First look: UCLA at WSU
Time: 3:30 p.m. Saturday TV: FSN
The records: UCLA, 5-0, 2-0 Pac-10; WSU, 3-2, 0-2 Pac-10.
Last week: UCLA won at California 47-40; WSU lost to Stanford 24-21.
Last time: WSU won 31-29 in Pasadena, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2004.
What it means for WSU: Things have gone downhill remarkably quickly for the Cougars in the last two weeks, and if anything, this game might stand as a chance for redemption. UCLA’s early success makes it the favorite this week and the Cougars are now playing the underdog – at least in their minds – for the first time all season. With Cal, USC, Arizona State and Oregon up next on the schedule, this game might be the Cougars’ last chance to breathe some life into the 2005 season before the cream of the Pac-10 crop turns it into an utter disaster. For quarterback Alex Brink, this may be a last chance to salvage his own spot as the WSU starter since the heat is most clearly on to perform better.
What it means for UCLA: The Bruins may finally be turning the corner after taking more than their fair share of heat over the past few years for struggling. UCLA has had a tendency to play to the level of its opponent – as it did against Washington two weekends ago – so this game will be an opportunity for the No. 12 team in the nation to prove once again that it is a legitimate force. A big win on the road for the Bruins would likely vault them into the top 10 and might even put them on the radar as a BCS contender. Plus, a little revenge after last year’s home loss to the Cougars wouldn’t hurt.
UCLA’s best: Karl Dorrell is 17-13 in his third year as head coach at UCLA. The former Bruins wide receiver utilizes a conventional pro-style offense that has put up 41 or more points in four of five games. … Quarterback Drew Olson is having a breakthrough year, and it hasn’t hurt to have an array of quality skill-position players round him. Running back Maurice Drew is a big-play threat and both tight end Marcedes Lewis and wideout Junior Taylor are dangerous pass-catchers. … The Bruins’ defensive line hasn’t been spectacular and is prone to allow big games for opposing running backs, but the blame doesn’t extend to a linebacking corps that includes Spencer Havner on the outside and Justin London in the middle. Havner led the Pac-10 in tackles in 2004 and is on a number of All-America lists.
The numbers: Jerome Harrison carried the ball a WSU-record 42 times against the Bruins in 2004 for 247 yards and this season is on pace for more than 1,630 yards on the ground, just seven shy of the school record. … Since Jason Hill’s injury, WSU quarterback Alex Brink is 29 of 59 for 416 yards with one touchdown and six interceptions. Before the injury, Brink was 66 of 107 for 970 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. … UCLA’s No. 12 ranking is its highest since Oct. 28, 2001.
Glenn Kasses, Staff writer