Saturday’s Foe Is Michigan : Bruins Cautious About Facing Winless Team

UCLA will face a winless team Saturday night. But Bruins Coach Terry Donahue believes it is a team that just as easily could be considered the best in the nation.

Michigan certainly would be ranked No. 1 had it beaten Notre Dame last Saturday instead of losing a 24-19 decision to the Fighting Irish.

“If you take two plays off the film, Michigan is the No. 1 team in the country,” Donahue said, referring to Raghib (Rocket) Ismail’s two kickoff returns for touchdowns. “But you can’t take those two plays off, and that’s to Notre Dame’s credit.

‘No Question’

“In my mind, there’s no question Michigan is going to win the football game (without the two plays).”

Michigan was ranked second before losing to Notre Dame in its season opener. The Wolverines, now ranked fifth, will probably come to California in an angry frame of mind.

Asked if it would have been easier for the Bruins to prepare for Michigan had the Wolverines beaten Notre Dame, Donahue smiled and said, “Our task, getting ready for Michigan, was going to be hard no matter how you cut the bread.”

UCLA, ranked 24th, brings a 1-1 record into the nationally televised contest, which begins at 5 p.m. at the Rose Bowl.

Donahue realizes the Bruins have not been very impressive so far this year.

After being hammered 24-6 by 14th-ranked Tennessee in their opener Sept. 9, the Bruins rallied for a 28-25 victory over 20-point underdog San Diego State last Saturday night.

He views Saturday’s game as a test of character for his team.

“You’d have to be blind to not see what kind of a football team they have. Michigan is one of the top football teams in the country. I really view the Michigan game as an opportunity for our football team to step forward and show its colors. . . .

“The biggest concern I have about our football team right now is we must increase our intensity all over the field. We were more intense (against San Diego State) than we were against Tennessee. We stayed in the game and really competed for four quarters. I guarantee you we’ll take a step forward this week.”

The Wolverines will be without quarterback Michael Taylor, who was injured in the Notre Dame game. Coach Bo Schembechler will have to start freshman Elvis Grbac at quarterback.

‘Both Good Athletes’

Donahue said the switch probably will not affect the Bruins.

“They’re both good athletes,” Donahue said. “Grbac did an excellent job against Notre Dame. He doesn’t run as well as Taylor but showed a lot of poise.”

“What it does, it cuts us down,” Schembechler said. “We’re going to cut back on what we’re doing offensively. I don’t want to put that kind of pressure on Elvis to be a Michael Taylor and know as much of our offense as Taylor does.”