Being a defensive-minded guy, Pete is well aware of the transformation that has taken place in Westwood.

“We are very much aware that UCLA has played some great football this year. They have had a defensive turnaround that has been obvious and it has changed somewhat the climate of their team and the style that they play with. I know that DeWayne Walker has had a big impact on the program and it is clear.”

And in a move to at least make next year’s game look more interesting/nostalgic, even if it costs him a timeout, Pete wants to return to the days when UCLA would wear its home jerseys at the Coliseum.

“Frankly, I’m going to ask Coach Dorrell next year that they wear their home jerseys at the Coliseum. I hope they will do that. I think historically, it’s an image that I hold as I’m sure a lot of you guys do too. That matchup at the Coliseum was classic. I don’t think it’s necessarily the case at the Rose Bowl. I am hoping when they come here, they will be able to do that. I asked the Pac-10 about that last year and there are some issues. I think it’s silly that there are some issues that we are going to have to forfeit a timeout or something, but I will do it. I think it’s worth it.”

On possible renovations being made to the Coliseum:

“There were times when I thought that if that would help us fill the thing up and get that feeling when you have a packed house then maybe that is something that we should do, but that concern does not exist anymore. We are thrilled to have 92,000 people in the Coliseum. It has been something that we have looked forward to feeling on a game to game basis and it has arrived. There is no reason for us to make the Coliseum smaller. If anything we have to go in the other direction.”

On possibly overlooking this game:

“The history of all sports says yes. That is why you are asking this question, because it happens. The history of this football team says no. We haven’t had problems with that. We didn’t have a problem with that at the Oregon State game. That is not what happened at that game, we just dropped the ball on that.”

On play of the Pac-10 Conference:

“This has been a real statement about the balance of this conference. Playing the teams we have played, we go out of conference and play Arkansas, Nebraska and Notre Dame…our conference, all games were as tough if not tougher than all of those opponents with maybe one exception. The respect that we gained, we talked about it after the Notre Dame game, of the level of play that we dealt with all season long…all of these game were challenging and I believe the level of the players in this conference I think matches the level of the players around the country, without question.”

On sensory experience between the Coliseum and the Rose Bowl:

“To me, it’s always the fact you go into an arena in California and it’s filled up…everyone is jacked up and tailgating. The excitement and energy level of California people to be that passionate about football makes another statement about how cool of a state we live in.”

Pete Carroll Talks About Saturday’s Game Against UCLA [USCtrojans.com]