Nothing Official Yet, But...

Los Angeles Times photo

As of early Wednesday morning, UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel and staff remained non-committal in announcing the Bruins' starting quarterback for Saturday's game against Kansas State. However, most media reports continue to speculate that Richard Brehaut will get the nod, or at least share the duties with senior Kevin Craft. Either way, Richard has been thrust into the spotlight, as the media links him with other true freshmen who are starting at quarterback for major universities, including Matt Barkley at USC and Tate Forcier at Michigan. Check out these stories from the Los Angeles Times, Daily Bulletin (Daily News) and even USA Today. Notice the references to dad "Daniel."

Thanks to Renee for sending along this story from the Press-Enterprise, too (also posted in the comments section).

This is the only home game that I will miss this year, because it's the same night as Beth's high school class reunion, but at least Sid and Sam will be there. We'll catch the first half on TV somewhere before heading over to the reunion.

How 'bout that Crystal Ball?

When I wrote on July 24 that Richard Brehaut would be UCLA's quarterback by the fourth game of the season, naturally I was only hoping. But now that looks like my prediction might come true, with a game to spare. Starting quarterback Kevin Prince's fractured jaw suffered against Tennessee Saturday will sideline him for three to four weeks, and Richard is preparing to take over the starting role this week against Kansas State -- in the team's third game of the season...

Remember, my prediction was that he'd take over by the fourth game -- not in the fourth game. So this counts.

No official announcement has been made yet, but sources (you know who you are) indicate Richard will get the nod over incumbent Kevin Craft, who tossed a school-record 20 interceptions for the Bruins last year, but has a year of experience under his belt. Actually, the reports that Richard will start have appeared in other blogs as well, and assuming they are true, the decision makes sense. I can't believe that Coach Rick Neuheisel didn't put Richard in the game against San Diego State just to have him hold the clipboard for Craft.

My next prediction is that Prince soon will be linked to Wally Pipp. If the name doesn't ring a bell, he was the first baseman for the New York Yankees who sat out a game because of a headache. A rookie named Lou Gehrig took his place and kept the job for the next 2,130 straight games. Richard won't play that many games, but, as a true freshman, he has a long and promising career ahead as the UCLA quarterback...

It's worth noting, however, that my predictions aren't always on the mark. While I nailed a few other forecasts in that July blog, my standing as a fantasy football draft expert may have taken a serious hit this year. I had one of my absolute worst weeks ever in 26 previous years of doing this, and I don't hold out a lot of hope for the rest of the season. It's going to be a long and painful year (a prediction I hope is completely wrong)...

Lastly, happy 50th on Thursday to my good friend Jim Moore ... and right on his heels with 50th birthdays of their own are Danny Brehaut, Judy Devens-Seligman and Andi Moore. Remember, 50 is the new 18. Cheers!

Congratulations to former Cal State Fullerton, Rancho Cucamonga High School and Upland National Little League star Josh Fellhauer, who wrapped up his first season in professional baseball playing for the Cincinnati Reds’ single-A Dayton affiliate in the Eastern League. A seventh-round June draft selection by the Reds, Josh led Cal State Fullerton to another appearance in the College World Series, and then began his professional career with the Dayton Dragons, where he batted .280 this summer. Despite playing just 57 games, he was third on the team with seven home runs in 236 at-bats, while also hitting 16 doubles and driving in 23 runs. He also stole seven bases. Given the natural progression of the minor league player development system, Josh is likely ticketed to play at Sarasota in the high-A Florida State League next year.

The Shirt's Not Red

There were a couple notes in local blogs earlier this week about Richard Brehaut following his appearance in Saturday's game against San Diego State. Take a look at "Brehaut Not Burned" in the Daily News blogs and The OC Register blog. The Inside UCLA blog even has a poll about whether he should have played. Hey Danny, hang on, the stories will just keep coming.

Ready for Tennessee?

The photo collection of Saturday's UCLA game against San Diego State on the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Web site includes several great shots of Richard Brehaut, including the one above. Here's the link.

The newspaper notes today that Coach Rick Neuheisel is prepping Richard for further action during the season and will not red-shirt the freshman quarterback (and son of Danny and Yvonne). "I just feel like he's ready to play," Neuheisel said in the article. "Over the course of the season, you're going to need all your guys. With him playing and competing and getting practice reps, he's not only going to improve, but he'll keep the heat on Kevin Prince. They'll have to really work to be good quarterbacks. Now that he's played, he's going to play."

Who's missing?

Once again there was a big crowd for the annual Iggy Biggie Football League draft. But once again, Dave Bosson missed the activities...

Fantasy World

The Iggy Biggie Football League will hold its 27th annual player draft Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Robinson draft headquarters. See you there...