Transfer quarterback Darius Bell experienced his share of ups and downs during his first week at UCLA. But Monday was a definite up, with Bell getting a majority of the first-unit reps and showing the coaching staff what he's absorbed through a week of fall camp.

If there's a positive to starter Kevin Prince's weeklong absence, it's that Bell and Richard Brehaut have seen an increase in snaps. As a result, their battle for the No. 2 spot has heated up.

"I'd say Richard is ahead right now, but Darius had a great morning," coach Rick Neuheisel said. "It's great to have that kind of competition. We'll see where that leads to on Saturday night."

Prince, who continues to nurse an oblique strain, likes what he's seen so far.

"It's nice to see a guy come in and pick it up so quickly," Prince said. "Bell knows what we're doing, for the most part. Obviously he's going to make mistakes here and there, but he's making a lot of good checks at the line. He seems to have a knack for making plays."

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