Skip Hicks, Durell Price may just
find himself starting against California Saturday.