The tremendous success story of UCLA’s offensive line is
already well known, as demonstrated by the team’s vastly
improved running game. But this rags-to-riches story will surely be
tested this Saturday when the Bruins line up against USC’s
top-rated defensive line. The Trojans, ranked in the nation’s
Top Eight in every defensive category, will give the Bruins’
offensive line their toughest trial of the season and a chance to
prove just how far they’ve come. “We’ll find out
Saturday,” offensive coordinator and lineman coach Tom Cable
said. “This will be their biggest test so far, and I think
they’re ready for it. We’ll find out, and this is
pretty exciting for them, from where they were to where
they’ve come and to see them put it all together.” One
sign of the high caliber match-up in the trenches is the sacks
category, where the Bruins lead the conference in fewest allowed,
while the Trojans lead in most accrued. So far this season, UCLA
has allowed only 14 sacks, while USC has totaled 51. The
Bruins’ success has been another one of their big turnarounds
this season after allowing 51 sacks last season. The linemen give
credit to Cable’s arrival as the primary factor for this
accomplishment. “The key with Cable is that he has put us in
a place to succeed,” tackle Paul Mociler said.
“He’s put us in the right situation. We’re
running the ball well; we’re balanced offensively.” But
Cable says the key to preparing for success this weekend will be
for his linemen simply to enjoy themselves. “(The players)
have to have fun,” he said. “You know the plan; you
know what you need to do. The rest is just going out there and
enjoying the day and having fun.”
DREW UPDATE: The status of the Bruins leading
tailback Maurice Drew is still questionable for Saturday’s
game. Drew did not dress for practice Wednesday after reaggravating
a right ankle injury Monday and used the day to receive treatment.
Coach Karl Dorrell said Drew was doing better, but they had wanted
to give him as much rest as possible. Dorrell is hoping to see Drew
on the practice field today, or else he probably will not play.
“Tomorrow we’re going to see what he can do,”
Dorrell said. “If he can’t do anything tomorrow, then
likely, it’s not going to happen for him to play on
Saturday.”
HEALTHY HORTON: Backup safety Chris Horton will
be ready to play against the Trojans, Dorrell said Tuesday. Horton
had missed the past three games with a badly sprained ankle but has
practiced with the team all week and is anticipated to play
Saturday. “Horton looks good,” Dorrell said.
“He’s ahead of schedule. We anticipate him to play on
Saturday, and that’s a good surprise for us. He’s
responded pretty well this week and has had no setbacks, and
we’re going to use him this week.”