UCLA REPORT

UCLA (6-6) vs.

FRESNO STATE (8-5)

SILICON VALLEY CLASSIC

Tonight, 7:30

Spartan Stadium in San Jose

TV -- ESPN2

Radio -- XTRA 690/1150 AM

WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

The Bruins will be conservative on the muddy field and try to establish the run. With running backs Tyler Ebell and Manuel White sidelined, freshman Maurice Drew will be the centerpiece of the attack. In fact, look for Drew to exceed his season-high of 23 carries as long as he does not fumble -- something that has plagued him all season. Sophomore running back Jason Harrison, who missed the regular season with a knee injury, should get a few carries. Quarterback Drew Olson will lean heavily on split end Craig Bragg, the top big-play threat. Junior Taylor, Garrett Lepisto and Idris Moss will share the load at flanker in the absence of Ryan Smith, who is out with an ankle injury.

WHEN FRESNO STATE HAS THE BALL

The Bulldogs plan to exercise patience, probing the Bruin defense with their power running game before throwing much. Dwayne Wright leads the team with 980 yards rushing, but Bryson Sumlin is employed near the goal line, and Coach Pat Hill said 5-foot-8 senior Rodney Davis was a “proven mudder” and could help on the wet field. Look for screen passes from sophomore quarterback Paul Pinegar, who sat out the first five games with a torn chest muscle that still has not healed. Pinegar, 14-5 as a starter, likes to throw to senior Bernard Berrian, who ranks fifth on Fresno State’s career reception list with 181. Keeping UCLA All-American defensive end Dave Ball from hitting Pinegar will be difficult -- both Fresno State tackles have been out with injuries for several weeks.

KEYS TO A UCLA VICTORY

Protect the ball: Will Drew seize this opportunity to establish himself as the Bruin workhorse of the future, or will he only cement the notion that he can’t hold on to the ball? Twenty-five to 30 carries on a slippery field will provide the answer. Also, Olson must avoid interceptions.

Unleash the Balls: Defensive ends Dave and Mat Ball must blow past the inexperienced Bulldog tackles and sack Pinegar. Dave Ball leads the nation with 16.5 sacks, and Mat has three.

Avoid special-teams mistakes: Breakdowns in the kicking game have cost UCLA all season. Berrian is a dangerous punt and kick returner. The Bruins have an advantage at punter with Chris Kluwe, whose 42.8 average is four yards longer than Fresno State’s Mike Lingua.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA FRESNO 19.9 Scoring 23.5 24 Points Allowed 23.7 211.9 Passing Offense 196.7 93.9 Rushing Offense 160.8 305.8 Total offense 357.5 206.3 Passing Defense 214.9 113.7 Rushing Defense 183 320 Total Defense 397.9

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-- Steve Henson