This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Starting a new coaching regime at a football program is never easy. But when you're replacing a player's dad? Just plain tricky.
But even though UCLA's Jim Mora couldn't be the same kind of coach to Jerry Neuheisel as his father, Rick, he knew he had to be patient. If anyone could understand dealing with a coaching dad being fired, it was Mora, who went through the experience when he was on his father's staff with the New Orleans Saints.
"I know what that's like," Mora said. "[Jerry] has been able to work through it, and I think that says a lot about him."
Neuheisel has stuck with UCLA for three seasons, and both he and the Bruins saw that investment pay off Saturday after he came in for injured starter Brett Hundley to help author a 20-17 victory. Neuheisel had two touchdowns passes in the game, including the 33-yard winner that helped UCLA escape Arlington with a 3-0 record.
Mora said he hasn't always handled the situation perfectly, but he's tried very hard not to stomp on the Rick Neuheisel era in taking over the program. After all, he owes many of his recruits and the foundation in place to his predecessor.
When Mora first came to Westwood, he proclaimed he wanted to "change the culture." He's regretted that wording ever since, he said Tuesday.
"Since then I've always talked about creating our own culture, doing things our way, and not trying to compare it to the past," he said. "I try to be careful, because I have great respect for Rick, for coaches in general, and I really care about Jerry."
Mariota Heisman buzz building
With his speedy feet and strong arm, defenses get the impression that Marcus Mariota is everywhere, and now that's not only true on the field.
It's a big week for the Oregon junior quarterback: He's being featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, his weekend touchdown dive was a SportsCenter highlight, and rapper Drake is now wearing his jersey at concerts. He's also the top-ranked candidate in the Heisman Pundit straw poll, an informal tally from Heisman voters on who is projected to win college football's biggest honor.
"Marcus has to be Marcus," he said. "He has to improvise. It's one of his biggest strengths."
Arizona State rolling with backup QB
While the Sun Devils have yet to be precise about how much time injured starter Taylor Kelly will miss after leaving Saturday's game against Colorado early, it seems ASU is comfortable with the idea that backup Mike Bercovici will start against UCLA on Sept. 25.
The junior originally lost the starting job in 2012, but now will be thrust into the fire against one of the Pac-12's best teams. He'll have to tie together an offense that drew a lot on Kelly, who was considered a dark horse Heisman contender.
Prior to this season Bercovici only threw for 33 yards, but he told reporters following a Tuesday practice that he feels confident.
"It couldn't be a better opportunity for me to play in this game, this situation," he said. "This program creates championship players from the bottom to the top. I've been ready for this."
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Tribune Power rankings
1. Oregon • Defense will get good test against Wazzu's Halliday
2. Stanford • Another shutout shows power of Shaw's program
3. Arizona State • Hoping backup QB, running game can carry them for now
4. UCLA • Undefeated, but hasn't overwhelmed any opponent yet
5. Arizona • Young backfield should benefit from getting Pac-12
6. USC • Boston College steamrolled them with the run - what gives?
7. Washington • Defensive performance was most impressive takeaway
8. Utah • Could elevate profile with big win at the Big House
9. California • Passing attack may match up well with Wildcats' secondary
10. Oregon State • First real test coming up Saturday vs. SDSU
11. Washington State • Could be a rough weekend for Leach and company
12. Colorado • Hawaii may finally knock off a Pac-12 team in third try