As rivalry week continues to heat up, perhaps the greatest pain
UCLA could inflict on its opponent would be to knock USC out of the
national championship game. But while this option is one of the few
possibilities optimistic Bruin fans can hope for, coach Karl
Dorrell remains focused on the giant task ahead.
“That’s what (USC) needs to think about ““ not
us,” Dorrell said. “That is not our focus, we’re
nowhere close to a national championship game.” With USC
falling one spot this week in the BCS to No. 3, a loss to UCLA
““ though unlikely ““ would eliminate any chance for the
Trojans to go to the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately, there is a long
cloud cast by the impending bowl games. Though both UCLA and USC
have very different play-off futures, this a crucial game for both.
Should UCLA win, they would almost be assured of a bowl berth while
USC could fall to second in the Pac-10 rankings, and would be sent
to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. But Dorrell refuses to look at
the future implications of the rivalry game, and will remain
focused on only one thing ““ beating ‘SC. “There
is already so much emotion and energy put into this game,”
Dorrell said. “We have plenty to talk about without that.
This is the game we’re shooting for.”
CHAI MAY PLAY:Center Robert Chai will likely
play this weekend against USC as his sprained knee has recovered
quickly. Chai suffered the injury in the first half against Oregon
and did not play for the rest of the game. But after an MRI showed
no new damage, Dorrell said Chai will be ready for Saturday.
“We’re anticipating Chai will play, but will decide the
extent of that later in the week,” Dorrell said. Chai stated
he was fine and that he will be ready to play although he was still
sore. INJURY REPORT: As per team policy, tight end
Marcedes Lewis did not practice Tuesday after suffering a mild
concussion last weekend. Dorrell said after practice it was normal
for a player with a head injury to wait at least two days before
physical conduct. Lewis agreed the symptoms were getting better but
said he did have trouble with dizzy spells over the weekend. While
Lewis is scheduled to play Saturday, more evaluation will be made
throughout the week.