UCLA at No. 8 California

UCLA (4-1, 2-0) at

No. 8 California (3-1, 1-1)

Today, 4 p.m.

Memorial Stadium, Berkeley

TV: TBS.

Radio: XTRA (690/1150)

WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

Look for the Bruins to stick with their running game early with a goal of wearing down Cal’s defensive front. With Mike McCloskey back at center, UCLA’s line might be the key to the game. But if the Bears are successful stuffing the run, receivers Tab Perry, Junior Taylor, Joe Cowan, Brandon Breazell and Marcus Everett have to be able to beat man coverage.

WHEN CALIFORNIA HAS THE BALL

Cal’s offense is among the most balanced in the nation and the Bears will be working against the Pac-10’s softest run defense. In J.J. Arrington and Marshawn Lynch, the Bears have a quality one-two punch at running back. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is an efficient passer who does a great job reading defenses. But Cal will miss wide receiver Chase Lyman, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week against USC.

KEYS TO UCLA VICTORY

1. Establish the run. The Bruins can improve their chances for victory by keeping the ball from Cal’s high-powered offense. That means running the ball with Maurice Drew and Manuel White.

2. Make tackles. In last week’s victory over Arizona, the Bruins looked like the worst tackling team in the Pac-10. That can’t happen against a quality team like Cal.

3. Dominate special teams. In last week’s loss to USC, the Bears looked shaky on special teams, which could be an area that leads the Bruins to an upset.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA CAL 32.4 Scoring 40.8 21.2 Points Allowed 14.5 204.2 Passing Offense 262.5 241.4 Rushing Offense 247.8 445.6 Total offense 510.2 165.4 Passing Defense 159.8 250 Rushing Defense 87.8 415.4 Total Defense 247.5

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

BRUIN BAY WATCH

UCLA’s last five games against Cal in Berkeley.

*--* Year Result 2002 Lost, 17-12 2000 Lost, 46-38 (overtime) 1998 Won, 28-16 1996 Won, 38-29 1994 Lost, 26-7

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-- Lonnie White