Football notebook

Pickin’ it up

Sophomore cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. has stepped it up in
recent games. Two weeks ago against Oregon State he had 10 tackles
and a forced fumble. Last Saturday, he was even more productive,
intercepting Arizona quarterback Ortege Jenkins twice, once in the
end zone to thwart a Wildcat drive.

Saturday’s game should provide Manning with a worthy
opponent in Stanford receiver DeRonnie Pitts. The fifth-year senior
recently moved into fifth place on Stanford’s all-time
receiving list.

“I’m looking forward to this,” Manning said of
the match up. “He’s a good receiver.”

Too cold to hold

With the weather in Westwood turning colder this week, the
Bruins must not get caught up in thoughts of Hawaii. But that is
where the Bruins could end up if they use the momentum gained from
their win in Tucson.

Temperatures in Westwood are expected to drop as low as the low
50s by the middle of next week.

Hawaii, conversely, was experiencing lows of 75, something that
could make those late night practices just a little more
enjoyable.

Joe Bruin for president?

This week provided a lot of distractions for the Bruins. In
addition to Halloween, the players have to worry about the
elections just around the corner.

Al Gore made an appearance in Westwood Tuesday, but a man (or
bear) much closer to the hearts of Bruin fans needed their
support.

Joe Bruin was out on Bruin walk all week passing out fliers to
support his campaign for U.S. president. Unfortunately for Joe, he
has a shady past, which includes a fight with Wilbur the Wildcat
last weekend. Hey, at least you know this candidate will fight for
you.

Runnin’ wild

Don’t get too excited, but it looks like the UCLA running
attack might be back. The Bruins scored two rushing touchdowns
against Arizona, doubling the number the Wildcats had given up all
season. In addition, senior tailback Jermaine Lewis was back in
practice this week, hoping to appear in the final homecoming game
of his career.

Notes compiled by Adam Karon, Daily Bruin Reporter.