UCLA football: UCLA center Kai Maiava ineligible for bowl game
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Center Kai Maiava is academically ineligible for the EagleBank Bowl, a damaging blow to the Bruins’ offensive line.
Maiava, a sophomore transfer from Colorado, was the linchpin to an improved offensive line. Jake Dean will start at center against Temple in the Dec. 29 game.
The Bruins first-team offensive line, as of today, included Dean and Nick Ekbatani at right guard. Sean Sheller, who had moved to the defensive line in August, was moved back to the offensive line today.
Maiava was the block the Bruins built their offensive line around. With him at center, the Bruins improved both their running game and pass protection.
-- Chris Foster