SAN JOSE–For UCLA, it’s a last-ditch effort to bring back some
life into a season that has been a huge disappointment. For Fresno
State, it’s a rare opportunity to knock off its California
neighbor. The two programs will clash in the Silicon Valley Classic
on Tuesday evening at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. "It’s always a
good test when you get an opportunity like this," UCLA head coach
Dorrell said. "We’re fortunate enough to be in a bowl. We’re trying
to get some positive momentum going into next season. That’s what
you need when you have a new program." After being undefeated in
Pac-10 play with four games to go, the Bruins (6-6) had to hope to
be selected for the Silicon Valley Classic and were the last team
in the Pac-10 to go to a bowl game. UCLA’s offseason has been
marred by rumors of coach firings and player transfers. Fresno
State, on the other hand, waited for its postseason berth with open
arms. With a victory, the Bulldogs (8-5) could make strides toward
bringing its program alongside its California counterparts. And in
terms of the future of both programs, it would seem that Fresno
State has everything to gain–at UCLA’s expense. "For us playing
UCLA, a California team, is important," Bulldog head coach Pat Hill
said. "To get games against California Pac-10 schools is difficult.
It’s a great opportunity for us." UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell has
spent the last few weeks of winter break attempting to re-focus the
team in a last-ditch attempt to enter the offseason on a good note.
After harping on the importance of improving each week, the Bruins
appeared downtrodden and beaten by season’s end. In particular, the
offense has been abysmal. Quarterback Matt Moore’s transfer breaks
up the quarterback controversy, but leaves UCLA with two
scholarship quarterbacks in Drew Olson and John Sciarra. The
emphasis in practice hasn’t been on implementing new plays, but
rather, on improving the execution of Dorrell’s West Coast offense.
"We’re just trying to generate some offense," Dorrell said.
"Hopefully, these bowl practices will be productive in helping us
do that in any way, fashion or form." While UCLA will not have any
seniors starting on the offensive side of the ball against the
Bulldogs, the Bruins do have five players on the defensive side of
the ball who will be playing their last game. The entire defensive
line, which has been the pivotal point of UCLA’s defensive success
this season, and linebacker Brandon Chillar, who made the
All-Pac-10 first team, will don UCLA uniforms for the final time.
It will come against an inconsistent Fresno State team that has
played close against Tennessee and beaten Oregon State, but weren’t
competitive in losses to Hawaii, Colorado State and Boise State.
Offensively, the Bulldogs run an aerial attack led by the
combination of quarterback Paul Pinegar and wide receiver Bernard
Berrian, with running back Dwayne Wright providing some semblance
of balance. Berrian, in particular, is a gamebreaker and has a lot
of athletic ability. Defensively, linebacker Bryce McGill is a
sideline-to-sideline-type player, while safety James Sander is a
hard hitter. Both were named to the All-WAC first team this year.
But the face of the Fresno State program is Hill. His willingness
to face any team in the country has made him a dangerous foe for
any opposing coach. "Because I’m from California, I have a better
feel for how good (Fresno State) is," Dorrell said. "Pat and I
talked this past offseason about playing, and I said, ‘No, I don’t
want to.’ " Regardless of what Dorrell wanted, the two clubs will
square off. And if UCLA isn’t careful, a loss could mean a long
offseason of questions and changes. NOTES: Three
starters will be out for the bowl game: safety Ben Emanuel
(suspension and groin injury), running back Tyler Ebell (shoulder
injury) and wide receiver Ryan Smith (ankle injury). Safety Nnamdi
Ohaeri, running back Maurice Drew and wide receiver . . . UCLA
announced the signing of its sixth player from the junior college
ranks, this time defensive end Justin Hickman out of Glendale (AZ)
Community College.
With contributions from Diamond Leung.