Collison announcement

Darren Collison will make his formal announcement about whether he will enter the NBA draft at 2 p.m.  Saturday.

Neuheisel discusses quarterback injuries

Coach Rick Neuheisel held a conference call Friday afternoon to discuss the quarterback injuries. Quotes after the jump ...

Double trouble

This just in from Morgan Center: Obviously neither Pat Cowan nor Ben Olson will play Saturday, but at least there are a few months until the next real game ...

Pat Cowan's MRI shows damage to his left ACL and his medial meniscus. He will be reexamined when the swelling decreases.

Ben Olson's X-ray shows a fracture in his right 5th metatarsal.  It is possible that he may have a screw put in the bone. He will be sidelined 6-8 weeks.

Whoa, Joe!

On Thursday night, Joe McDonnell was on the last couple minutes of KLAC-AM (570)'s PMS (Petros and Money Show) as they transitioned into that evening's Joe McDonnell Experience.

Petros: Dude, did you hear what happened today at practice?
Money: Bad news.
McDonnell: No.
Petros: Pat Cowan and Ben Olson both carted off.
McDonnell: Well, it's good news about Pat Cowan. What happened to Ben Olson?
Money: Carted off ...
McDonnell: Brittle Ben got hurt again.
Money: ... heard a pop in his foot.
Petros: It's good news that a kid got carted off the field at practice?
McDonnell: It is. He never has to play at UCLA again. Kevin Craft will be starting quarterback.

This has already picked up some heat on Internet message boards. Later, Petros called him out again for suggesting that an injured college player could ever be a good thing. McDonnell replied, "Hey, I didn't hurt him. Did I hurt him? Did I wish him ill? No. But it's good for the program because he's a terrible quarterback."

You can hear the whole thing by clicking here, then skipping to the end of the hourlong clip.

Fans' guide to UCLA's spring game

UCLA's annual spring football game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Rose Bowl. If you're planning on attending this free event, here are some helpful tips:

Forecast: The current forecast is for 89 degrees during the day but 59 at night, so dress in layers and bring a jacket. If you come early, it's a good idea to have sunscreen. And sunglasses (this is L.A., after all).

Other things to bring: Digital cameras are always a good idea. Bring cash for parking ($10 per car, $20 per RV) and concessions (food and novelty items). With jersey number changes and a couple of new faces, it's helpful to have a roster. You can print one out here.

Getting there: The Dodgers are taking on division rival Colorado at 7:10 p.m. Saturday, and, combined with early Hollywood traffic, the 110 Freeway probably will be a nightmare. Avoid it if you can. Pasadena police are expecting any road closures near the stadium.

Pre-pregame: Don't come any earlier than 3 p.m. because there's an autism walk in the morning. Even if you participate in the walk and want to stay for tailgating, authorities will make you leave the parking lot and come back later.

Pregame:- You can start tailgating when the parking lot gates open at 3 p.m. There will be no golf course parking, just pavement. Lady Bruins 101 starts at 3:30 p.m., but the session is preregistration ONLY and is already sold out. Bruin Kids Club Field Day begins at 4:30 p.m. and goes for about two hours. About 5 p.m., the team will walk through the Area H picnic grounds and into the stadium similar to the regular season. Stadium gates will open at 6:15 p.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Getting in: As mentioned, it's free to get in. You will be checked for prohibited items, so leave any alcohol, weapons and red shirts at home. You can enter through Gates A and B. Seating will be through Tunnels 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Postgame: Players and coaches will be signing autographs afterward. Bring something you want signed and a good pen (Sharpies tend to be the best).

Friday hot links

• Times beat writer Chris Foster has more on football practice and the QB injuries.
• Sports Illustrated's Luke Winn has a good feature on UCLA's big hoops recruits.
• Senior Tasha Schwikert won the NCAA women's gymnastics all-around title, which she also did as a freshman.
• Kurt Streeter talked to John Wooden about his friendship with Bruin gymnastics coach Kondos Field.
• Former UCLA women's basketball teammates Nikki Blue and Lindsey Pluimer have been reunited on the Washington Mystics.
• UCLA football players who aren't drafted are hurt by an NFL rule.

Double ouch

"It was a good practice, other than two quarterbacks went down."

That's how Coach Rick Neuheisel summed things up Thursday evening. Pat Cowan reaggravated the same knee he hurt in practice Monday (Tuesday's MRI came back negative). Ben Olson hurt a foot, saying he planted it and heard a pop. It's too early to tell how this will affect Saturday's scrimmage in the Rose Bowl, but Neuheisel tried to look on the bright side, saying it could be an opportuity for the Bruins' other three quarterbacks to get some more reps. "It's disconcerting when guys who've been hurt get hurt," he said, "but I remain optimistic."

Combine for cheerleaders

With 100 NCAA championships, Bruin fans usually have something to cheer about — but the Spirit Squad isn't resting on its laurels.

The team held its 2008-09 auditions Sunday. According to Trojan-Hater, who runs BeatSC.com (a.k.a. the Trojan Haters Club), even returning members had to prove themselves in front of a panel of experts. To see some of the 1,777 photos he took, check out these posts:

• AWE-DISHIN'
• Mollie's Follies
• The Lamborghini's of Limber Genies

The first one has a recap of the event, which included an appearance by Rick Neuheisel.

The final cut will be announced April 30.

Posted by: Adam Rose

Image courtesy Trojan-Hater, who writes the wittiest headlines in the Bruin blogosphere.

Neuheisel at his finest

Rick Neuheisel closed out his playing career with a win in the Rose Bowl, and after the game he showed TV cameras the same charisma and enthusiasm that he still has almost a quarter of a century later as the Bruins' head coach. Check out this video that originally aired on KABC-TV Channel 7 on Jan. 1, 1984. The hair's a bit shorter, but little else has changed.

(Originally found on Bruins Nation. Thanks to Da Wiz for a coding solution!)

Posted by: Adam Rose

What to watch tonight

FSN Prime Ticket will air the Lexus Gauntlet Show at 10:30 tonight.

This week's edition focuses primarily on the upcoming UCLA spring football game, breaking down the whole team with Bill MacDonald and James Washington. There also will be a feature profile of Norm Chow by reporter Brandon Hancock, who used to play for Chow at USC.

The hourlong episode also will have a short recap of the Trojans' spring game (held last weekend), so you can see what the cross-town rival is up to.

Posted by: Adam Rose