UCLA vs. Arizona Brawl: Six Bruins Suspended For Actions On Thursday Night

With just seconds remaining before halftime, the UCLA Bruins escalated a bad night into a horrible one by foolishly partaking in a benches clearing brawl with the Arizona Wildcats. After reviewing hours of video, the Pac-12 has suspended six Bruins and four Wildcats. Here are the players involved and the time each one will miss, according to an official release from the conference:

UCLA
Senior wide receiver Taylor Embree - One-game suspension
Sophomore guard Alberto Cid - Half-game suspension
Sophomore wide receiver Randall Carroll - One-game suspension
Sophomore wide receiver Shaq Evans - One-game suspension
Sophomore wide receiver Ricky Marvray - One-game suspension
Sophomore defensive tackle Cassius Marsh - Two-game suspension (consecutive games)

Arizona
Sophomore cornerback Shaq Richardson - One-game suspension
Senior cornerback Lyle Brown - Half-game suspension
Junior strong safety Mark Watley - Half-game suspension
Freshman nickelback Jourdon Grandon - One-game suspension

"The Conference is extremely disappointed in the actions of the student-athletes involved in this incident. It is unacceptable behavior and violated Conference rules, as well as NCAA fighting rules. I have taken these actions today because it is imperative that we hold our student-athletes and coaches to the highest standards of sportsmanship," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.

For more on UCLA, head on over to Bruins Nation.

UCLA Football, Rick Neuheisel Embarrassed By Arizona In Tucson, Falls 48-12

The UCLA Bruins had a Thursday night game against the Arizona Wildcats. It did not go well. It went I'd say the opposite of well.

UCLA allowed six straight touchdowns on six straight drives. Nick Foles threw three touchdown passes to Juron Criner (one coming off a UCLA defensive fail, another coming from an incredible catch, and another from straight beating coverage). The Arizona rushing attack (one of the worst in the country) exploded for 255 rushing yards behind a five back lineup of Keoala Antoliin, Ka'Deem Carey, Daniel Jenkins, Taimi Tutogi and Kylan Bulter. Foles passed for 290 yards and completed 26 of 39 passes, plus had the three scores.

More galling was the performance of the UCLA rush offense. The Bruins rush attack accumulated 37 rushing yards on 25 carries against one of the most putrid Arizona run defenses in the country, as Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman barely managed any rush attack early, forcing Kevin Prince to throw a lot. That's not what Prince is very good at, as he completed less than 50% of his passes.

Did I mention a fight? There was a fight.

Rick Neuheisel has a lot to answer for before next week's game against Cal. UCLA is still 3-4, but the season is in danger of going south if he can't regain control of his team.

To discuss the game with I imagine are somewhat disgruntled UCLA football fans, head to Bruins Nation. To talk about the game with Arizona football fans, best to check out Arizona Desert Swarm.

VIDEO: UCLA Vs. Arizona Brawl, Taylor Embree And Shaquille Richardson Ejected

UCLA Vs. Arizona: Bruins Getting Demolished At Halftime, 42-7

If UCLA Bruins head coach Rick Neuheisel was on the hot seat before Thursday's nationally televised contest against the Arizona Wildcats on ESPN, it's hard to imagine the level of heat he will experience now. UCLA is getting embarrassed in the desert, trailing the Wildcats 42-7 at halftime at Arizona Stadium in Tucson.

UCLA had four drives in the second quarter, and all three ended badly.The only reason the fourth drive didn't end in disaster was because time ran out in the first half, a merciful end to a beating by Arizona. Though the final drive did include a bizarre bench-clearing fracas which culminated in a pair of ejections, including wide receiver Taylor Embree for UCLA.

The Bruins were unable to take advantage of a pair of big plays by Josh Smith. He returned a kickoff to the 36-yard line after Arizona expanded their lead to 21-7, but three plays later running back Johnathan Franklin fumbled the ball at midfield. Arizona scored a touchdown on the subsequent drive too.

Smith began the Bruins next drive with a catch and run for 55 yards, putting UCLA at the Arizona 20-yard line. However, three plays and one lost yard later, senior kicker Tyler Gonzalez missed a 39-yard field goal try.

After yet another Arizona touchdown, UCLA began with a strong play, a 26-yard pass to Nelson Rosario, but he had the ball taken away from him at the Arizona 41.

The Bruins gained 109 yards in the second quarter on just 15 plays, but they had two turnovers and a missed field goal. However, all of that didn't matter as much as Arizona scoring a touchdown every single time they had the ball.

Six drives, six touchdowns for the Wildcats. Arizona had 416 yards and 22 first downs. Absolutely no defense from UCLA.

For more UCLA football news, be sure to read Bruins Nation.

ANIMATED: UCLA Defense, Sheldon Price Fails Against Juron Criner

UCLA Vs. Arizona: Bruins Trail 14-7 After First Quarter

The UCLA Bruins have had a problem on defense this year, and they offered little resistance to the Arizona Wildcats in the first quarter in Tucson on Thursday night. Arizona scored touchdowns on their first two drives, and lead the Bruins 14-7 after 15 minutes.

Down two touchdowns, the Bruins relied on Johnathan Franklin but not in the usual way. He rushed for 11 yards during the drive, but also caught two passes for 40 yards. The drive looked like it stalled when Derrick Coleman lost two yards on third-and-three from the 16, but rather than kick a field embattled goal coach Rick Neuheisel gambled, and the result was a play-action 16-yard pass to Franklin, the first touchdown catch of the season for the running back.

Arizona has lost eight straight games in conference play. Their last win came against UCLA last season at the Rose Bowl. UCLA is 3-3 on the season, but has allowed 32.2 points per game this season, including 25 or more in four of their six games.

Arizona took the opening kickoff and marched down the field 80 yards in eight plays for a quick 7-0 lead. The drive was marked by three big plays by the Wildcats: an 18-yard run by Daniel Jenkins, a 20-yard run by Keola Antolin two plays later, and the killer was a 26-yard strike from Nick Foles to wide receiver Dan Buckner on third-and-10 from the 30. The Wildcats were able to score one play later on a play-action pass to a wide-open Juron Criner for a four-yard touchdown.

On their second drive, the Wildcats drove 76 yards on 10 plays, culminating in an 18-yard touchdown run by Ka'Deem Carey, with Carey diving at the pilon at the front corner of the end zone.

For more UCLA football news, be sure to read Bruins Nation.

UCLA Vs. Arizona: Game Time, Info, TV, Radio Broadcast Info & More

With 11 days to prepare, the UCLA Bruins hope for a second straight win on Thursday night, battling the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson. Here are relevant details for Thursday night's Pac-12 Conference game, which will be televised nationally by ESPN:

Teams: UCLA Bruins (3-3, 2-1 in Pac-12 play), Arizona Wildcats (1-5, 0-4)

Time: 6 p.m. PDT

Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona

TV: ESPN; Rece Davis will handle play-by-play, with analysis from Craig James and Jesse Palmer. Jenn Brown is the sideline reporter.

Radio: KLAC 570 AM and the Bruin Radio Network (Chris Roberts play-by-play, with analysis from former Bruins Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook), and Sirius XM channel 85.

Streaks: The Bruins have lost four straight games to the Wildcats, with their last win a 27-7 home victory at the Rose Bowl in 2006. Arizona has lost eight straight conference games, with their last conference win coming last year against UCLA.

All-Time Series: UCLA leads the all-time series with Arizona 19-14-2, but are 8-10 in Tucson. UCLA's last win in Tucson was a 24-21 triumph in 2003.

For more UCLA football news, be sure to read Bruins Nation.

UCLA Injury Report: Five Players Out Against Arizona

The UCLA Bruins play the Arizona Wildcats on Thursday, and a win will give the Bruins an impressive 3-1 record in the Pac-12. UCLA will have to claim the victory without five of their players, though. Fullback Anthony Barr (right knee), quarterback Richard Brehaut (ankle), safety Tony Dye (neck), cornerback Jamie Graham (knee) and safety Alex Mascarenas (head) will be out for Thursday's match-up.

Barr and Graham have seen only limited action so far this season while Dye and Mascarenas have contributed more heavily to the Bruins secondary. Dye has only played in the team's first three games, but during that time the senior has recorded 19 tackles. Mascarenas played in the team's first four games, tallying 21 total tackles, but he has missed two games since. Both players will be missed against an Arizona offense that will rely heavily on Nick Foles and the pass attack.

The loss of Brehaut, meanwhile, opens up the door for quarterback Kevin Prince. Prince passed for 173 yards on 8-of-13 completions with two touchdowns and one interception against Washington State prior to UCLA's bye week, helping the Bruins secure a 28-25 victory. Prince will get an opportunity as UCLA's main signal-caller against the Wildcats.

The Bruins and Wildcats tip off at 6:00 PT on Thursday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN 3.

PHOTO: UCLA Football Alternate Marble Helmets NOT To Be Worn Vs. Arizona

UCLA vs. Arizona, Injury Report: Bruins Thin Secondary Still Struggling With Injury

The UCLA Bruins are coming off their bye week this Thursday to take on the Arizona Wildcats, but may be without a number of key players on both sides of the ball, especially in the Bruins secondary. 

Cornerback Sheldon Price is questionable for Thursday's contest with a sprained right knee, leaving him limited in practice this week. He hasn't suited up the last two weeks with the Bruins and isn't looking like he'll be playing against the Wildcats. Another starting member of UCLA's secondary, strong safety Tony Dye, is listed as probable after dealing with a neck injury that left him out of the last three games. Dye was cleared for practice earlier this week by Coach Neuheisel and will be a welcome sight to an already dilapidated Bruins secondary. 

Kicker Kip Smith is listed as questionable with a hip flexor issue, keeping him out of the last four games for the Bruins. Junior punter Jeff Locke had be filling in for the redshirt freshman, but missed three extra point attempts. Hopefully Smith can get healthy in a hurry. Right guard Chris Ward is also listed as questionable after injuring hus shoulder against Stanford a few weeks back. Ward has started only seven contests in his two years at UCLA so far.

For more on the Bruins, have over to Bruins Nation to get your fix. 

UCLA vs. Arizona: Containing Nick Foles Could Be Problem For Bruins, Coaches Concerned

When the UCLA Bruins travel south to Tucson on Thursday night to take on the Arizona Wildcats, they will face a struggling team with an identity crisis. The 'Cats will be playing their first game without Mike Stoops running the show, they do not have a win in conference play and half of their defense is out for the year. 

All of their struggles aside, Arizona's senior quarterback, Nick Foles, could cause problems for UCLA all night long. Head coach Rick Neuheisel recently addressed these concerns to Rapid Reports:

Coach Rick Neuheisel hinted it was imperative for his team to do a good job of limiting the effectiveness of QB Nick Foles of Arizona in Thursday's Pac-12 game. ""It is what it is, he's going to play, so we have to figure out a way to contain him,'' Neuheisel said. "We are not going to stop him. No one has.''

Foles has been excellent in 2011, completing 71.5% of his passes and throwing for 15 touchdowns and just four interceptions. While he is not very mobile, he has shown an ability in recent weeks to avoid pressure and get off a throw before the defense collapses on him.

So how does a defense slow Foles down? Pressure, pressure, and more pressure. Arizona's offensive line is one of the worst among FBS schools and blitzes can give the Wildcats a lot of problems up front. If the Bruins sit back and fail to pressure the quarterback, he will pick the defense apart. Get pressure on him early and often and the 'Cats become stagnate offensively.

UCLA Vs. Arizona Preview: Meet The New Boss

Mike Stoops has been fired. If Rick Neuheisel doesn't win Thursday night, he could be next.

UCLA vs. Arizona: Rick Neuheisel's Job In Question As Team Heads To Tucson

For Rick Neuheisel and the UCLA Bruins, the game on Thursday night against the Arizona Wildcats may not seem like one with huge implications, but it truly is.

As T.J. Simmers of the Los Angeles Times explains, it's do or die time for both Neuheisel and UCLA football:

He lost a game he should have won in Houston to start the "Rick must go" campaign. But he's come back to win the games he had to win or get fired on the spot: San Jose State, Oregon State and Washington State.

Thursday night's game in Arizona is now the swing game. If the Bruins win, they still have a shot at seven wins; if they lose, they have no margin of error when it comes to winning six.

UCLA will enter the game as underdogs, believe it or not, and this may be a great motivating tactic for Neuheisel and his team as they prepare for the Pac-12 showdown. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Arizona is a team playing their first game since firing Mike Stoops and emotions will be riding high in Tucson as the team attempts to save its season.

If the Bruins are unable to knock off the 1-5 Wildcats, it may be the end of their season, at least in a figurative sense. As for Neuheisel, he may get the Stoops treatment himself and not last more than a few days before losing his job. That will certainly serve as motivation for the head coach.

For more on UCLA sports, Bruins Nation is the place to go.

UCLA Football: Brandon Willis Denied Eligibility For 2011 Season

Defensive tackle Brandon Willis has experience an interesting journey during his brief college career. Between the University of North Carolina and UCLA, Willis has transferred a few times and has been hindered in his quest to play on the field as a result. After the most recent transfer (from UNC to UCLA this summer), Willis applied for immediate eligibility this season. The NCAA has denied that request.

Willis' saga began during his later high school years, when he initially gave a verbal commitment to the Tar Heels. He decommitted soon after, and then committed to Tennessee. Willis soon decommitted there too and started the 2010 school year with UNC.

Willis transferred over to UCLA shortly afterwards, only to return to Chapel Hill a few months later. He remained a Tar Heel through the remainder of the year and then transferred back to UCLA this summer.

It sounds like Willis is finally done moving. All his transferring, though, has cost him the 2011 season. Willis will have three years of eligibility remaining, beginning next year. 

UCLA Vs. Arizona Odds: Opening Line Places Bruins As Near Field Goal Underdogs To Wildcats

The UCLA Bruins (3-3, 2-1 in the Pac-12) travel to the Arizona Wildcats (1-4, 0-4 in the Pac-12) this weekend as both teams return from their bye weeks. Though UCLA sports a better record, the Wildcats are three-and-a-half point favorites, according to Odds Shark.

The line seems to favor the Wildcats too much, given the play of both teams through the college football season's first half. Arizona averages 27.33 points per home game this season while UCLA averages 26.67 points per game on the road, suggesting a very even match-up.

The point difference in this game will likely be determined by Arizona's pass attack. Quarterback Nick Foles and the Wildcats are averaging 383.0 yards per game through the air, third-best in the nation. If Foles can beat the UCLA secondary and connect with his receivers, the Wildcats can score points in a hurry and put the Bruins on their heels. The Bruins may find themselves facing a deep deficit, should Foles get hot.

If UCLA can keep Foles in check, the game should remain close and could be decided by a field goal here or there. Bruins quarterback Kevin Prince will try to match Foles and exploit the Wildcats secondary, which has given up lots of big passing plays this season.

Ultimately, whether or not Arizona covers the three-and-a-half point spread depends on the performance of Foles. The Bruins have a good chance of disappointing those betting on this match-up and a good chance of winning this game if they can contain Arizona's pass attack. Look for the Bruins to be extremely active early in the secondary to prevent Foles from getting into a rhythm.

UCLA Vs. Arizona: Bruins Return From Bye Week With Road Test Against Wildcats

The Bruins take on the Wildcats and take aim at 3-1 Pac-12 record.