The Matchup

THE MATCHUP Position
Comments Advantage
Quarterbacks:

UCLA’s Cory Paus and Ortege Jenkins have their own respective
advantages. Though Paus certainly has a much more explosive
package, his 1-2 record in his last three starts doesn’t sit well
with his critics. Coming off a gritty performance against Oregon,
Jenkins is a more experienced veteran. Though he won’t put up the
numbers of Paus, his 14-7 record as a starter speaks for
itself.

DRAW Running backs: And you
thought UCLA’s running game was struggling. Last week at Oregon the
Wildcats rushed only 13 times and netted only 21 total yards.
UCLA’s DeShaun Foster should be in better shape for this matchup as
well, so expect the Bruins to have a better ground attack than
they’ve had in the last two contests. Wide
receivers: Freddie Mitchell has been telling everybody who
will listen that he’s the best, hardest-working receiver in the
NCAA. Now with his NCAA-leading 123 yards per game, he can prove
it. Mitchell is open virtually every play, and has a 200-yard
receiving game just waiting to come out. Brian Poli-Dixon has been
effective in adding the short routes to his repertoire in the past
weeks. If Paus has time to throw, one of these two will be open.
Oregon State’s base offense features three receivers, and all are
acceptable, but none are quite as dangerous as either Bruin
starter. Offensive line: Arizona senior Brad
Brennan is getting healthier and is beginning to play to the
potential everyone thought he could – he had six catches for 90
yards against Oregon. Look for UCLA wideouts to take advantage of
the Wildcats, however, and break a few plays. Freddie Mitchell and
Brian Poli-Dixon are just bigger and more physical than the
battered Wildcat secondary can handle. Defensive
line:

The UCLA line is just more mature and experienced than the
youthful Wildcat line. Arizona, in fact, is in a situation very
similar to what the Bruins experienced with their O-line last
season, with the Wildcats having to start inexperienced blockers
because of several key injuries. The Arizona front allowed eight
sacks last week for the second time this season.

Linebackers: Arizona is so convincingly strong
in its defensive attack up front that the Wildcats surely have the
advantage here. Especially considering the fact that the playing
status of UCLA defensive leader and middle linebacker Robert Thomas
is still uncertain because of a sprained foot that kept him out of
practice all week. Defensive backs:

This is where the Bruin weakness lies and the Arizona strength
begins. While Arizona is easily the top-ranked team against the
rush, allowing opponents only 2.2 yards per carry, UCLA is bone dry
in depth in this area, as the entire unit is banged up. Kenyon
Coleman, Sean Phillips, Rusty Williams and Matt Ball all have
significant injuries.

Secondary: At a time when the UCLA secondary is
getting healthier, the Arizona secondary is in its worst shape all
season. Corners Michael Jolivette (head injury) and David Hinton
(concussion) are questionable for the game. Though explosive and
able to make big plays, the Arizona secondary is inexperienced and
undersized to match up with UCLA’s talented receiving corps.
The Daily Bruin predicts: UCLA 27 – Arizona 20
Original Graphic by JACOB LIAO/Daily Bruin Web Adaptation by
AVISHAI SHRAGA/Daily Bruin Senior Staff