Gearing up for Saturday's scrimmage
By Daily Bruin Staff
Aug. 19, 2011 4:39 p.m.
Another quiet practice this morning at Spaulding Field. The Bruins weren’t even wearing shoulder pads so contact was minimal. They’re trying to get everyone rested for Saturday’s scrimmage which was what all the chatter was about after practice.
Coach Rick Neuheisel said both Richard Brehaut and Kevin Prince would get equal reps with the first team in a scrimmage that he plans to take 60 or 65 plays. The team will hold a closed walkthrough this afternoon. Fans are encouraged to attend the scrimmage that kicks off at 5 p.m. at Drake Stadium. Neuheisel said it’s important but not the only factor in choosing a starter.
“It’s important but I know these guys and I’m just trying to get them both as good as we can possibly get them and then we’ll make a decision,” he said before turning back and correcting himself. “I’ll make a decision.”
The offense won’t have the luxury of a cast of coaches surrounding them, helping them read the defense.
“I just want us to execute,” offensive coordinator Mike Johnson said. “I’m not going into the scrimmage trying to beat our defense. I’m going to call plays the same way I call plays in practice and I expect us to execute those plays.”
No one would let on as to when Neuheisel will decide on a quarterback. Perhaps because no one knows. Neuheisel said earlier this week that he would make a decision when it’s “prudent.” Don’t ask the team’s star running back Johnathan Franklin.
“Honestly, who knows?” he asked. “They’re all doing a great job. Kevin Prince is looking good, Brehaut is looking good and Nick Crissman has his days so whoever’s most consistent and who’s going to make the most plays tomorrow, we’ll see. So far, I guess Kevin Prince is in the lead. He’s No. 1 right now but we’ll see Sept. 3.”
Regardless of who steps under center, Franklin is ready for some live action Saturday.
“We’re playing,” he said. “I’m trying to get better and make plays. We’re ready to go. They’re going to come after us just like we’ll come after them. It’s no holding back. We’re going to war tomorrow.”
