Oak Park High product Sean Westgate blocked his second career punt in the fourth quarter Saturday afternoon at Stanford.

From the resulting field position, Kai Forbath kicked a field goal to pull UCLA within 24-16 with 4:16 to play at the Farm.

The standout sophomore contributed to two touchdowns on special teams as a freshman, returning a blocked punt for a score in his debut against Tennessee and blocking a punt that Glenn Love recovered for a touchdown against Cal.

From UCLA Sports Information:

"UCLA head football coach Rick Neuheisel announced today that four players have been suspended from the team due to a violation of team rules and will miss this Saturday's game against Kansas State.

Sophomore cornerback Courtney Viney, freshman running back Milton Knox and freshmen wide receivers Morrell Presley and Randall Carroll will sit out the Kansas State game. The players will participate in team practices during the suspension.

"When you are a member of a team, you have a special commitment to the entities that make up that unit and to those that you represent," said coach Neuheisel. "When someone falls short in that regard, there have to be consequences, and then, we move on." "

From UCLA Sports Information:

"UCLA head football coach Rick Neuheisel announced today that four players have been suspended from the team due to a violation of team rules and will miss this Saturday's game against Kansas State.

Sophomore cornerback Courtney Viney, freshman running back Milton Knox and freshmen wide receivers Morrell Presley and Randall Carroll will sit out the Kansas State game. The players will participate in team practices during the suspension.

"When you are a member of a team, you have a special commitment to the entities that make up that unit and to those that you represent," said coach Neuheisel. "When someone falls short in that regard, there have to be consequences, and then, we move on." "

Darrell Scott's football career at the University of Colorado has gotten off to a rough start.

The much-hyped St. Bonaventure/Moorpark running back arrived late to camp last season and was out of shape. He struggled with injuries much of the year while CU's other running backs took advantage to show they were talented and worthy of carries.

Scott was hoping to make up for lost time this season, but it didn't happen in the season-opening loss to Colorado State last Sunday.

Scott received only one carry - CU's first rushing play - and it resulted in a 1-yard gain.

He did catch one pass for 14 yards, and was strong on kickoff returns, averaging 27.6 yards on five attempts.

Needless to say, the Denver Post reported this morning that Scott sounded frustrated and eager to get more rushing attempts on Friday night at Toledo.

"After meetings it was like, 'We're going to try to work you in,'" Scott told The Post. "That kind of reassured me on everything. (Getting carries) is what I was recruited for. We'll see on Friday. There's really not much I can say right now."

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Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla wrote about CU's paltry running attack against CSU:

"CU averaged just 1.4 yards per carry, including yardage lost on four quarterback sacks. Darrell Scott had just one carry, even though he looked good on five kickoff returns. Losing starting center Mike Iltis to an ankle injury in the first quarter didn't help matters, and CU had to adjust its game plan after falling behind early
This is not what Scott signed up for when he turned down a scholarship offer from Texas to join the Buffaloes. He could be sitting on the bench for the Longhorns.
In a loss to CSU, Scott primarily served as a kick returner. From the line of scrimmage, the sophomore carried the football one time for 1 yard and caught one pass for 14 yards.
Scott is the most ballyhooed CU recruit since Marcus Houston came to Boulder. And how did that turn out? Let the comparisons begin.
Scott was not made available for comment after the game. So in addition to not playing, he doesn't get to talk."

At the end of his column Kiszla wrote, "Nobody could blame Scott for asking: What am I doing here?"

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FYI: Scott's uncle - Josh Smith - has already jumped ship. He left CU and recently enrolled at UCLA. The junior will be eligible to play next season.

It seems music is a central component in the lives of many of the county's college football players.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Arizona State QB Samson Szakacsy (Camarillo) and Washington OL Greg "Preach" Christine (St. Bonaventure) teaming up to produce an album for their band.

Today, the Arizona Republic reported that Vaughn Dotsy (St. Bonaventure) also gets his groove on. The Arizona sophomore starting guard sings Boyz II Men's "End of the Road" in the locker room with fellow guard Conan Amituanai.

"We've got our singing bond," Dotsy told the Republic. "When we start singing, it's just awesome. The other guys start singing in with us. I don't have a terrible voice, but I'm more of the background singer. Conan's the lead."

One of the reasons wide receiver Josh Smith (Moorpark) gave for transferring to UCLA from Colorado this season was to further pursue his music career. Smith joined the Bruins in practice this week. Szakacsy and Smith used to rap together a few years ago, but have recently lost touch.

I suggest all the football musicians get together for a big jam session when they return to the area in the offseason. Maybe they can produce an album called "805 Football".

From the UCLA release:

"Saturday's UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl versus San Diego State will be played as scheduled, it was announced this afternoon.

'Based on the current and projected information regarding conditions at the Rose Bowl provided to us by the AQMD (Air Quality Management District) and Pasadena city officials, including fire and health personnel, and after consultation with our medical staff, we are confirming that the game will be played as scheduled,' said UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. 'We will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with city officials in Pasadena and the AQMD.'

'Based on recent air quality measurements from a monitor stationed at the Rose Bowl this week and expected weather conditions Saturday, it should be game on for UCLA,' said Barry Wallerstein, AQMD Executive Officer.

Here's the latest UCLA release regarding the status of Saturday's game against San Diego State because of the Station wildfire:

"UCLA remains optimistic in regards to playing Saturday's football game at the Rose Bowl. It has requested additional information from officials and expects that information tomorrow."

My UCLA football preview: Bruins ready for fresh start

Kickoff may be at 4:45 p.m., but darkness will fall earlier on the Rose Bowl Saturday. Between San Diego State's new coaching staff and UCLA's young roster, both coaching staffs are having to work a bit harder to prepare for the opening game:

"It's as in the dark as I've ever been with regards to preparing for another program... It's an interesting time that's compounded by the fact that we're playing with so many young guys.

"There will be a bunch of coaches running around working hard on Saturday."

Having redshirted last season at UCLA and missed all but the first quarter of his senior season at Crespi High with a knee injury, UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince will start his first football game in some time Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

But the UCLA coaching staff is prepared to shepherd him through his first collegiate season.

"I don't know that he's sitting there thinking about being the starter," said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel Tuesday. "It's been a long time since he's been out there. We've tried to create as many live action scenarios as possible.

"I just believe he's going to have a great freshman year.

"It's hard to describe all that can happen at the position without actually living it. There is no simulator."

Head coach Rick Neuheisel on the chance UCLA could start two freshmen and two sophomores on the offensive line Saturday against San Diego State:

"It is what it is. We've got a host of young players invovled in our two-deep.

"They haven't been given these jobs by default. They've earned them. You just have to trust them.

"More than worrying about it, I'm more excited about their chance to develop... I think they've got such tremendous futures."

Here's UCLA Monday statement regarding the fires near the Rose Bowl in the San Gabriel Valley:

"Our first concern is for the families affected by the fires and for the men and women fighting those fires.

At this time, the plan is to play Saturday's football game versus San Diego State at the Rose Bowl as scheduled. We are in constant contact with City of Pasadena authorities and will continue to monitor the situation."

UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel added to the statement during Tuesday morning's weekly teleconference:

"We're mindful of all the work being done to put out these fires that are plaguing the San Gabriel Valley. Our thoughts go out to the homes that are in danger and the families involved."

UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel is back for his second year in Westwood.

"I think we're a much more athletic team, stronger, more physical, but still relatively inexperienced."

"Getting our youngsters to play above their years. That'll be the key."

"I think we're on the right path. There are great things are in store for our program."

(On freshman Kevin Prince taking over the quarterback position)

"I just believe he's going to give us a chance to exploit all portions on the field. For that to be the case, we're going to endure some freshman-itis.

"Kevin Craft took a lot of the brunt and the blame last year, but the fact of the matter is we didn't protect him.

"We're going to have to do a much better about that."

From the Pacific-10 Conference:

Double Dippers: Patrick Chung of Oregon is a double first-teamer, being named on both defense and as the first-team special teams performer (non-kicker or returner). Plus first-team wide receiver picks Mike Thomas of Arizona and Sammie Stroughter of Oregon State also were voted onto the team as punt returners (Thomas first team, Stroughter second team).

Oh Brother: While Oregon State freshman TB Jacquizz Rodgers was named Pac-10 offensive player of the year and first-team All-Pac-10 running back, his brother, sophomore WR James Rodgers, was named to the first-team as a kick returner.
All-Academic: Five players were named to the first team on both the All-Pac-10 Team and the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team--C Alex Mack of California, P Aaron Perez of UCLA, DE Nick Reed of Oregon, WR Sammie Stroughter of Oregon State and QB Mark Sanchez of USC. In addition, DE Clay Matthews of USC and CB Alterraun Verner of UCLA were named first-team All-Academic and second-team All-Pac-10.

From the Pacific-10 Conference:

By School: USC placed the most players on the first team with eight selections, followed by Oregon and Oregon State with five each. Arizona and California were next with four each. Five of the 12 players named to the first-team defensive unit are Trojans.

By Class: Of the 29 first-team selections, 18 are seniors, five are juniors, five are sophomores and there is one freshman.

Unanimous: Three players were named on the first-team ballot of all 10 head coaches--SS Kevin Ellison of USC, TE Rob Gronkowski of Arizona and offensive player of the year TB Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State. Four additional players were named on nine of 10 first-team ballots--C Alex Mack of California and the USC trio of OLB Brian Cushing, MLB Rey Maualuga and QB Mark Sanchez.

Three-time Selections: C Alex Mack of California and defensive player of the year MLB Rey Maualuga of USC were named to the first-team for the third consecutive year.

Offensive Player of the Year & Freshman of the Year Jacquizz Rodgers, TB, Oregon State:
Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC:
Coach of the Year Mike Riley, Oregon State:

Jacquizz Rodgers became the first freshman named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year today when the Pacific-10 Conference announced its postseason honors.

Rey Maualuga, who was a freshman at St. Bonaventure High, was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

Click the jump for the full teams.

UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft only threw one interception Saturday afternoon in the Bruins' 28-7 loss to No. 5 USC, but didn't do much else.

Craft completed 11 of 28 passes for 89 yards. Receiver Dominique Johnson threw the Bruins lone touchdown pass on a trick play.

"I think Kevin played hard, he worked hard to manage games and to learn our offense," said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. "This is not personally directed at Kevin Craft, (but) the quarterback at UCLA has to play better. For us to be the type of team that we want to be, the position of quarterback has to be played better.

"That means we have to coach it better, we have to perform better and we have to have more competition at the position."

Three plays after C.J. Gable fumbled the ball away on the Trojans' opening play from scrimmage, UCLA receiver Dominique Johnson hit running back Kahlil Bell for a 21-yard touchdown pass on a double pass to give the toothless Bruins a 7-0 lead.

UCLA's longest scoring play of the season was just the fourth passing touchdown, and 11th touchdown overall, USC's defense for the ages had allowed in 12 games.

"It took a trick play (to score)," said USC defensive end Clay Matthews, an Agoura High product. "From that point on, we said we weren't going to give up another point."

UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel on the Bruins' touchdown, which gave UCLA a 7-0 lead inside the first four minutes Saturday at the Rose Bowl:

"We had the play for the entire year."

"The play is actually called 'Tennessee,' because it was put in for the Tennessee game, but we didn't have an opportunity in that game to use it."

"So we used it today and it worked and got us off to a good start. It was exciting."

Terrence Austin broke UCLA's single-season record by reaching 1,870 all-purpose yards today.