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No. 24 Bruins Look For Fourth Straight Win, Host No. 7 USC
Nov. 18, 2002
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GAME #11 - No. 24 UCLA, winner of three straight and 7-3 overall and 4-2 in Pac-10 play (third place), will host No. 7 USC, 8-2 overall and 6-1 in Pac-10 play (second place), on Saturday, Nov. 23 in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff has been set for 12:30 p.m. UCLA is ranked No. 24 by ESPN/USA Today and No. 25 by AP while USC is ranked No. 7 on both polls.The game will be televised live on a regional basis by ABC Sports. Keith Jackson and Dan Fouts will call the action with Todd Harris on the sidelines.Fox Sports Radio AM 1150 and the Bruin Radio Network broadcasts all games. Chris Roberts and Matt Stevens will call the action in the booth and John Ireland will work the sidelines. Westwood One will broadcast the game nationally and KMPC (USC's flagship station) will also originate a radio broadcast of the contest.
FOOD ZONE - For all Bruin home games fans should plan on arriving in the Arroyo Seco early to avoid traffic and picnic at the Rose Bowl. UCLA is again sponsoring the Food Zone in Area H, just south of the bowl. Participating restaurants include American Pretzel, Cafe Caboto's, Corn Roast of California, Couple of Nuts, Event Specialists (Dreyers), In-N-Out, Kettle Korn Cafe, Krispy Kreme/Coffee Bean, Me Gusta, Robin's Wood Fire BBQ & Grill, Subway, Thai Tiffany and T-N-T Gourmet Sausages Co.
PARKING AT ROSE BOWL - Parking is again available on the Brookside Golf Course for $5. For those who want to avoid the traffic in the Arroyo Seco, parking is available at the Parsons Engineering Building on Fair Oaks and Walnut in Pasadena. Parking at the Parsons Lot is $5 and the shuttle bus to and from the Rose Bowl is free. Shuttle service begins four hours prior to kickoff.
SERIES RECORD - USC leads the series, which dates back to 1929, 27-37-7, and has won the last three meetings. USC won last year's game at the Coliseum, 27-0.UCLA won eight straight games between 1991-98, twice as long a string as any previous streak in the series, and is 13-8-1 versus USC since the start of the 1980s. UCLA head coach Bob Toledo is 3-3 versus the Trojans.UCLA is 7-3 vs. USC at the Rose Bowl.This is the first time USC has entered the game ranked in the Top 25 since 1995. UCLA has won the last four games (1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995) in which USC has been ranked.The last time both schools were ranked entering the game was 1993, when No. 16 defeated No. 22 USC, 27-21, at the Coliseum. UCLA has won three of the last four games in which both teams were ranked, dating back to 1982.The last time the schools met at the Rose Bowl (2000), the Bruins lost by a score of 38-35. A field goal with nine seconds remaining provided USC with the margin of victory. The Bruins had tied the game with 1:05 remaining when Cory Paus scored on a one-yard run on fourth down to culminate a 75-yard drive.
BRUIN HEAD COACH BOB TOLEDO - In his seventh year on the job, the Bruin head coach owns a record of 49-30 (32-22 in Pac-10 play) and a winning percentage of .620. The 20-game winning streak in 1997-98 was the longest in school history, twice as long as the previous streak (10, set in 1946 and tied in 1954-55). His teams have won two Pac-10 titles (1997, 1998) and have qualified to play in a bowl game in five of the past six seasons, including 2002.Toledo is only the second coach in school history to win 10 regular-season games (Bert LaBrucherie in 1946) and only the second coach in school history to win 10 total games in back-to-back seasons (Terry Donahue in 1987-88). Toledo's 49 wins put him in fourth place on UCLA's career victory list. Under Toledo, UCLA is 38-9 when it scores at least 30 points and 18-1 when it scores at least 40. UCLA is 33-6 when leading at the half and has won 12 times (12-23) after trailing at the half and four (4-1) when tied at the half. The Bruins are 3-1 in overtime games. When ranked, the Bruins sport a 31-13 record under Toledo and are 15-5 when ranked in the Top 10.Under Toledo, UCLA is 16-13 versus ranked teams. It has won nine of the last 15 and is 15-8 in the last 23 games versus Top 25 teams.
LAST GAME - UCLA scored the first two times it had the ball to build a 17-0 lead, saw Arizona close to within 17-7 and then scored the final 20 points of the game en route to a 37-7 victory over the Wildcats at Tucson. UCLA led 20-7 at halftime. Arizona's 12 net yards rushing, thanks in part to six Bruin sacks, were the lowest by a Bruin opponent since the 2001 Washington game (minus-eight). In the second half, Arizona netted just 22 total yards on 23 snaps.The Bruins' two true freshman quarterbacks completed 13 of 20 passes for 201 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Drew Olson, starting his second straight game, hit on seven of 12 passes for 111 yards and a 33-yard touchdown. Matt Moore, who entered the game late in the first quarter and played the rest of the half, completed six of eight passes for 90 yards. He also played in the fourth quarter but the Bruins did not pass with a 37-7 lead.Tyler Ebell broke the 100-yard barrier for the sixth straight week, finishing with 124 yards and two dazzling touchdowns on 22 attempts. Only Gaston Green (seven in 1986) has ever rushed for 100 yards in more consecutive games in one season than Ebell.
- UCLA has played three consecutive games with a true freshman quarterback and has not thrown an interception, a stretch of 66 pass attempts.
- UCLA allowed just 173 yards against California. The last time the defense held an opponent to fewer yards was the 2001 Ohio State game (166). UCLA allowed the Golden Bears just 40 yards on the ground and 133 in the air.
- The Bruin defense held Arizona to 12 net yards rushing, its best effort since limiting Washington to minus-eight yards rushing in 2001. Overall, UCLA held Arizona to 22 yards of total offense in the second half (23 plays).
- The 75 yards passing by Stanford were the fewest by a Bruin opponent since Ohio State's 45 in 2001.
- UCLA is allowing opponents to complete just 47.9% of their passes, the best mark in the Pac-10. Its 12 touchdown passes allowed is the second fewest in the league.
- UCLA's defense has allowed just 22 touchdowns, third in the Pac-10. Overall, opponents have scored 26 TDs.
- UCLA's 31.2 scoring average is its highest since 1998.
- Under Bob Toledo, UCLA is 6-0 at home following a bye.
- This season, UCLA is 4-1 when its opponent scores first and 3-2 when it draws first blood. UCLA has been down by at least 10 points prior to scoring four times (Colorado State 0-10, Oklahoma State 0-10, Oregon State 0-14 and Stanford 0-15) and is 4-0 in those games. In 2001, the Bruins were 3-1 when they scored first and 4-3 when the opponent scored first.
- UCLA has outscored opponents 73-18 in the third quarter.
- UCLA is 5-1 on the road and 2-2 at home in 2002. This season marks only the third time in school history that the Bruins have won five regular-season road games, doing it in 1993 and 1998.
- Twelve of UCLA's touchdowns have measured at least 30 yards -- 10 on offense plus interception returns of 42 and 33 yards by Spencer Havner. The offensive scores have covered 71, 64, 55, 53, 46, 41, 37, 33 and 33 in the air and 49 yards on the ground.
- In 10 games, UCLA's offense has produced 27 scrimmage plays of at least 30 yards -- 19 passes and eight runs. The Bruins had five plays of 30+ yards at Oregon State, four each versus Arizona, Oregon and Oklahoma State and three at San Diego State. The longest run is 73 yards by Tyler Ebell at Oregon State and the longest pass is 71 yards from Cory Paus to Craig Bragg for a touchdown against Oregon. All four touchdowns against the Ducks measured at least 46 yards (71, 55, 53 and 46 yards).
- In the same span, the Bruin offense has produced 54 scrimmage plays of at least 20 yards, including 10 versus Oklahoma State and Oregon State, seven at Arizona and Washington and six versus Oregon.
- Tyler Ebell is the first freshman (true or redshirt) and only the second player in school history to rush for at least 100 yards in six consecutive games. Gaston Green is the only player in school history to rush for over 100 yards in seven straight games in one season (1986).
- In the Oregon State game, Tab Perry (145) and Mike Seidman (138) became the first Bruin 100-yard pass receiving duo since Freddie Mitchell (125) and Brian Poli-Dixon (107) versus Arizona State (9/30/00). Against Oregon, Craig Bragg (230) and Tab Perry (126) had more than 100 receiving yards, giving UCLA back-to-back games with a pair of 100-yard receivers for the first time since the final two games of the 1998 season (Miami and Wisconsin).
- Craig Bragg's 71-yard touchdown reception from Cory Paus was UCLA's longest pass play since the 2000 USC game, when Paus and Freddie Mitchell connected for 74 yards.
- During Bob Toledo's six-plus seasons as head coach, UCLA is 30-7 when it wins the turnover battle, 9-19 when it loses the turnover battle and 10-4 when the turnovers are even.
- Tyler Ebell's 53-yard punt return against San Diego State was UCLA's longest since the 1998 season, when Ryan Roques returned one 77 yards for a touchdown at Washington.
- Jason Harrison's 46-yard kickoff return against Stanford was UCLA's longest since the 1999 season, when Lovell Houston returned one 93 yards for a touchdown at Stanford.
- UCLA has scored three touchdowns on blocked punts in the last two years and Jibril Raymo has scored two of them. Marcus Reese blocked both last year and Matt Clark did the honors against San Diego State. Overall, UCLA has blocked five punts in the last two years, three against Cal. It has blocked three punts this year, two at Berkeley, and blocked a field goal against Stanford.
- UCLA has fumbled the ball 21 times this year and has lost seven, five on offense. Thirteen are on offense (five lost), three are on kickoff returns, two are on interceptions (one lost) and three are on punt returns (one lost).
- UCLA has won 15 of its last 23 games versus ranked opponents dating back to a 1997 win at #11 Texas and has posted a 24-7 record in regular-season games played in the Rose Bowl since that win over the Longhorns.
- UCLA has won 10 of its last 11 non-conference regular-season games dating back to 1999 (following a loss at Ohio State, the Bruins have defeated Fresno State in 1999, Alabama, Fresno State and Michigan in 2000, Alabama, Kansas and Ohio State in 2001 and Colorado State, Oklahoma State and San Diego State in 2002).
- In 10 games this season, 15 Bruins have made their first starts - Paul Mociler, OG; Keith Carter, TE; Marcus Reese, LB; Spencer Havner, LB; Jarrad Page, DB; Jon Dubravac, WR; Mike McCloskey, C; Ed Blanton, OT; Tyler Ebell, TB; Jibril Raymo, FS; Ryan Boschetti, DT; Marcedes Lewis, TE; Matt Moore, QB; Drew Olson, QB; Junior Taylor, WR. In addition, junior Asi Faoa made his first start at defensive end (he had one previous start at LB in 1999 vs. Boise State) and true freshman defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu made his debut versus the Ducks.
- Sixteen Bruins made their varsity debut versus Colorado State, including eight true freshmen J.D. Groves, Marcedes Lewis, Justin London, Glenn Ohaeri, Drew Olson, Jarrad Page, Junior Taylor, Wesley Walker; six redshirt freshmen Tyler Ebell, Jason Harrison, Spencer Havner, Wendell Mathis, Mike McCloskey and James Jessen; and two juniors Ryan Boschetti and David Tautofi.
- Numerous players made their debuts at San Diego State. Redshirt freshman Ed Blanton started at right tackle for injured Mike Saffer in his first career game. Tight end Keith Carter, quarterback John Sciarra, offensive guard Robert Cleary, wide receiver Jacques Lazarus, wide receiver Brett Mitchell, offensive tackle Matt Mosebar, offensive guard Jason Nitz, wide receiver Josh Roenicke all saw the first action of their careers.
- UCLA has played 10 true freshmen this season, the most since freshmen became eligible for varsity play in 1972. All 10 have played in the same game (Arizona). UCLA had eight true freshmen earn letters in 1994.
- UCLA's nine bowl wins in the last 20 years rank No. 1 (tied) in the Pac-10. Only six schools (Florida State, Tennessee, Penn State, Alabama, Miami, Michigan) have won more bowl games in that span.
- During the last 20 years, UCLA has been ranked in the final Associated Press Top 25 on 11 occasions. No other school in the Pac-10 has been ranked more than 10 times.
- In the last 20 seasons (1982-2001), UCLA has more Top 10 rankings (seven) than any other Pac-10 school. In fact, only six schools (Florida State, Nebraska, Florida, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee) have been ranked in the AP Top 10 more often than UCLA during this period.
- Several Bruins were listed on the pre-season watch lists of the major awards - Mike Saffer, OT and Rodney Leisle, DT - Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award; Ricky Manning, Jr., CB and Matt Ware, FS - Jim Thorpe Award; Nate Fikse, P - Ray Guy Award.
- Senior cornerback Ricky Manning could become only the seventh Bruin since 1964 to be named a three-time first-team all-conference player. The others - Vaughn Parker, OL 1991-92-93; Terry Tumey, DL 1985-86-87; Kenny Easley, DB 1977-78-79; Manu Tuiasosopo, DL 1976-77-78; Jerry Robinson, LB 1976-77-78; Gary Beban, QB 1965-66-67.
- Starting Streaks - Ricky Manning has started in 42 straight games to lead the team (the record is 46 by offensive lineman Craig Novitsky, 1990-93). Next is offensive left tackle Bryce Bohlander with 35 straight starts. Offensive right tackle Mike Saffer, who has started 39 times in his career, had a streak of 26 consecutive starts ended when he did not play at San Diego State due to a broken rib. Defensive tackle Rodney Leisle had a 28-game streak stopped when he did not suit up for the Oregon game due to a broken foot.
- Three Bruins on the 2002 roster are the sons of former Bruin football players - TE Blane Kezirian (dad, Ed played offensive line in 1972-73 for coach Pepper Rodgers and posted a 17-5 record); WR/H Garrett Lepisto (dad, Vic played defensive end in 1964-66-67 for coaches Bill Barnes and Tommy Prothro); QB John Sciarra (dad, John played 1972-75 and quarterbacked the Bruins to a win over No. 1 Ohio State in the 1976 Rose Bowl game).
- UCLA had six players selected in the 2002 NFL Draft, ranking seventh (tied) nationally among all schools in that category. (LB Robert Thomas/Rams, RB DeShaun Foster/Panthers, DB Marques Anderson/Packers, DL Kenyon Coleman/Raiders, TE Bryan Fletcher/Bears - now with Tennessee, LS Jeff Grau/Redskins). All six are currently with NFL teams, plus free agent signee LB Ryan Nece with Tampa Bay, giving UCLA seven current NFL rookies.
- Offensive left tackle Bryce Bohlander, who had been nominated for a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Post-Graduate Scholarship, has been named to the 2002 Verizon/CoSIDA District VIII Academic All-America team and will be nominated for an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship. He will graduate in December with a major in Political Science and a minor in Public Policy and currently owns a 3.27 grade-point average.
#9 CB RICKY MANNING - True senior corner Ricky Manning Jr., a candidate for All-America honors, earned first-team All-Pac-10 acclaim for the second straight season last year, in the vote of league coaches. He was a 2002 first-team pre-season All-America selection by Football News and a second-team choice by Street & Smith's and Lindy's.Manning has the opportunity to become only the seventh Bruin since 1964 to earn first-team All-League honors three times. He has started in each of the last 42 games (longest starting streak on the team) after making his first career start against Fresno State in 1999.In the season-opening win over Colorado State, he was credited with five tackles, including four solos. His fourth-quarter tackle on Cecil Sapp after a reception caused a fumble that UCLA recovered at the Ram 16-yard line with a 14-13 lead. UCLA scored on the next play to build a 21-13 lead.Against Oklahoma State, he tied for the team lead with eight tackles, including one for loss, and spent most of the game defending Rashaun Woods.In the game versus Colorado, he was credited with four tackles (three solos), including one for loss, and also had one pass defensed.At San Diego State, he helped hold the nation's No. 2 passing attack to just 208 total yards. Matched up most of the day against J.R. Tolver, Manning held the nation's No. 1-ranked receiver to just three catches for 30 yards. On the afternoon, he made the 10th interception of his career and was credited with two other pass defenses and three tackles.At Oregon State, he scored the first touchdown of his career on a 33-yard interception return to give the Bruins a 26-14 lead 4:55 into the second half. He also made three tackles. Against Oregon, he also made three stops. At California, he was credited with one tackle and one pass defensed but the Golden Bears rarely threw in his area.Against Stanford, he helped hold the Cardinal to just 75 yards passing and made his third interception of the year to take the team lead in that area and set up a Bruin field goal.At Washington, he was matched up much of the time against Reggie Williams and made four solo tackles, defensed two passes and made his team-high fourth interception of the year on the final play of the first half to end a scoring threat.At Arizona, he made two solo tackles.Manning has now made 13 career interceptions, tying him for 7th place on that UCLA career list.On the year, he is sixth on the team with 33 tackles, including two for losses, and one forced fumble. He leads the team with his four interceptions and has broken up five passes. He is fifth (tied) in the Pac-10 with his 0.40 interception average.In 2001, he ranked second on the team with his three interceptions and totaled 36 tackles, including two for losses, to rank sixth (tied) on the team in that category.In 2000, he ranked fifth on the team with 65 tackles. His four interceptions led the team, as did his 14 pass defenses. As a freshman in 1999, he led the Bruins with 10 tackles for loss and ranked fourth on the team with 53 tackles.
#44 LB MARCUS REESE - True senior linebacker Marcus Reese, who is a candidate for post-season honors, has been a major contributor the last two seasons. He made his first career start against Colorado State and was very productive, making nine tackles (seven solos), one shy of the team high for the game. Against Oklahoma State, he did not play much of the second half as a precaution (ankle) and made two solo tackles. In the game against Colorado, he led the Bruins with a career-high 13 tackles (seven solos) and was also credited with one pass defensed.In the win at San Diego State, his diving interception at the Aztec six-yard line set up UCLA's first score of the day and the fumble he forced also resulted in a Bruin touchdown drive to make the score 21-0 less than five minutes into the second quarter. On the afternoon, he made six tackles (three solos) to go with his two forced turnovers.At Oregon State, he tied for the team lead with six tackles. He had two stops behind the line, including one for a safety late in the second quarter. He was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week.Against Oregon, he led the Bruins with nine tackles (five solos), including one sack and a second for loss.At California, he made seven tackles (six solos) to rank second (tied) on the team. He also defensed two passes. On special teams, he recorded the first of UCLA's two fourth-quarter blocked punts, his third in two seasons. Against Stanford, he led the team with 12 tackles, including seven solos.At Washington, he tied for the team lead with nine tackles. On the first play of the second quarter, he made an interception and returned it 29 yards to the one, setting up the second of Tyler Ebell's three touchdowns to give UCLA a 17-7 lead.At Arizona, he made four tackles, including two sacks and a third for loss.After 10 games, his 77 tackles (49 solos) rank second on the team and his 7.7 average is ninth in the Pac-10. He also ranks fourth on the team with seven tackles for losses, fourth (tied) with three sacks and third (tied) with two interceptions.Despite not starting in 2000 or 2001, he made 68 tackles during those two years. Also a big contributor on special teams during his career, Reese blocked a pair of punts last season which each produced a touchdown. On the year, he ranked ninth on the squad with 34 tackles, including four for loss.#17 CB MATT WARE - A member of the 2002 Thorpe Award pre-season Watch List and the only true freshman in the starting lineup a year ago, Ware is playing both cornerback and free safety in 2002 after starting at cornerback in 2001.In the opener against Colorado State, he made four solo tackles and had one pass defensed. In the win at Oklahoma State, he made his first interception of the year in the end zone in the final minute of the first half to end a Cowboy scoring opportunity. He also made two tackles but missed most of the second half after spraining his right ankle. In the Colorado game, he ranked second on the squad with a career-high 10 tackles (four solos).At San Diego State, he played cornerback exclusively and helped limit the nation's No. 2 passing attack to just 208 yards in the air. The Aztecs had just one completion of more than 22 yards and averaged just 5.2 yards per pass attempt. Ware ranked second on the team with seven tackles (four solos), including one sack.At Oregon State, he again played cornerback and was credited with three tackles, including two solos, and one pass defensed. Against Oregon, he played corner and made three tackles, including one for loss, and forced one fumble.At California, he made one tackle at the cornerback position and also recorded the second of UCLA's two fourth-quarter blocked punts. He also played one snap on offense, pitching the ball on an option play near the goal line.Against Stanford, the true sophomore made five tackles, including four solos. At Washington, he missed much of the game, including the whole second half, with a tight left hamstring and was credited with one tackle. At Arizona, he made two solo tackles and deflected one pass.On the year, he ranks fifth on the squad with 38 tackles (25 solos) and has made one interception and one quarterback sack. He has also blocked a punt and forced one fumble.In 2001, Ware was named first-team Freshman All-American and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News. He earned first-team Freshman All-American accolades by the Football Writers of America.Matt became the first UCLA true freshman to start every regular-season game since freshmen became eligible in 1972 (three-time All-America safety Kenny Easley started the final 10 games of his freshman season).On the year, he made 32 tackles, led the team with five interceptions (tied for third in the Pac-10) and was second on the team with two fumble recoveries. Ware's five interceptions were the most by a Bruin since Larry Atkins made six in 1997.He also saw action on offense, as a quarterback, in the games against Oregon and USC. He ran four times in the Oregon game for 22 yards and caught one pass for 49 yards. He took two snaps at quarterback versus USC and pitched the ball on both occasions.He signed a baseball contract with the Seattle Mariners during the 2001 fall football camp and played in their minor league organization this past summer as an outfielder.
#11 LB BRANDON CHILLAR - True junior Brandon Chillar is enjoying a productive 2002 season. In the season-opener against Colorado State, he led the Bruins with a career-high 10 tackles (four solos) and made the second interception of his career. He also forced a fumble on the Rams' two-point conversion attempt that Ben Emanuel returned for two Bruin points and a 23-19 lead.Against Oklahoma State, he was again all over the field and made four tackles, including one for loss, but did not return after suffering a leg cramp in the second half. In the Colorado game, he made three solo tackles, including one for loss.The San Diego native recorded three tackles (two solos) against San Diego State and also recovered a second-quarter fumble that led to a Bruin touchdown. At Oregon State, he tied for the team lead with six tackles (five solos). He had one sack and a second tackle for loss. Against Oregon, he was third on the squad with six tackles.At California, he recorded six tackles (five solos), including one for loss, and defensed one pass. Against Stanford, he made 11 tackles (eight solos), one shy of the team high, and led the team with two quarterback sacks.At Washington, Chillar made four tackles (three solos), including one quarterback sack.At Arizona, he made seven tackles (three solos), including one for loss. He was also credited with a blocked field goal.On the year, he ranks third on the squad with 60 tackles (40 solos) and is second on the team with four sacks and tied for second with nine tackles for loss. He has also made one interception and one fumble recovery. He ranks T-19th (tied) in the Pac-10 in tackles with his 6.0 average.Chillar started nine games at strongside linebacker a year ago. He ranked fifth on the team, and first among 2002 returnees, with 42 tackles. Chillar was third on the team with five sacks and had eight tackles for loss, both totals ranking No. 1 among returnees. He made his first career start in the second game of the season at Kansas.
#41 LB SPENCER HAVNER - A candidate for Freshman All-America honors, the redshirt freshman played in his first game and made his first start against Colorado State. He made five tackles (three solos), including one for loss, and was also credited with two pass defenses.In the win over Oklahoma State, he played a key role. He returned his first career interception 23 yards for the touchdown that gave UCLA a lead it would never relinquish, 14-10. He tied for the team lead with eight tackles (seven solos) and forced a fumble at the Bruin 18-yard line that ended a Cowboy scoring threat and started a Bruin touchdown drive. In the Colorado game, he made seven tackles, including four solos, and was also credited with one pass defense.At San Diego State, Havner was all over the field. He led the Bruins with 10 tackles (nine solos) and sacked the quarterback on two occasions. At Oregon State, he was credited with three tackles, including one for loss, and made his second interception of the season. Against Oregon, he made five tackles, including one for loss. At California, he led the Bruins with 11 tackles -- all solos --including one for loss and also forced a fumble.Against Stanford, he made 11 tackles (six solos), one shy of the team high, including two for losses.At Washington, he tied for the team lead with nine tackles (four solos). He also scored his second touchdown of the year, making his third interception and returning it 42 yards for the game-clinching score with 1:17 remaining in the contest, making the score 34-24. He also deflected a pass to teammate Marcus Reese to set up another touchdown.At Arizona, he led the team with nine tackles (six solos), including one for loss, and also forced a fumble.On the year, he has made a team-high 78 tackles and his average of 7.8 tackles per game ranks eighth in the Pac-10. His 54 solo tackles, six pass defenses and three forced fumbles lead the team, he is second on the team with three interceptions and he is tied for second in tackles for loss (nine). He has also tied the UCLA record for most touchdowns on interceptions in one season (two), held by four other players, including John Brown (1958), Jerry Robinson (1976), Brian Baggott (1978) and Blanchard Montgomery (1982).In addition, his 78 tackles rank fourth on UCLA's freshman tackles list.
#43 DE DAVE BALL - In the opener against Colorado State, junior right end Dave Ball was credited with three tackles, including one for loss. Against Oklahoma State, he recovered a second-quarter fumble at the Bruin 18-yard line that ended a Cowboy scoring threat and started a Bruin touchdown drive. He also made one tackle. In the Colorado game, he made four tackles (three solos), including one of the Bruins' two sacks.At San Diego State, Ball made two tackles, including one of UCLA's five sacks. At Oregon State, he started for the 16th straight game and made two tackles, including a sack for the third consecutive week. His starting streak was snapped against Oregon as he was forced to sit out the first half of the game after being excused by the officials from the Oregon State game and he recorded a sack for the fourth straight week in the second half. At California, he recorded two sacks among his three tackles.Against Stanford, he was credited with a career-high six tackles (five solos), including one sack.At Washington, he harrassed the Huskies all afternoon and recorded three sacks among his five solo tackles.At Arizona, he had two tackle assists, including 0.5 sacks and another for loss. He has now made at least one sack (or one-half sack) in eight straight games.On the year, he has made 29 tackles, first among the linemen, and leads the team with 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. His 10.5 sacks rank sixth on UCLA's single-season list and are the most by a Bruin since Donnie Edwards recorded 12.5 in 1994. He ranks fourth in the Pac-10 with 10.5 sacks and 11th (tied) with 11.5 tackles for loss (assists count has a half TFL). He has started 20 of the last 21 games over two seasons.In 2001, he started all 11 contests and finished with 18 tackles and one sack. Ball was seventh on the team with four tackles for loss. As a redshirt freshman in 2000, he started three games at end and saw action in all 12 contests.
#24 FS BEN EMANUEL - The talented redshirt sophomore safety played a key role in the victory over Colorado State. On the night, he was credited with six tackles (four solos) and one pass defense from the strong safety position. However, his biggest play came with the Bruins leading 21-19 with 1:32 remaining in the game. On CSU's two-point conversion attempt, Brandon Chillar caused Bradlee Van Pelt to fumble and Emanuel picked up the loose ball and returned it 89 yards for two points to give UCLA a 23-19 lead. It was the first defensive two-point conversion in UCLA history.In the win at Oklahoma State, he was credited with six solo tackles, including one for loss. He also made two interceptions, the second time in his career he has done that (Washington State in 2001). His second, with UCLA holding a 38-24 lead, gave the Bruins possession with 3:41 remaining and they were able to run out the clock. He played most of the second half at free safety in place of injured Matt Ware. In the Colorado game, Emanuel was credited with a then career-best eight tackles (six solos), including one for loss.At San Diego State, he started at free safety with Matt Ware's shift to corner and helped coordinate the secondary play that held the Aztecs to just 208 passing yards (SDSU had thrown for over 500 yards in each of its previous two games). He was credited with one tackle. At Oregon State, he again started at free safety and was credited with one pass breakup. He did not play versus Oregon due to a 'stinger' in his left side that he suffered at Oregon State and reaggravated during the week.At California, he tied for second on the team with seven tackles, all solos. Against Stanford, he made two tackles (one solo) and blocked a Cardinal field goal attempt. At Washington, he tied for the team lead with a career-high nine tackles (four solos). At Arizona, he made three tackles (one solo) and recovered a fumble.On the year, he ranks fourth on the squad with 42 tackles, including 30 solos and two for losses. He is also third (tied) on the team with two interceptions.
DEFENSIVE LINE - Senior Rusty Williams had a 22-game starting streak at defensive end stopped at the 2000 Sun Bowl. He missed that contest after undergoing shoulder surgery. He sat out Spring practice a year ago and reported to 2001 Fall camp ready for action. He appeared in all 11 games off the bench last season and had six tackles, one for loss.Against Colorado State, his first start since the 2000 USC game, Williams played a very important role. In the third quarter, he pressured the Ram quarterback into throwing an interception at the Bruin seven-yard line. In the fourth quarter, with UCLA leading 14-13, his fumble recovery at the Ram 16-yard line with 8:56 remaining set up a Bruin touchdown on the next play. He also handled all the snaps for punts and placements. He has started all 10 games and made two tackles, including one for loss, at San Diego State. At Oregon State, he made two tackles, including one for loss, added two tackles, including one for loss, against Oregon, one at California, one tackle for loss versus Stanford and one tackle at Washington. At Arizona, he made two solo tackles, including one sack and the other for loss. On the year, he has 11 tackles, including two sacks and six for loss.Redshirt junior Mat Ball, who switched back to end during Spring drills after playing outside linebacker in 2001, made one tackle during his time on the field against Colorado State. He made two tackles at Oklahoma State, one tackle, a quarterback sack, versus Colorado, and one tackle at San Diego State. He was not credited with a tackle at Oregon State and made one tackle for loss versus Oregon, one tackle at California and three against Stanford. At Washington, he had two solo tackles, including one for loss. At Arizona, he made one tackle, a 16-yard sack. On the year, he has made 13 tackles, including two sacks and five for loss. A year ago, M. Ball started twice at OLB and made 12 tackles including two for losses.Two seniors - Steve Morgan and Sean Phillips - have played at the left tackle spot with Morgan earning the starting nod. Against Colorado State, Morgan made four tackles, including one for loss, and Phillips added a solo tackle. At Oklahoma State, Morgan made two tackles and Phillips recorded a 10-yard sack. Against Colorado, Morgan was credited with one assist. At San Diego State, Morgan made two tackles and Phillips added one. At Oregon State, Morgan was credited with one tackle. Against Oregon, Morgan made three solo tackles and he made four solo stops at California. Against Stanford, Morgan made a career-high five tackles, including 1.5 sacks and four for losses. At Washington, Morgan made four tackles (two solos). At Arizona, he made 0.5 sacks. On the year, he has made 27 tackles, including 3.0 sacks and six for losses, second to Dave Ball among the linemen.Phillips made two tackles against the Cardinal, including one sack, and added two tackles at Washington and two solo tackles at Arizona.In 2001, Morgan came off the bench to make two tackles, including a five-yard sack, against Alabama, two tackles, including 0.5 sacks, against Kansas, two tackles versus Washington, one against California, one at Stanford and one versus WSU. Phillips, who started three times in 2000, saw action in seven games on defense and totaled six tackles and one sack a year ago.
Junior college transfer Ryan Boschetti made his debut at defensive tackle against Colorado State and was credited with five tackles, including four solos. At Oklahoma State, he made three tackles, including one for loss, and tipped a pass. In the Colorado game, he made one solo tackle and he had one assist at Oregon State. He made his first career start against Oregon and was credited with four tackles (three solos), including one sack and a second for loss. At California, he was credited with two tackles.Against Stanford, he tied his career high with five tackles, including 0.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble and broke up a pass. He was active at both Washington and Arizona but was not credited with a tackle in either game. On the year, he has made 21 tackles, third among defensive linemen, including 1.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.Redshirt junior Asi Faoa has played well as a reserve defensive end. At San Diego State, he made six tackles (four solos), including one sack, and forced one fumble. He added a sack at Oregon State. He made his second career start (vs. Boise State at LB in 1999) and first start as a defensive lineman against Oregon and recorded two solo tackles. He made one tackle for loss at California and broke up one pass versus Stanford. He made one tackle at Washington and one tackle at Arizona. On the year, he has made 17 tackles, including two sacks and a third for loss.
#4 SS JARRAD PAGE - This strong safety is the first Bruin safety since Kenny Easley in 1977 to start as many as seven games as a true freshman. After playing well off the bench in the first three games of the year (he had two tackles against both Oklahoma State and Colorado), he moved into the lineup at San Diego State and has been there ever since. His development enabled UCLA to move Matt Ware back to cornerback.He had two tackle assists in his first career start and added three solo stops at Oregon State, five solo tackles and a pass deflection against Oregon, one tackle for loss at California and four tackles against Stanford.At Washington, Page made a career-high eight tackles (five solos) and made his first career interception on Washington's first possession of the second half to set up a Bruin field goal. He also had a second pass defense.At Arizona, Page started his seventh straight game and made three solo tackles.On the year, he has now made 32 tackles to rank seventh on the squad. He has broken up five passes.
MORE DEFENSE - Due to injury and caution, several key reserves saw extensive action at linebacker and in the secondary against Oklahoma State. Sophomore Tim Warfield played extensively in the second half for Brandon Chillar and made two tackles. Junior Dennis Link filled in well for Marcus Reese, making five tackles. Junior Kevin Brant (three tackles) filled in at strong safety with Ben Emanuel switching to free safety in place of Matt Ware.Against Colorado, strong safety Jibril Raymo made three solo tackles on defense and special teams.At San Diego State, Joe Hunter, coming off the bench for the first time this year, made three solo tackles.Against Oregon, Raymo made his first career start at free safety and made eight tackles, second on the squad, and forced a fumble. True freshman C.J. Niusulu made his debut as a reserve defensive tackle and made two tackles, including a quarterback sack.At California, Keith Short and Nick Carey each made two tackles on special teams.Against Stanford, Brant made two stops off the bench and Short had two special teams tackles. At Washington, Hunter (two tackles), Marcus Cassel (one tackle) and Short (one tackle) all filled in at right cornerback in place of Matt Ware and Kevin Brant played several snaps when free safety Ben Emanuel was on the sidelines.At Arizona, Short, Wesley Walker, Matt Clark and Brant made two tackles each while C.J. Niusulu recorded a sack.
#77 DT RODNEY LEISLE - Redshirt junior tackle Rodney Leisle had an outstanding season in 2001. A pre-season second-team All-America choice in 2002, he was named to the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award Watch Lists. At Oregon State, he made his 28th consecutive start but suffered a broken right foot early in the second half after making two tackles (one for loss). He had surgery on Oct. 8 and could return to game action for the USC game. On the year, despite constant double teaming, he had made 15 tackles prior to his injury.In 2001, Leisle ranked second among linemen and tied for sixth on the team with 36 stops. Leisle, a second-team All-Pac-10 selection by the league's coaches and a first-team all-conference pick by The Sporting News, ranked fourth on the team with two sacks and tied for sixth with five tackles for losses.Leisle started all 12 games in 2000 and ranked first among the linemen with 36 tackles. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors and was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News.
#10 QB CORY PAUS - In the game at California, he suffered a fractured right ankle (fibula, no ligament damage) while completing a 28-yard pass to Craig Bragg early in the third quarter. Paus underwent surgery on October 24.He had completed 10 of 15 passes for 129 yards when he was hurt. The pass he completed when injured moved UCLA to the 20-yard line and the Bruins tied the score, 10-10, a few plays later.On the year, Paus has completed 109 of 184 passes (59.2%) for 1,647 yards with 10 touchdowns, six interceptions and an efficiency rating of 145.8. His 10 touchdown passes measured 41, 27, 25, 5, 37, 64, 24, 55, 71 and 46 yards -- an average of 39.5 yards per scoring toss -- and six traveled at least 35 yards. When injured, he ranked fourth in the Pac-10 and 16th in the nation in passing efficiency (145.8), seventh in the league in passing yards (235.3) and ninth in total offense (222.7). Paus played in 35 games (32 starts), including two in which he was injured and threw a total of just five passes before leaving the field.His career average of 15.67 yards per completion is the highest among the quarterbacks in UCLA's career top six.
THE QUARTERBACKS - True freshman Drew Olson had been the primary backup to Cory Paus throughout the year. Against California, he completed five of seven passes for 58 yards prior to suffering a sprained right shoulder late in the third quarter that sidelined him for the remainder of the game. He did not practice much the following week and did not play versus Stanford, although he was available in an emergency.He made his first career start at Washington and led the Bruins to a 24-14 halftime lead en route to a 34-24 victory at Seattle, becoming the first Bruin true freshman since Tom Ramsey in 1979 to win his first career start on the road. On the afternoon, he completed 13 of 27 passes for 189 yards and did not commit a turnover. He directed two 80-yard scoring drives, the biggest in the first quarter after Washington had scored to take a 7-3 lead. Overall, the offense produced three touchdowns and two field goals. He was seven of 14 for 83 yards in the second half.At Arizona, he started for the second straight week and completed seven of 12 passes for 111 yards and the first touchdown of his career, a 33-yard wide receiver screen to Craig Bragg. He directed a touchdown drive and field goal drive on his first two possessions of the game, came out late in the first quarter and did not return until the third quarter, when he directed touchdown drives on his first two possessions.On the year, he has completed 29 of 54 passes (53.7%) for 404 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.True freshman Matt Moore, who did not play in the season's first seven games, started versus Stanford and showed great poise while rallying the Bruins from a 15-0 first quarter deficit to a 28-18 victory. He completed seven of 19 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown of 22 yards to Mike Seidman. On the night, he directed seven scoring drives -- two touchdowns and five field goals. He had three completions of at least 20 yards -- 49- and 38-yard passes to Tab Perry and the 22-yard touchdown to Seidman.Moore became the first UCLA true freshman quarterback since Cade McNown (1995) to start a game and the first since Tom Ramsey in 1979 to win his first start.He did not play at Washington but split time at Arizona, entering the game last in the first quarter and playing until halftime. He reentered the game in the fourth quarter with a 37-7 lead and did not throw a pass. On the night, he completed six of eight passes for 90 yards.In the first half, Moore drove the Bruins to a touchdown and a field goal on his first two possessions. On the first drive, he completed a 40-yard pass to Tab Perry on third-and-41, giving the Bruins a fourth-and-one at the 19-yard line and Tyler Ebell scored on the fourth down play to give UCLA a 17-0 lead. His field goal drive started with 19 and 22 yard completions.On the year, Moore has completed 13 of 27 passes for 232 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.Redshirt freshman John Sciarra made his debut on a late series at San Diego State (five snaps) and that was his only action prior to the fourth quarter of the California game. Against the Golden Bears, he completed one of seven passes for 10 yards with one interception and fumbled twice, losing one. He also played the final series at Arizona but did not attempt a pass.
#18 TE MIKE SEIDMAN - The senior has developed into the top tight end in the Pac-10 and one of the best in the nation.On the year, Seidman is second (tied) on the team with 34 receptions, is third with 535 yards and is second with four receiving touchdowns. His average of 15.7 yards per catch ranks third on the squad.Seidman's 535 yards are the most by a Pac-10 tight end while his 34 receptions rank third. His yardage is No. 3 nationally among tight ends.His 535 yards rank No. 2 on UCLA's tight end single-season yardage list (since 1965), second only to Paul Bergmann's 577 yards in 1982. His 34 receptions are No. 3 on that list. The record is Bergmann's 44 catches in 1983 and he made 41 receptions in 1982.In addition, his 34 catches are more than his career total entering this season (20) and he is averaging 16.5 yards on his 54 career receptions.In the opener against Colorado State, Seidman made three catches for 40 yards in the opener. His 23-yard second-quarter reception on third-and-two immediately preceded Junior Taylor's 49-yard touchdown run. He also recovered an onside kick.Against Oklahoma State, he made one reception but it was a big one. On third-and-11, he hooked up with Cory Paus on a 27-yard touchdown to give the Bruins a 24-10 lead with 2:28 remaining in the first half. It was the third score of his career. In the Colorado game, he made three catches for 26 yards.At San Diego State, he made a team-high six receptions for 134 yards -- both career highs at the time -- and one touchdown. He was wide open down the middle on his 64-yard catch-and-run touchdown and he broke at least three tackles on a key 29-yard, third-down reception. On the day, four of his six catches yielded a first down, including the TD catch.At Oregon State, he set new career highs for the second consecutive week, making a team-high eight receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown, a 24-yard catch-and-run on a tight end screen. Seven of his eight receptions produced a first down, including his scoring catch and a leaping reception between two defenders at the 10-yard line for a 32-yard gain.His eight receptions are the second-most in school history by a tight end, topped only by Byron Nelson's 10 versus Washington in 1963. Overall, he tied the 15th-best performance in school history with his eight catches (at the time). In that two-game span, he made 14 receptions for 272 yards (19.4 average), two touchdowns and 11 first downs. He did not make a reception against Oregon, which concentrated on stopping the talented tight end. At California, he made four receptions for 37 yards which produced two first downs.Against Stanford, he made one reception, a 22-yard catch in the second quarter that cut UCLA's deficit to 15-10.At Washington, he led the team with five receptions for 96 yards, including a 42-yard catch-and-run to set up UCLA's third-quarter field goal. He also made receptions of 21 and 17 yards on UCLA's first touchdown drive and a third-down reception for six yards gave the Bruins a first down at the one-yard line on UCLA's second 80-yard touchdown drive. All five of his receptions produced first downs.At Arizona, he made three receptions for 15 yards.A year ago, he finished with 12 catches (fifth on the team) for 250 yards and a 20.8 average (best of any of the Bruin receivers) and one touchdown. He made his first career start last season against Washington and blocked well as the Bruins rushed for 325 yards on the ground.At Stanford, Seidman made three receptions for 52 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. At WSU, he made two catches for 60 yards, including one for 47 yards.
OFFENSIVE LINE - Senior pre-season All-America tackle Mike Saffer had been named to the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award Watch Lists. He has started 39 games overall, but his streak of 26 straight at right tackle stretching back to the 2000 opener (he started seven times at right guard in 1999) was snapped when he missed the San Diego State game with a broken rib. He returned to action at Oregon State, started and played every snap, making 13 KO blocks while helping UCLA gain 625 yards of offense. Saffer led the team with a 94% grade in the Oklahoma State game and tied for team-high honors with 14 KO blocks. He also led the team with 94% against Stanford. He tied for second on the squad with 91% at Washington. At Arizona, he led the Bruins with a grade of 96% and was second with 12 KO blocks. On the year, he has graded at 91% or higher six times, including each of the last three games. He has also recorded at least 10 KO blocks five times.Saffer started all 11 games a year ago and earned second-team All-Pac-10 conference honors. On the year, he made 46 KO blocks and compiled a grade of 88% or higher in eight of 11 contests. He played at least 60 offensive plays in eight contests. He led the team with a 97% grade in the Washington game in which DeShaun Foster broke the school single game rushing record with 301 yards. On the year, he recorded five or more KO blocks six times.Senior Bryce Bohlander, also an honors candidate who had been nominated for a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Post-Graduate Scholarship. He has been named to the Verizon/CoSIDA District VIII Academic All-America team and has started 35 straight contests at left tackle, including the final two games of 1999, 12 in 2001 and all 11 last year. He has played virtually every snap this season and helped the Bruins gain 625 yards of offense at Oregon State. He has earned grades of 90% or better in six of 10 games, topped by 93% at San Diego State and Oregon State, tying for the team lead in the latter contest. Last season, he made 47 KO blocks on the year. He was on the field for at least 60 plays in nine games.Third-year sophomore Eyoseph Efseaff has established himself as a star in the making at left guard and has started 20 of his 21 career games. He led the team with a grade of 95% and 11 KO blocks at San Diego State and was second vs. Oklahoma State with a 93% grade. At Oregon State, he led the team with 16 KO blocks and tied for the team lead with a 93% grade and he led the team with 15 KO blocks at California. He was second against Stanford with a 93% grade and had nine KO blocks (third). He tied for the team lead at Washington with eight KO blocks. At Arizona, he graded at 93% and had eight KO blocks. On the year, he has graded at 93% or higher five times.Last year, he started all 11 games at left guard and was named second team Freshman All-America and first-team Freshman All-Pac-10 by The Sporting News. On the year, he was credited with a team-high 73 KO blocks. Against Arizona State, he made nine KO blocks and graded 90%. On the year, he saw the field for at least 60 plays in nine games.Third-year sophomore Steven Vieira has started 15 of his last 16 games, including all 10 this year and five of the final six in 2001. In each of the first two games of the 2002 season, he was credited with 14 KO blocks. He led the team with 11 KO blocks against Colorado and had six (tied for third) at San Diego State. At Oregon State, he tied for second with 13 KO blocks and graded at 90%. Against Stanford, he led the team with 13 KO blocks. Against Washington, he led the team with 92% and tied for the team lead with eight KO blocks. At Arizona, his grade of 95% trailed only Saffer's 96% and he led the team with 15 KO blocks. On the year, he has graded at 88% or better in nine of 10 games and has led the team in KO blocks seven times.The only line position without a returning starter was at center, where redshirt freshman Mike McCloskey has played all but two series in his first 10 games as a Bruin (late vs. San Diego State and Arizona). He earned a grade of 91% at Oregon State, led the Bruins with 91% at California, tied for second with 91% at Washington and graded at 92% at Arizona. He also made 11 KO blocks against the Wildcats.In the opener against Colorado State, Saffer and Vieira earned grades of 92% while Bohlander graded at 90%. Vieira was credited with 14 KO blocks and Efseaff added seven. Bohlander, McCloskey, Vieira and Saffer each played all 63 snaps while Efseaff played 60. At Oklahoma State, Saffer led the team with a 94% grade. Both Saffer and Vieira totaled 14 KO blocks in the contest.Against Colorado, Bohlander graded at 88%, Shane Lehmann was at 87% off the bench and Efseaff and McCloskey were both at 86%. Vieira led the team with 11 KO blocks.At San Diego State, Efseaff led the starters with a grade of 95% and 11 KO blocks. Bohlander graded at 93%. Ed Blanton, playing for the first time, made nine KO blocks while McCloskey and Vieira each had six.At Oregon State, UCLA did not allow a sack and helped the offense produce 625 yards, ninth-most in school history and the No. 2 effort of the Bob Toledo Era. All five starters graded at 88% of higher -- Bohlander and Efseaff at 93%, McCloskey at 91%, Vieira at 90% and Saffer at 88%. Efseaff led the team with 16 KO blocks while Vieira and Saffer added 13 each.Against Oregon, Saffer led the team with a grade of 92%. Efseaff graded at 89% and tied Vieira with six KO blocks.At California, McCloskey led the team at 91%, followed by Vieira at 88%. Efseaff had 15 KO blocks and Saffer had 10.Against Stanford, Saffer (94%), Efseaff (93%) and Bohlander (91%) all graded better than 90%. Vieira led the team with 13 KO blocks and Saffer had 10.At Washington, the line protected quarterback Drew Olson very well, allowing him to be sacked just once in his first career start. Vieira led the team with a 92% grade, followed by Saffer and McCloskey at 91%. Vieira and Efseaff each had eight KO blocks.At Arizona, the line helped the offense produce over 200 yards rushing and passing and did not allow a sack. All five starters graded at 91% or better, led by Saffer's 96% and Vieira's 95%, and Vieira (15), Saffer (12) and McCloskey (11) were the KO block leaders.
#19 P/PK NATE FIKSE - A true senior, Fikse is one of the best punters in the collegiate game and also handles the kickoff duties. He added the place-kicking duties to his resume beginning with the Stanford game. A member of the pre-season Ray Guy Award watch list, he was a first-team pre-season All-American (Street & Smith's).In the 2002 opener versus Colorado State, he averaged 46.75 yards on four kicks. His longest was 53 yards and he had one downed inside the 20-yard line.Against Oklahoma State, he averaged 45.2 yards on five kicks, with a long of 55, and twice forced the Cowboys to start inside their 30-yard line. Only one of his five punts was returned (25 yards).In the Colorado game, he averaged 46.2 yards (277 yards) on his six punts and had just one returned for eight yards. He had one downed inside the 20-yard line and his longest kick of the day was 63 yards. In addition, he also attempted the first field goal of his career but was wide on the 55-yard attempt at the end of the first half.At San Diego State, he averaged 36.7 yards on six kicks but sacrificed average to pin the Aztecs inside their 20-yard line on three of his six kicks.At Oregon State, he averaged 50.3 yards on three kicks -- all in the first half -- including one for 56 yards and another for 47 yards that went out of bounds at the Beaver 17-yard line. Against Oregon, he averaged 43.5 yards on four kicks but had one returned for a touchdown.At California, he averaged 35.3 yards on seven kicks but placed three inside the 20-yard line and had only three kicks returned for a total of four yards.Against Stanford, he added place kicking to his resume. Serving in that role for the first time in his career (he had attempted one 55-yard field goal), Fikse nailed all five of his attempts (36, 22, 19, 23 and 44 yards) to become the first Bruin since Chris Sailer in 1998 (Washington) to make five field goals in a game. He tied the Pac-10 record for most field goals in a conference game.He also averaged 43.8 yards on four punts, with a long of 56 yards. He placed one inside the 20-yard line (eight) and had three returned for a total of six yards. He was named Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.At Washington, he increased his field goal streak to seven straight, converting attempts of 27 and 23 yards. He also averaged 36.0 yards on seven punts but sacrificed yards for field position. Three of his punts pinned the Huskies inside their 20-yard line (two, 10 and 13-yard lines), another forced Washington to start at the 20 and the Huskies did not return a punt. He also became UCLA's career leader in punts and punting yardage.At Arizona, Fikse converted all three of his field goal attempts, giving him 10 straight successes in the three games he has served as the place kicker. His 51-yard field goal in the second quarter was UCLA's longest since Chris Sailer's school record 56-yarder against Oregon in 1997. He also averaged 41.3 yards on four punts with one inside the 20-yard line, and had just one returned for six yards. He also had just one of his kickoffs returned for 12 yards.On the year, he is averaging 41.5 yards with 15 inside the 20-yard line and nine touchbacks. Only 14 of his last 44 punts have been returned and only three of those have measured more than eight yards (79 versus Oregon, 25 at Oklahoma State and 14 at San Diego State).He currently ranks 36th in the NCAA and third in the Pac-10 with his 41.5 average.In field goals, he is eighth in the Pac-10 with 1.00 per game, with all 10 coming in the last three games. His 90.9 percentage is the second best in the league among players with at least 10 field goals.Fikse's career punting average of 42.8 ranks No. 2 on the all-time school list, trailing only Kirk Wilson's record of 44.60 and ahead of No. 3 Zenon Andrusyshyn (42.63). With career totals of 246 punts and 10,519 yards, he is now the school record-holder in both categories, having passed Chris Sailer's marks of 241 punts and 10,120 yards.In 2001, he earned first-team All-Pacific 10 conference honors after leading the league in punting for the second straight season. His season average of 44.2 yards per kick a year ago placed him eighth nationally.In 2000, he earned second-team all-conference honors and his regular-season average of 43.3 ranked first in the Pac-10 and 13th in the nation.
#14 PK CHRIS GRIFFITH - The redshirt senior, a former walk-on, was an honorable mention all-conference pick by the league coaches. He handled the place kicking chores beginning in 1999 and earned a scholarship for the 2000 season.In the opener against Colorado State, Griffith made all four of his PATs. However, he did miss field goal attempts of 41 yards and 32 yards. At Oklahoma State, he made all five PATs and added his first field goal of the year (33 yards). However, he was wide on a 48-yard attempt. In the Colorado game, he made a 30-yard field goal and both PATs.At San Diego State, Griffith made field goals of 33 and 46 yards and added five PATs for 11 points. The 46-yard field goal was his longest of the year.He also scored 11 points at Oregon State, making field goals of 42 and 38 yards and adding five PATs. However, he had a first quarter field goal blocked and returned 83 yards for a score. Against Oregon, he made a 37-yard field goal and three of four PATs for six points. However, he had a third-quarter PAT blocked, ending a streak of 80 consecutive successes and with 1:54 remaining in the game and UCLA trailing 31-30, his 46-yard field goal attempt was wide left.At California, he made a 42-yard field goal in the first quarter to tie the game at three but had a 21-yard attempt blocked in the fourth quarter. He also had one PAT.On the season, he ranks second on the team with 49 points (25 of 26 on PATs, eight of 14 on field goals). He ranks sixth on UCLA's career scoring list with 261 points. Griffith ranks third in school history behind John Lee and Alfredo Velasco with his career field goal percentage of 71.2.Last year Griffith ranked second on the team with 71 points, making 10 of 13 field goals and all 41 PATs. He was third in the Pac-10 in scoring (7.10) and fourth (tied) in field goals (1.00).
#1 WR TAB PERRY - The true junior wide receiver has been showing steady improvement throughout the season. In the 2002 opener, he made two receptions for 43 yards, including one for 28 yards. His 15-yard reception in the fourth quarter gave the Bruins a first down at the Ram five-yard line to set up the touchdown that gave the Bruins the lead for good, 14-13. Both of his catches produced first downs. Perry also returned one kickoff for 17 yards.Against Oklahoma State, he tied for the team lead with three receptions, good for 77 yards. He produced first downs with all three receptions. He made a 23-yard reception on UCLA's first touchdown drive and had receptions of nine yards (on fourth-and-eight) and 45 yards on UCLA's final scoring drive of the first half. He also returned a kickoff 34 yards.In the Colorado game, Perry made three receptions for 23 yards. He also averaged 29.7 yards (89) on three kickoff returns, including one for 35 yards. At San Diego State, he made two receptions for 25 yards (one first down) and had one kickoff return for 16 yards.He enjoyed the best game of his career at Oregon State, making a career-high seven receptions for a career-high and team-high 145 yards and five first downs. Three of his catches measured at least 25 yards (25, 41 and 34) and the two longest both helped sustain touchdown drives. In addition, he also recovered Oregon State's onside kick with 2:03 remaining to seal the victory and returned three kickoffs 51 yards.Against Oregon, he tied his career high with seven receptions and accounted for 126 yards, giving him back-to-back 100-yard games for the first time in his career. He gave the Bruins an early lead with his 55-yard touchdown on UCLA's first offensive play and produced four first downs with his seven receptions. He also returned three kickoffs for 88 yards, including one of 38 to start UCLA's field goal drive on its first possession of the second half.At California, he made one reception for 13 yards (first down) and returned two kickoffs for 43 yards.Against Stanford, he had receptions of 38 yards on UCLA's first touchdown drive and a spectacular 49-yard catch to set up UCLA's field goal late in the second quarter. Both catches produced first downs.At Washington, he made four receptions for 64 yards and two first downs. He had a 23-yard catch on UCLA's first touchdown drive and a 24-yard catch had led to UCLA's third touchdown.At Arizona, he made three receptions (tied for the team lead) for a team-high 89 yards and two first downs. He made a great 40-yard catch on a third-and-41 to give the Bruins a fourth-and-one at the Arizona 19 and Tyler Ebell scored on the next play for a 17-7 lead. He also had a 37-yard catch-and-run on UCLA's first field goal drive.In his last six games, Perry has made 24 receptions for 524 yards and one touchdown, an average of 21.8 yards per catch.On the year, he leads the team with his average of 20.4 yards per reception. He is second (tied) on the squad with his 34 catches and second with his 692 receiving yards and has produced 24 first downs.He ranks 10th in the Pac-10 with his average of 69.2 yards per game. In addition, he is averaging 23.8 yards on 19 kickoff returns, good enough for second in the Pac-10, and ranks sixth in the league and second on the team with his average of 114.9 all-purpose yards. He now ranks third on UCLA's career kickoff return list with 50. Jim McElroy is second with 54 returns.His career totals are now 61 receptions for 1,166 yards and three touchdowns. His 1,166 yards rank 16th on that career list while his 61 receptions are tied for 24th.Perry made his first career start last season at Alabama and led the team with 416 receiving yards and was second with 21 receptions. He caught two touchdown passes and his average of 19.8 yards per catch was second on the team among the receivers. In 2000, he made six catches for 58 yards and excelled as a kickoff returner, setting school records with 29 returns for 598 yards.
#87 WR CRAIG BRAGG - The redshirt sophomore has quickly established himself as a big-play performer in the mold of several former Bruin standouts.Against Colorado State, Bragg tied for the team lead with four receptions, good for 49 yards and three first downs. At Oklahoma State, he led the team with 89 yards on his team-high (tied) three receptions. He scored his first touchdown of the year on a 41-yard strike up the right sideline with UCLA trailing 10-0. He also made a 22-yard catch to set up the Bruins' first touchdown of the second half and he also made a 26-yard grab. He also gained 35 yards on two reverses, including a 24-yard run on third-and-two on UCLA's final possession of the game.In the Colorado game, Bragg tied his then-career high and led the team with seven receptions for a team-high 70 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown reception, a twisting catch and lunge into the end zone on Jon Dubravac's 33-yard reverse pass, gave the Bruins a 7-0 lead. His other score measured five yards.At San Diego State, he made four receptions for 60 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown on third-and-28 when he ran right by the cornerback. He also produced a first down with one of his other three receptions. At Oregon State, he made two receptions for 22 yards and one first down.Against Oregon, Bragg enjoyed one of the best afternoons in UCLA history, making nine receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns -- all career highs. The 230 yards rank second-only to J.J. Stokes' 263 yards versus USC in 1992. The nine catches tied for eighth on that single-game list and were the most by a Bruin since Freddie Mitchell made nine against Wisconsin in the 2000 Sun Bowl. The three receiving touchdowns were the most by a Bruin since Stokes scored four against Washington in 1993.Bragg scored a long touchdown in each of the first three quarters. In the first quarter, he caught a 53-yard pass from Dubravac, who was lined up in the backfield. It was the second time this year that the two hooked up for a score. In the second, Cory Paus found him up the right sideline and he outraced the defense for a 71-yard touchdown, the longest of his career and the longest Bruin pass play since the 2000 USC contest. In the third, he took an inside screen a raced up the middle for a 46-yard score. On the day, he produced six first downs with his nine catches.At California, he broke the 100-yard barrier for the second straight week, finishing with seven catches for 113 yards. He had three receptions of at least 23 yards and produced four first downs. His 28-yard reception, on Cory Paus' final pass, gave the Bruins a first down at the 20-yard line and they scored two plays later to tie the game at 10-10. Against Stanford, he made three receptions for 19 yards and one first down.At Washington, he made two receptions for 22 yards, both in the fourth quarter, and produced one first down. He also returned three punts for 63 yards, including one for 48 yards to set up the first score of the game (field goal).At Arizona, he made three receptions for 64 yards and had one rush for four yards. He was at his best on UCLA's first play of the second half, taking a wide receiver screen and eluding at least three would-be tacklers to reach the end zone for a 33-yard touchdown. On that play, he also became No. 1 on UCLA's single-season sophomore receiving yardage list.On the year, Bragg leads the team with 44 receptions, 738 yards and eight touchdowns and has produced 26 first downs receiving. In the Pac-10, he ranks ninth in both receiving yards (73.8) and receptions (4.40) and third in punt returns (12.2).His 738 yards rank No.1 on the UCLA sophomore, breaking J.J. Stokes' old record of 728, set in 1992. His 44 receptions are No. 3 (tied with Brian Poli-Dixon) on that list, just four behind Mike Sherrard's record of 48.In addition, his 738 yards rank No. 10 on UCLA's single-season receiving yardage list for all classes.His eight touchdowns this season have measured 41, 33, 5, 37, 53, 71, 46 and 33 yards -- an average of 39.9 yards per play and his career touchdown average is 41.6 (42.0 on receptions). Last year, his two touchdown receptions measured 62 and 39 yards and his two touchdown runs were 37 and 42 yards.His career totals are now 73 receptions for 1,146 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 1,146 yards rank 17th on that career list while his 73 receptions are tied for 17th.No Bruin has ever finished his sophomore season with more receptions than Bragg (Danny Farmer had 72 receptions entering his junior year) and his 1,146 yards are second only to Farmer's 1,173 by a sophomore.Bragg made his first career start last season at Oregon State. He caught the first two touchdown passes of his career in the season finale versus Arizona State. For the game, he caught seven passes for 138 yards. On the year, he led the team with 29 catches, averaging 14.1 yards per catch, and was the team's No. 4 rusher with 100 yards (12.5 average) and two touchdowns. He also averaged 8.4 yards on 14 punt returns and 18.6 yards on 10 kickoff returns.
WIDE RECEIVER - In addition to Tab Perry and Craig Bragg, several other Bruins have contributed to the rotation, including redshirt junior Ryan Smith, senior Jon Dubravac, true freshman Junior Taylor and junior Garrett Lepisto.Smith did not make a reception in the opener against CSU but made two receptions for 39 yards at Oklahoma State, including a 25-yard touchdown to give UCLA a 31-10 lead early in the second half. Against Colorado, he made one catch for 11 yards but did not have a reception at San Diego State. At Oregon State, he had two catches for 23 yards but did not have a reception versus Oregon. He started against California in a three-wide receiver set. He did not travel to Washington or Arizona due to a sore ankle.A year ago, Smith had a breakout game versus Ohio State. He tied for the team lead with four receptions for 49 yards and scored the only UCLA touchdown of the game on a 24-yard strike. In the win over California, he made a team-high four catches for 69 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown, in his first start in place of injured Brian Poli-Dixon. At Stanford, he led the team with career highs in receptions (six) and yards (91). He finished the season as the team's No. 4 receiver with 18 receptions, good for 272 yards (15.1 average) and two touchdowns.Taylor gave the team an important spark in the Colorado State game. With the Bruins trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, he touched the football for the first time in his career. He took a handoff on a reverse, turned the corner on the right side, cut back across the field, made a few moves and scored UCLA's first touchdown of the game on a 49-yard run. It marked the first offensive touchdown by a UCLA true freshman since DeShaun Foster scored four against USC in the 10th game of the 1998 season (safety Jibril Raymo recovered a blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown last year). He did not make a catch at Oklahoma State. Against Colorado, he made the first two receptions of his career for 29 yards and added a 10-yard run on a reverse. He added a 16-yard reception at San Diego State. At California, he gained six yards on a reverse. At Washington, his 38-yard run on a 'swinging gate' play led to the field goal that gave UCLA a 3-0 lead. He caught two passes for six yards, with an eight-yard reception on the game's first play, at Arizona.Lepisto, a former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship prior to the start of 2002 Fall camp, made four receptions in the last four games of the 2001 season. He is once again serving as the holder on all place kicks, a job he had last year, while participating in the rotation. He made two receptions for 21 yards against Colorado. Against Oregon, he completed an eight-yard pass from field goal formation. Against California, he recovered one of UCLA's two fourth-quarter blocked punts.Dubravac sat out last season as a medical redshirt after making 14 receptions in the 2000 season. In the Colorado contest, he attempted the first pass of his career on a reverse pass and completed it to Craig Bragg for a 33-yard touchdown. Against Oregon, he lined up in the backfield, took a direct snap and launched a 53-yard touchdown to Bragg. He did not travel to California due to a bruised back but did play against Stanford and Washington. At Arizona, he made a 19-yard reception, his first of the year.
#2 RB TYLER EBELL - On October 5 at Oregon State, Ebell, a prime candidate for Freshman All-America honors, came off the bench to enjoy one of the greatest days in UCLA history. On the afternoon, the redshirt freshman tailback rushed for 203 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries. His 203 yards rank 14th on UCLA's single-game list and make him the only back other than DeShaun Foster to rush for at least 200 yards during Bob Toledo's tenure as head coach (Karim Abdul-Jabbar did it three times in 1995, Toledo's second as offensive coordinator). In addition, he now ranks second on UCLA's freshman rushing list, trailing only Eric Ball's 227 yards against Iowa in the 1986 Rose Bowl. He also caught one pass for 10 yards, returned one punt for six yards and tried a pass on a trick play (it was broken up in the end zone).Ebell ran for 45 yards on 12 attempts in the second quarter, 34 yards on eight carries in the third quarter and 124 yards on nine attempts in the fourth quarter. His 73-yard run to the one-yard line in the fourth quarter was the second longest ever by a Bruin freshman (83 by Derek Ayers vs. BYU in 1993) and UCLA scored on the next play. He also had a 31-yard run later in the final quarter and UCLA scored two plays later. On UCLA's final possession, runs of six and four yards produced the first down that allowed the Bruins to run out the clock.Against Oregon, Ebell made the first start of his career and ran for 119 yards on 26 attempts. In the final half, he gained 89 yards on 15 attempts. He also returned five punts for 64 yards.At California, he started and broke the 100-yard barrier for the third straight week, finishing with 102 on 28 attempts. He scored UCLA's only touchdown on an 11-yard run and also had a 17-yard run in the first quarter.Against Stanford, he was a workhorse, rushing for 160 yards and the go-ahead touchdown on 39 carries, three shy of the school record for carries. He also made one reception for 14 yards and attempted one pass. It marked his fourth straight game over 100 yards.In the second half, he carried 25 times for 118 yards. Of UCLA's 33 offensive snaps in the final 30 minutes (excluding the two kneel downs at the end of the game), he carried on 25 of them. In the fourth quarter, he carried on 13 of UCLA's 14 snaps, including the final 12. UCLA scored on all three fourth-quarter possessions (one touchdown and two field goals).At Washington, Ebell reached the 100-yard plateau for the fifth straight game, finishing with 102 yards and three one-yard touchdowns on 31 attempts. He had three double-figure runs, including 23 and 22 yards.At Arizona, he became only the second UCLA player in history to rush for over 100 yards in six consecutive games in the same season. Ebell finished with 124 yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts. His first touchdown was a tackle-breaking, reverse field 22-yard run while his second was a 19-yard run on fourth-and-one to give the Bruins a 17-0 lead. On the night, he had four runs of at least 19 yards, including one for 36 on UCLA's first touchdown drive.Ebell leads the Bruins with 858 yards on 188 attempts and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also leads the team with nine touchdowns and 54 points. In addition, he is averaging 11.6 yards on 23 punt returns. He ranks third in the Pac-10 in rushing (85.8 yards per game), fourth in punt returns (11.6 yards per return), fifth in the league in all-purpose yards (116.5) and ninth in non-kick scoring (5.4 average) despite not earning much playing time until the season's fifth game.In his last six contests -- all Pac-10 games -- he has carried 175 times for 810 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 29.2 carries and 135.0 yards per game. Steven Jackson leads the Pac-10 with his average of 136.6 yards.Ebell needs 142 yards in the final two regular-season games to become only the third freshman in Pac-10 history to rush for 1,000 yards. Stanford's Darrin Nelson holds the record with 1,069 yards (1977) and Oregon State's Ken Simonton rushed for 1,028 in 1998.Only nine players in school history have ever rushed for 1,000 yards (16 times) in a season, none as a freshman. His 858 yards currently rank 22nd on UCLA's single-season list.Ebell ranks sixth nationally among freshman rushers (four backs and one quarterback) with his 85.8 average.Ebell is the first freshman (true or redshirt) in school history to rush for at least 100 yards in six games (the old record was two by several players), all consecutive. He has set a new school freshman rushing record, breaking Eric Ball's old mark of 703 yards, set in 1985. He is on pace to become the first freshman since DeShaun Foster in 1998 to lead the team in rushing (Foster was a true freshman).His streak of six straight 100 yards games is the second longest one-season streak in school history. Gaston Green did it seven times in 1986.His 203 yards at Oregon State rank No. 2 on UCLA's freshman rushing list and his 160 yards versus Stanford rank fifth.In the opener against Colorado State, Ebell rushed twice for nine yards and returned two punts for seven yards. At Oklahoma State, Ebell had two 16-yard punt returns. Against Colorado, he averaged 10.5 yards on two punt returns and carried twice (minus-five yards). At San Diego State, Ebell was the team's second-leading rusher with 44 yards, including one touchdown. He also returned a punt 53 yards, UCLA's longest in four years (77 by Ryan Roques at Washington) and averaged 18.6 yards on five returns.
RUNNING BACK - Junior Akil Harris and redshirt sophomore Manuel White both played key roles in UCLA's early-season offensive success.Against Colorado State, Harris led the Bruins with 94 yards on 13 carries. His one-yard touchdown run with 9:52 remaining in the game, coupled with Chris Griffith's PAT, gave the Bruins the lead for good, 14-13. With 1:32 remaining and the Bruins leading 23-19, he broke a 35-yard run to set up the Bruins' final touchdown of the night.At Oklahoma State, he again led the Bruins with 83 yards on 17 attempts. On UCLA's final touchdown drive of the night, he had a 34-yard run that gave the Bruins a first-and-goal at the six-yard line.At Arizona, he rushed for 52 yards on eight carries, including one run of 21 yards.In 10 games, Harris has run for 318 yards, second on the squad, and three touchdowns.Last season, he rushed for 79 yards on a career-high 29 carries, including a one-yard touchdown, in his second career start versus Oregon. In the season-finale against Arizona State, he ran for a career-high 138 yards. He finished the season as the team's second-leading rusher with 375 yards (4.9 average) and three touchdowns on 76 attempts.In 2000, Harris ran for 100 yards versus Arizona State. On just the second carry of his career, he went around right end for a 23-yard touchdown.White, a big, tough back with speed, is playing both fullback and tailback for the Bruins and is very valuable, especially in one-back formations. Against Colorado State, he scored twice in the fourth quarter on 16-yard runs to clinch the Bruin victory. On the night, he rushed for 52 yards and two scores on 11 carries and also tied for the team lead with four receptions (27 yards).At Oklahoma State, he ran for 67 yards on 17 carries and also made two receptions for 40 yards. In the Colorado game, he led the Bruins with 36 yards on six attempts and also made one reception for 11 yards. At San Diego State, he gained 76 yards on 14 attempts and his 30-yard run was the longest of his career.At Oregon State, he started in UCLA's one-back formation and gained seven yards on five attempts before suffering a strained left hamstring midway through the first quarter. He also made one catch for 28 yards prior to his injury.White did not suit up against Oregon, California, Stanford or Washington due to the injury. He returned to action at Arizona, seeing time at both fullback and tailback, and rushed for 27 yards and one touchdown on eight attempts.On the year, he ranks third on the team with 265 yards on 61 attempts (4.3 average) and is fourth on the squad with eight receptions (106 yards).In 2001, White ranked third on the team in rushing with 290 yards on 63 attempts after making his debut against Alabama. Against Oregon, he carried seven times for 29 yards, including his first career touchdown, a one-yard run. At USC, he made the first start of his career.
MORE RUNNING BACKS - In addition to Ebell, two other redshirt freshmen tailbacks and one true freshman fullback have made contributions this season. Against Colorado State, Wendell Mathis carried on three of the first four plays on UCLA's go-ahead scoring drive, gaining five, seven and three yards. He finished with 15 yards on four carries. Jason Harrison and fullback J.D. Groves also played on offense although they did not carry the ball.At Oklahoma State, Harrison carried once and made one reception, Mathis carried twice for seven yards and Groves saw action at fullback. All also played on special teams.In the Colorado game, Harrison caught one pass for 17 yards and carried once for five yards. Groves also played at fullback. Sophomore Pat Norton also made his season debut at fullback.At San Diego State, Harrison gained 25 yards on five attempts, Mathis had 22 yards on eight carries and Groves had the first carry of his career (six yards). At Oregon State, Harrison had an eight-yard reception and a 17-yard kickoff return, Mathis carried once for one yard and Groves saw extensive action at fullback. Against Oregon, Harrison caught a pass for eight yards, Groves saw action at fullback and Mathis and Norton played on special teams. At California, Harrison had a catch-and-run for 28 yards and Groves played at fullback. Against Stanford, Harrison returned a kickoff 46 yards and Groves played at fullback. At Washington, Harrison ran once for nine yards and made one reception and Groves played at fullback.At Arizona, Norton rushed for 12 yards on two attempts, Groves had eight yards on two tries, Harrison had seven yards on two attempts and Mathis had six yards on three attempts.
STARTING ASSIGNMENTS (2002 starts/career starts) - Offense - WR: Tab Perry (9/17), Ryan Smith (1/3), Craig Bragg (10/15), Junior Taylor (1/1), Jon Dubravac (1/1); OL: Mike Saffer (9/39), Bryce Bohlander (10/35), Eyoseph Efseaff (9/20), Shane Lehmann (0/6), Steve Vieira (10/15), Mike McCloskey (10/10), Ed Blanton (1/1), Paul Mociler (1/1); TE: Mike Seidman (10/11), Keith Carter (3/3), Marcedes Lewis (1/1); QB: Cory Paus (7/32), Drew Olson (2/2), Matt Moore (1/1); RB: Tyler Ebell (5/5), Manuel White (5/6), Akil Harris (4/7); PK: Chris Griffith (7/39), Nate Fikse (3/3).Defense - DL: Rodney Leisle (5/28), Rusty Williams (10/32), Sean Phillips (0/3), Dave Ball (9/23), Mat Ball (0/6, 2 at LB), Steve Morgan (10/11), Asi Faoa (1/2, 1 at LB), Ryan Boschetti (5/5); LB: Brandon Chillar (10/19), Marcus Reese (10/10), Spencer Havner (10/10); DB: Ricky Manning Jr. (10/42), Matt Ware (10/21), Ben Emanuel (9/11), Joe Hunter (3/7), Kevin Brant (0/1); Jarrad Page (7/7), Jibril Raymo (1/1); P: Nate Fikse (10/44).
- In the opener against Colorado State, UCLA entered the Red Zone five times and scored three rushing touchdowns for 21 points. The other two possessions ended with a missed field goal and the end of the game (UCLA kneeled on the final play).
- Against Oklahoma State, UCLA entered the Red Zone three times and scored 10 points (one rushing touchdown and one field goal). The other possession ended with UCLA on OSU's 15-yard line at game's end.
- Against Colorado, UCLA scored one passing touchdown and one field goal on its two trips into the Red Zone.
- At San Diego State, the Bruins scored 24 points with three touchdowns (two running, one passing) and one field goal on five trips into the Red Zone. The other opportunity ended with UCLA at the Aztec 17-yard line at game's end.
- At Oregon State, UCLA reached the Red Zone six times and scored four times for 24 points (three rushing touchdowns and one field goal). The other trips ended with a blocked field goal and on downs.
- Against Oregon, UCLA scored three points (one field goal) on its only Red Zone trip.
- At California, UCLA scored seven points (one rushing touchdown) on four Red Zone trips. The others ended in a fumble lost, a fumble recovered by UCLA on fourth down and a blocked field goal.
- Against Stanford, UCLA scored 18 points (one rushing touchdown and four field goals) on five Red Zone trips.
- At Washington, UCLA scored 27 points (three rushing touchdowns and two field goals) on five Red Zone trips.
- At Arizona, UCLA scored on all three trips to the Red Zone -- two rushing touchdowns and one field goal -- for 17 points.
- In 10 games, UCLA has scored 30 times (16 rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns and 12 field goals) in 39 Red Zone trips (161 points). Three other possessions ended at the final gun, three with missed field goals, two on downs and one on a fumble lost.
- In its last three games -- all wins, UCLA is 13 for 13 in the Red Zone with six touchdowns and seven field goals.
- Colorado State reached the Red Zone five times and produced four scores -- two touchdowns (one running, one passing) and two field goals for 19 points. The other possession ended with a Bruin interception. Oklahoma State reached the Red Zone six times and scored on four occasions (two rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown and one field goal) for 24 points. The other trips ended with a fumble and an interception.
- Colorado entered the Red Zone six times and tallied 28 points on five scores (three touchdown runs, (one two-point conversion) and two field goals).
- San Diego State entered the Red Zone just once and scored seven points (one passing touchdown).
- Oregon State scored two passing touchdowns (14 points) on three Red Zone trips (the other ended on downs).
- Oregon scored one passing touchdown (seven points) on its only Red Zone trip.
- California scored one rushing touchdown and one field goal (10 points) on its two Red Zone trips.
- Stanford scored one touchdown (eight points) in four Red Zone attempts. The other trips ended in two missed field goals (one blocked) and on downs.
- Washington scored two touchdowns and one field goal (17 points) on its three Red Zone attempts.
- Arizona's only Red Zone trip ended in a blocked field goal.
- In 10 games, UCLA's opponents have scored 23 times (16 touchdowns, one two-point conversion and seven field goals) on 32 Red Zone trips (134 points). The other possessions ended with two interceptions, one fumble, four missed field goals (two blocked) and on downs (twice).
- In the last three games, UCLA has allowed three touchdowns and one field goal on eight Red Zone attempts.
- In 2001, UCLA scored 26 times (19 touchdowns -- 17 rushing and two passing -- and seven field goals) for 154 points on 35 tries. Opponents scored 20 times (14 touchdowns -- seven rushing and seven passing -- and six field goals) for 116 points on 31 tries.
- In the opener against Colorado State, UCLA forced two turnovers (one interception and one fumble) and converted them into seven points (one touchdown). UCLA committed just one turnover (interception) and it resulted in three points (one field goal).
- Against Oklahoma State, UCLA forced five turnovers (four interceptions and one fumble) and converted two into touchdowns, including Spencer Havner's score with an interception, for 14 points. UCLA committed just one turnover (interception) and it was converted into a touchdown (seven points).
- In the Colorado game, UCLA did not force any turnovers. The Bruins committed one turnover (interception) and it was converted into a touchdown (eight points).
- At San Diego State, UCLA forced five turnovers (three fumbles and two interceptions) and converted them into 14 points (two touchdowns). Two other turnovers came just before halftime and game's end. UCLA did not commit a turnover.
- At Oregon State, UCLA forced two turnovers (interceptions) and returned one for a touchdown (seven points). The other resulted in a fumble lost. UCLA lost two fumbles -- one on offense -- and it was returned for a touchdown (seven points).
- Against Oregon, UCLA did not force a turnover. The Bruins committed three turnovers (all interceptions) and one led to a field goal (three points).
- At California, the Bruins did not force a turnover. UCLA committed three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) and both fumbles led to touchdowns.
- Against Stanford, UCLA forced one turnover (interception by Ricky Manning) which was converted into a field goal. UCLA lost two fumbles (one on a punt return and one on a bad snap) and both were converted into touchdowns (15 points).
- At Washington UCLA forced four interceptions and converted them into two touchdowns and one field goal. One of the TDs was a 42-yard return by Spencer Havner. The Bruins did not commit a turnover.
- At Arizona, UCLA forced one fumble and converted it into a touchdown. UCLA lost one fumble but it led to a punt.
- In 10 games, UCLA has forced 20 turnovers (14 interceptions and six fumbles) and has converted them into nine touchdowns and two field goals (69 points).
- UCLA has committed 14 turnovers (seven interceptions and seven fumbles) and they have been converted into 57 points (seven touchdowns, one two-point PAT and two field goals). UCLA has fumbled 21 times but has lost just seven -- five on offense, one on special teams and one on defense.
- Last season, UCLA committed 29 turnovers in 11 games but has just 14 after 10 games in 2002.
BRUINS IN THE PAC-10, NCAA STATS -- Tyler Ebell: Rushing - 3rd in Pac-10, 56th in NCAA (85.8), Punt Returns - 4th in Pac-10, 41st in NCAA (11.6), All-Purpose Yards - 5th in Pac-10, 48th in NCAA (116.5); Nate Fikse: Punting - 3rd in Pac-10, 36th in NCAA (41.5), Field Goals - T-8th in Pac-10 (1.0); Craig Bragg: Receiving Yardage - 9th in Pac-10, 46th in NCAA (73.8 yards), Receptions - 9th in Pac-10 (4.40), Punt Returns - 3rd in Pac-10 (12.2); Tab Perry: Receiving Yardage - 10th in Pac-10, 53rd in NCAA (69.2 yards), Kickoff Returns - 2nd in Pac-10, 37th in NCAA (23.8), All-Purpose Yards - 6th in Pac-10, 52nd in NCAA (114.9); Spencer Havner: Tackles - 8th in Pac-10 (7.8), Interceptions: T-12th in Pac-10 (0.30); Ricky Manning: Interceptions: T-6th in Pac-10, T-33rd in NCAA (0.40); Marcus Reese: Tackles: 9th in Pac-10 (7.7); Dave Ball: Sacks: 4th in Pac-10 (10.5 per game), Tackles for Loss: 11th in Pac-10 (11.5); Brandon Chillar: Tackles: T-19th in Pac-10 (6.0).Team: Total offense - 6th in Pac-10, 45th in NCAA (387.9); rushing offense - 2nd in Pac-10 (149.2); passing offense - 8th in Pac-10, 44th in NCAA (238.7); passing efficiency offense - 3rd in Pac-10 (140.5 rating); scoring offense - 8th in Pac-10, 33rd in NCAA (31.2); total defense - 3rd in Pac-10, 34th in NCAA (336.0); scoring defense - 4th in Pac-10, 33rd in NCAA (21.3); rushing defense - 8th in Pac-10, 31st in NCAA (122.2); passing defense - 3rd in Pac-10 (213.8); pass efficiency defense - 2nd in Pac-10, 18th in NCAA (104.8 rating); turnover margin - 4th in Pac-10, 32nd in NCAA (0.60); kickoff returns - T-4th in Pac-10 (20.5); punt returns - 3rd in Pac-10, 27th in NCAA (12.4); net punting - 5th in Pac-10, 28th in NCAA (36.4); red zone defense - 3rd in Pac-10 (71.9); red zone offense - 6th in Pac-10 (76.9); turnovers lost - T-1st in Pac-10 (14); fumbles lost - T-2nd in Pac-10 (seven); passes had intercepted - 1st in Pac-10 (seven); passes intercepted - T-6th in Pac-10 (14); opponent first downs - 2nd in Pac-10 (183); sacks by -- 4th in Pac-10 (35); field goals - 1st in Pac-10 (1.8/game).
NCAA GRADUATION RATES - In the 2002 NCAA Graduation Rate Report, released On Sept.26, UCLA has a 75% graduation rate from the freshman class of 1995 (12 of 16). That rate ranked third in the Pac-10.In the 2000 NCAA Graduation Report, which analyzed the freshman class of 1993, 10 of 14 Bruin freshmen earned their degrees - 71.4%. In addition, three other freshmen who entered in the Winter or Spring quarters of 1993-94 also earned their degrees, raising the percentage to 76.5% (13 of 17).
BRUINS NO. 1 - UCLA was ranked the No. 1 overall college in the nation, according to data taken from the recently released 'The Unofficial, Unbiased Insider's Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges' published by Kaplan. The survey rated institutions on Best Academic Facilities, Best Freshman Housing, Hot & Trendy Campus, Best Career Services, Highest Academic Standards and Best Value.
FRESHMEN KEEP IT ALL IN THE FAMILY - Several of the Bruin incoming freshmen have relatives who attended UCLA - Robert Chai's uncle, Ben; Kevin Harbour's dad, Kevin; Justin London's aunt, Rita; Idris Moss' dad, Ricky, Sr.; Drew Olson's dad, David; Jarrad Page's brother, John, Jr.; Alex Potasi's relative, Frank Manumaleuna; Wesley Walker's uncle Fred McNeill.
BRUINS IN THE NFL - Twenty-eight former Bruins are currently listed on the rosters of National Football League teams - Baltimore - Jonathan Ogden; Carolina - DeShaun Foster (IR); Cincinnati - Danny Farmer; Cleveland - Jamir Miller (IR); Dallas - Jeff Grau; Detroit - Travis Kirschke; Green Bay - Marques Anderson, Mike Flanagan, Tod McBride, Kris Farris; Houston - Jason Bell, Chad Overhauser (PS); Kansas City - Larry Atkins, Marvcus Patton; New England - Ken Kocher (PS), Roman Phifer; New York Giants - Shaun Williams; Philadelphia - Freddie Mitchell; Oakland - Kenyon Coleman; Pittsburgh.- Tommy Maddox; St. Louis - Robert Thomas; San Diego - Donnie Edwards, Vaughn Parker; San Francisco - Cade McNown (IR), J.J. Stokes; Tampa Bay - Ryan Nece (IR); Tennessee.- Drew Bennett, Bryan Fletcher.
UCLA ON THE RADIO - The 2002 season is UCLA's sixth on Fox Sports Radio AM 1150. The Los Angeles all-sports station broadcasts the Bruins' games, including a two-hour pre-game show and a one-hour post-game show.Chris Roberts, a four-time Golden Mike Award winner, is in his 11th season as the voice of the Bruins. Former Bruin quarterback Matt Stevens is in his sixth year on the broadcast team and his second as the analyst in the booth. John Ireland, who is a sportscaster for KCAL-TV, is in his second season as the sideline reporter.Stevens, Ireland and former Bruin quarterback Wayne Cook host the two-hour local pre-game show. Roberts, Stevens and Ireland host the one-half hour network pre-game show and the network post-game show. Fox Radio reporter Jeff Biggs and Cook host a one hour 'Bruin Talk' show following the network broadcast.Stations on the Bruin radio network include: KPOP 1360AM (San Diego); KDEF 1150 AM (Albuquerque, NM); KDFO 800AM (Bakersfield); KCBL 1340AM (Fresno); KKOM 1280AM (Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo); KAVL 610AM (Lancaster); KSHP 1400AM (Las Vegas, NV); KAOI 1110AM (Maui); KPTT 630AM (Reno, NV); KEWS 1350AM (Riverside); KBET 850AM (Thousand Oaks); KIXW 960AM (Victorville); KVBL 1400AM (Visalia). KOGO (600) in San Diego will carry this week's game.Fox Sports Radio provides ancillary programming during the week, including Bob Toledo interviews during the week of the games.In addition, Fox Sports Radio airs the one-hour Bruin Roundtable show every Tuesday afternoon. The show airs at 6:00 p.m.UCLA games are also available via the internet at www.uclabruins.com, sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/uua/ and www.foxsports1150.com. Fans can also hear the game for as little as 10 cents per minute by dialing 1-800-846-4700 (ext. 5929) to listen to the broadcast on the telephone.
UCLA ON THE TELEVISION - Entering the USC game, 109 of UCLA's last 115 games have been televised live, including all 10 thus far in 2002 (three by ABC, three by Fox Sports Net, two by TBS, one by ESPN and one by Fox Sports Net 2).This week's game will be televised on a regional basis by ABC, with Keith Jackson and Dan Fouts in the booth and Todd Harris on the sidelines. This will be UCLA's fourth appearance on ABC in 2002 and the Washington State game has already been selected for a national telecast by ABC.The UCLA Sports Magazine show, produced by Fox Sports Net West, is expected to air every Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m on Fox Sports Net West 2. It also airs every Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.
UCLA IN THE RANKINGS - Associated Press: Pre-season, NR; Sept. 1, NR; Sept. 8, No. 23; Sept. 15, No. 20.; Sept. 22, NR; Sept. 29, NR; Oct. 6, NR (27); Oct. 13, NR (27); Oct. 20, NR; Oct. 27, NR; Nov. 3, NR; Nov. 10, NR (T-27); Nov. 17, 25.USA Today/ESPN: Pre-season, NR; Sept. 1, NR; Sept. 8, NR; Sept. 15, No. 22; Sept. 22, NR; Sept. 29, NR; Oct. 6, No. 25; Oct. 13, NR (28); Oct. 20, NR; Oct. 27, NR; Nov. 3, NR; Nov. 10, NR (27); Nov. 17, 24.
UCLA ON THE WEB - UCLA releases, player information and results can be found on the school's official website - www.uclabruins.com.
TOLEDO PRESS CONFERENCE - Bruin head coach Bob Toledo holds a weekly press conference every Monday (except the Monday of a bye week, Nov. 11 and Nov. 25). It is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Morgan Center Press Room adjacent to the Hall of Fame. The opposing coach will usually be available on speaker phone just prior to or following the news conference.
PAC-10 TELECONFERENCES - The Pac-10 holds a weekly teleconference with all 10 head coaches every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Each coach has a 10-minute window. Bob Toledo is on the call at 10:30 a.m. Please call the Pac-10 office or a Pac-10 SID to obtain the telephone number.
PAC-10 SATELLITE FEED - The Pac-10 provides a weekly satellite feed containing interviews with coaches and players and game highlight footage. The weekly half-hour feed airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. PT, through Nov. 20. The final feed will be on Tues., Nov. 26 at 11:30 a.m. The coordinates are: GE 2, Transponder 11 (C-Band).
NOTING THE TROJANS - USC is ranked No. 7 by both major polls. The Trojans are averaging 33.1 points (20th in NCAA) and 421.2 yards (18th in NCAA) -- 298.9 in the air (12th in NCAA) and 122.3 on the ground -- on offense while allowing 18.9 points (22nd in NCAA) and 298.2 yards (13th in NCAA) -- 209.9 in the air and 88.3 (eighth in NCAA) on the ground -- defensively. USC is also ninth in net punting (38.0 yards) and 12th in turnover margin (+1.1).Individually, quarterback Carson Palmer has completed 237 of 380 passes for 2,960 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is 10th nationally in passing efficiency (144.43) and 11th in total offense (281.8 yards). Freshman wide receiver Mike Williams has made 59 receptions for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns and is 16th nationally in receiving yards (93.1) and 22nd in receptions per game (5.9). Keary Colbert has made 56 receptions (his average is 28th in NCAA) for 789 yards and four TDs. On the ground, Justin Fargas has rushed for 432 yards, breaking 100 twice in the last three games, and Sultan McCullough leads the team with 665 yards.Defensively, linebacker Matt Grootegoed leads the team with 64 tackles, including a team-high 6.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Safety Troy Polamalu (59) and linebacker Melvin Simmons (55) follow Grootegoed in tackles. Defensive linemen Kenechi Udeze (12.0) and Mike Patterson (10.5) are both in double figures in tackles for loss.
UCLA-USC CONNECTIONS - UCLA head coach Bob Toledo and assistant Gary Bernardi were on the coaching staff at USC. USC assistant coach Kennedy Pola is a former UCLA assistant. Matt Mosebar's uncle, Don Mosebar, played at USC. Trojan head athletic trainer Russ Romano is a former UCLA assistant. There are numerous other connections, most notably in basketball. UCLA women's head coach Kathy Olivier is a former USC assistant and Trojan men's head coach Henry Bibby won three NCAA titles as a guard for the Bruins.
NEXT UP - The Bruins play their final regular-season game of 2002 on Dec. 7 when they host the No. 3-ranked Washington State Cougars at the Rose Bowl. The game will kickoff at 1:30 p.m. and will be nationally televised by ABC.
LEXUS GAUNTLET - This year is the second year that UCLA and USC are competing for the Lexus Gauntlet, which will be awarded on an annual basis to the school that does the best in head-to-head competition. In each sport, points will be awarded to the winner of each contest and the school with the most points at the end of the year will receive the Lexus Gauntlet. The Southern California Lexus Dealer Association is the title sponsor of every UCLA-USC athletic event. USC won the Gauntlet last year in the final competition of 2001-2002 (baseball).UCLA currently leads the competition, 15-10. The Bruins have earned five points each for women's soccer, women's cross country and men's water polo while the Trojans own 10 points for women's volleyball. Saturday's football game is worth 10 points.
WATER POLO - The Bruins and the Trojans will play each other this Saturday morning (10:00 a.m.) at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center. Both teams are currently ranked in theTop 5 nationally.
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