= +
Keeping focused
It’s pretty impressive when your team takes the week off
and still jumps ahead two spots in both the AP and
ESPN/Coaches’ polls.
After highly regarded Tennessee and Texas teams sustained their
first losses over the weekend, UCLA jumped to No. 7 in both polls
and looks like a focused team for this Saturday’s Washington
matchup at the Rose Bowl.
Head coach Bob Toledo and the rest of the Bruin squad, though,
aren’t taking their time in the spotlight lightly.
“The more you keep winning, the bull’s-eye gets
bigger and bigger on your chest,” Toledo said.
“Everyone wants to beat you.”
Injury update
The bye week gave the Bruins an opportunity to rejuvenate
banged-up players over the weekend, and UCLA now looks as healthy
as ever for the Washington game.
Only three players won’t be healthy enough to play. Among
them are receiver Cody Joyce (concussion, doubtful), fullback Matt
Stanley (high-ankle sprain, doubtful), and placekicker Chris Kluwe
(knee injury, out).
Wide receiver Tab Perry and linebacker Robert Thomas are both
cleared to practice this week after recovering from concussions
suffered against Oregon State on Oct. 6.
Leaders of the Pac
The Bruins are ranked No. 1 in several team categories in the
Pac-10. Particularly, they rank first in total defense (271.5 yards
per game), scoring defense (11.8 points per game), pass defense
(151.5 yards per game) and rushing offense (197.2 yards per
game).
Nationally, they rank sixth in scoring defense, No. 11 in pass
defense and No. 12 in total defense. Tailback DeShaun Foster ranks
10th in the nation with 128 rushing yards per game and Cory Paus is
20th in the nation in passing efficiency (145.3 QB rating).
Patriotic ties
The UCLA Athletic Department will be issuing two free tickets to
Los Angeles policemen, firemen, sheriffs and paramedics for
Saturday’s game against the Huskies.
Booted out
The Los Angeles Galaxy have been kicked out from the Rose Bowl
by the UCLA football team.
Major League Soccer’s Galaxy were supposed to play a
playoff game against the Chicago Fire in Pasadena, but the game has
been moved to Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium because the
game clashes with the Oct. 13 game against the Washington
Huskies.
Notes compiled by Joshua Mason, Daily Bruin
Staff.