The only replays ASU coach Dirk Koetter and UCLA coach Karl Dorrell plan on watching this weekend will be found in game film and movie clips.
Koetter and Dorrell both vetoed the Big Ten's experimental instant replay system before a controversy-filled opener between No. 21 Wisconsin and Central Florida resulted in massive criticism.
The Big Ten replay system differs from the NFL replay system in that plays can be reviewed only by a conference official in the press box, not by coaches or referees on the field.
Wisconsin had a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown called back when replays showed that junior linebacker Dontez Sanders' knee touched the ground after Sanders recovered a loose ball at midfield.
Later in the game, Wisconsin sophomore quarterback John Stocco connected with junior wide receiver Jonathan Orr on a 16-yard touchdown pass. The play wasn't reviewed, even though replays on the Jumbotron revealed that Orr's foot might have been out of bounds.
Then there was the lengthy delay after Wisconsin senior Anthony Davis' run down the sideline. The replay official initially moved the ball from the Central Florida 28 to the 41, but then determined that Davis went out at the 29.
It's controversy that Koetter and Dorrell don't want Saturday, when ASU plays at Northwestern and UCLA travels to Illinois.
"I'm not saying we're against instant replay," Koetter said of the Pac-10's stance. "I just think the coaches should have a say in it instead of somebody arbitrary assigned in the press box. If there are going to be challenges, I think we should use an NFL-type rule. For now, we're not going to have it, so I'm not going to worry about it."
Said Dorrell: "If any judgment issues happen, I'd like for it to be done from someone on the field. We don't use that here in the Pac-10. There was an option for me to have it, and I chose not to use it."
Utes come calling
Fresh off a 21-3 win over NAU, UA faces a much tougher challenge Saturday in No. 17 Utah, which is known for its varying looks on offense.
"The kids have to understand what's happening to them as the plays develop," UA coach Mike Stoops said. "You have to spend a lot of time in preparation to understand how they're trying to work you. It's important that everyone understands where they need to be."
Still kicking
Oregon State coach Mike Riley said that redshirt freshman kicker Alexis Serna has responded positively after missing three extra points Saturday in a 22-21 loss at No. 6 Louisiana State.
Riley reopened the competition between Serna and junior John Dailey, but didn't discount the possibility of Serna kicking Friday when Oregon State visits Boise State.
"We've talked to him quite a bit, and our team has kind of put their arm around him," Riley said. "He's a young kid and a very hard worker, and it was just a bad day at the office."
Williams hanging around
Denied reinstatement by the NCAA, former USC wide receiver Mike Williams is training at the school's facilities while enrolled in classes. However, USC coach Pete Carroll doesn't want him practicing with the team.
"I don't think that would be a good idea," Carroll said. "I think it would be more of a distraction for us if he did. But we love Mike, and we're trying to help him in any way that we can to get ready for his next step, whatever that is."
Quick kicks
UA backup quarterback Ryan O'Hara has left the team to care for his 15-year-old brother, Dustin, who underwent a kidney transplant Monday. O'Hara, a sophomore, could have three years of eligibility left if he's granted a hardship withdrawal by the NCAA.
Washington coach Keith Gilbertson said he's not going to "knee jerk and panic" after junior quarterback Casey Paus was intercepted three times Sunday in a 35-16 loss against Fresno State. Backup QB Isaiah Stanback was 1-for-5 for 10 yards with one interception.
Oregon coach Mike Bellotti on an increased awareness after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks: "I think that the whole world is more conscious of the fact that there are dangers out there and that we're not untouchable. There's a realization about the evils in the world."
Reach the reporter at brian.gomez@asu.edu.
