Crawfords Commentary: UCLA week
In the sixth installment of Crawford's Commentary this fall, staff writer Ken Crawford gives his thoughts on the upcoming Pac-10 contest against UCLA and Cal's hopes of finally ending its Southern California winless drought. The Bears, who had to practice indoors earlier this week because of the rain, have prepped for almost two weeks in preparation for the battle against the rival Bruins.
Also, Crawford gives his general thoughts on the game as well as his take on the status of the team. The commentary also includes interviews with several players, including freshman nose tackle Aaron Tipoti, who has played very well substituting for the injured Kendrick Payne.
Also, listen to the mid-week press conference interviews with head coach Jeff Tedford, quarterback Kevin Riley, safety Marcus Ezeff, wide receiver Marvin Jones and linebacker Mychal Kendricks.
List of quotes in order:
Tedford on how rain will effect practice
Tedford on what to look for in rainy practices
Tedford on Memorial stadium's field condition
Tedford on traveling by bus to LA
Tedford on bye week practices
Tedford on UCLA's defense
Tedford on Verran Tucker's injury
Tedford on Nyan Boateng's injury
Tedford on Brian Anger's performance so far
Tedford on UCLA QB situation and offense overall
Tedford on emotional state of the team
Tedford on online commentary and criticism
Tedford on not taking advantage of opportunities versus USC
Tedford on good timing of bye week
Tedford on remaining schedule
Riley on mood of the team
Riley on working on "staple routes"
Riley on practicing in the rain
Riley on personal emphasis during bye week
Riley on UCLA's secondary and their interceptions
Riley on Cal running game
Riley on Cal losing streak in LA
Riley on comments around campus
Riley on audibles
Riley on taking bus to LA
Riley on bye week focus
Ezeff on mood of the team
Ezeff on emphasis during bye week
Ezeff on how defense played against USC
Ezeff on frustration of playing from behind
Ezeff on trying too hard when behind
Ezeff on UCLA's offense
Ezeff on how hard the two losses were
Ezeff on possible collapse
Ezeff on hearing talk around campus
-Ross on Oregon's DBs
Jones on bye weekend
Jones on time off
Jones on pressure on passing game
Jones on extra work with Riley
Jones on how Riley has handled criticism
Jones on fan focus on Riley
Jones on "staple routes"
Jones on challenge of practicing in the rain
Jones on getting swagger back
Jones on family at the game
Jones on importance of beating UCLA
Kendricks on practicing in the rain
Kendricks on bus trip to LA
Kendricks on mood of the team
Kendricks on surprised at outcome of last two games
Kendricks on mistakes made
Kendricks on how defense played against USC
Kendricks on not losing anymore
Kendricks on falling behind
Kendricks on being tight for fear of losing
Kendricks on swagger
Kendricks on having a sense of urgency
Kendricks on the 2nd half of games
Kendricks on seeing mistakes in their play
Kendricks on winning and losing as a team
Kendricks on watching football on TV during bye weeks
Tipoti on practicing in the rain
Tipoti on bus trip to LA
Tipoti on getting playing time
Tipoti on playing nose tackle
Tipoti on playing with Tyson Alualu
Tipoti on looking up to Alualu
Tipoti on Alualu helping him adjust to California
Tipoti on what playing is like
Tipoti on why he likes nose tackle
Ken Crawford is a staff writer for BearTerritory. A lifelong Cal football observer, Crawford has covered the Bears since the 2006 season, which included an up close and personal view of the memorable 31-24 victory over Oregon at Autzen Stadium in '07. Crawford will continue to handle Cal football assignments during the 2009 season.