Neuheisel has something to say to you

"I want to tell you how much we appreciate you ..."

Rick Neuheisel's voice echoed out across the Rose Bowl stands Saturday as he addressed the fans who watched the end of UCLA's game against Oregon State. They were basically the same words he had spoken after beating Tennessee, Washington State and Stanford.

The thing is, the Bruins didn't beat the Beavers.

A season-high 83,478 fans watched a 3-3 halftime score turn into a train wreck. But before the Bruins could limp out of the stadium and start recovering from the 34-6 rout, Neuheisel was on the microphone.

"This isn't what we all want or expect, but I promise you we're going to keep fighting, we're going to keep working, and eventually we're all going to come here and we're going to have a heck of a time celebrating the rebirth of UCLA football. I promise you we're going to get back.

"Stay with us. I understand your frustration. Trust me, we're frustrated, too. But stay with us. I promise ya', you'll enjoy where we're going. We're gonna' get there. Thank you again!"

His voice didn't sound as relentlessly optimistic as it did right after beating Tennessee, but the mere act of speaking spoke volumes. How many coaches can pull off a pep rally after a loss?

"I always say something to the fans after the game, not just after wins," Neuheisel explained a few minutes later. "I just want them to know that brighter days are ahead. I believe that with all of my heart."

This isn't anything new for Neuheisel. At the University of Washington, he would talk to fans — regardless of the result — during an organized event called the 5th Quarter. The tradition started in Seattle before Neuheisel came and continued after he left, though current Huskies Coach Tyrone Willingham tends to a different pre-kickoff rally instead.

When Neuheisel took the reins at UCLA this year, the administration approached him about speaking to the fans. Karl Dorrell was sometimes known to do it after victories, but Neuheisel has taken it to another level. The only postgame speech he skipped was after losing to Arizona, when an assistant pointed out that a lot of people had already left during the 31-10 blowout.

Lesson for fans: You are appreciated. And if you stick around, Neuheisel will tell you as much.

—Adam Rose

Photo: Neuheisel after the Tennessee game.

Credit: Kirby Lee / US Presswire

Comments

[Rudolph]

Rick is a charming, nice man. It's nice to have a coach whose legacy is already tight, holding the reins. He doesn't have to react to the ups and downs so dramatically as someone still trying to make a name for himself.

[Happy4LA]

Thanks Adam, despite the horrible loss CRN's words were inspiring for the few UCLA fans that remained in the stadium. He took away some of my anger I had towards the team for the pathetic 2nd half performance. You can't blame one player, but Craft is clearly overmatched at QB and it's disheartening to believe there's not a capable backup. UCLA has no chance when Craft is throwing INTs and fumbling. I forgot about Rick's words until I read this blog, but they are very important in this dim time for UCLA football.

[Jon K.]

"I just want them to know that brighter days are ahead. I believe that with all of my heart."

I believe, Rick.

It's good that you keep a dialogue open with fans. It should become a tradition.

GO BRUINS!