Secondary will be challenged

UCLA cornerback Trey Brown smiled sheepishly when asked about California, the Bruins’ opponent at the Rose Bowl today.

This kind of challenge, he said, is what he thrives on.

The Bears have top-flight receivers, with DeSean Jackson gathering Heisman Trophy attention before the season began.

And the Bruins have a veteran secondary, with Brown considered one of the best coverage corners in college football.

“We wouldn’t want to have it any other way,” Brown said. “The Bruins’ secondary versus the Cal wide receivers. It’s going be a great show. I know our boys are definitely looking forward to the challenge.”

Jackson is far from the only challenge. Though he has two touchdowns that have covered more than 70 yards this season, one was on a reverse and one was on a punt return.

As a receiver, Jackson had 11 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon but has otherwise been held in check. He has not had more than 45 receiving yards in the Bears’ other five games.

Lavelle Hawkins has scorched opponents for focusing on Jackson. He leads the team with 36 receptions and 534 yards and has caught four touchdown passes.

Jackson has 32 receptions for 317 yards and two touchdown catches.

“You have to give Jackson his due,” Bruins defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said. “But I’ll tell you, it seems like when they need a big play, Hawkins is the one who is always giving it to them.”

The Bears also have Robert Jordan, though he is questionable for today’s game because of a sore shoulder.

Tight end Cameron Morrah is also questionable because of a shoulder injury.

“This is definitely the best group of receivers we’ve seen up to this point,” Brown said. “But I said before, no matter who lines up across from me, I’m going to make it difficult for them to catch passes.”

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Brown and the Bruins’ secondary may get some help from the defensive line.

“They got those good receivers and they want to run those 20-yard-plus routes, so we know up front we have a challenge,” said defensive end Bruce Davis, who has 6 1/2 sacks this season. “We know we can really take this game over up front, pin our ears back and give them everything they can handle.”

The Bears are aware.

“Davis is very athletic, very fast, and he can cause a lot of problems,” California Coach Jeff Tedford said. “He can chase.”

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California has had a tough time in the Rose Bowl.

The Bears not only have a 2-10 record against UCLA in the stadium, they are 2-5-1 in the Rose Bowl, though they have not played in that game since 1959.

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Today’s game is a sellout and Pasadena police are suggesting that fans arrive early.

General parking lots will open at 7:30 a.m. and a free shuttle service is available, with the pickup at 100 W. Walnut St. in Pasadena.

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chris.foster@latimes.com

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KEYS TO THE GAME

UCLA (4-2, 3-0) vs. No. 10 California (5-1, 2-1)

Today, Rose Bowl, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7. Radio: 570

1 Get it; keep it. Oregon State was able to keep the ball out of California’s grasp with its running game, limiting the potent Golden Bears’ offense to 26 minutes of playing time. Oregon State’s Yvenson Bernard gained 110 yards in 33 carries. The Bruins, though, are less than 100% at tailback. Kahlil Bell has a sore shoulder and Chris Markey is trying to return from a turf toe injury. Cal leads the conference in turnover ratio; UCLA is tied for last.

2 Protect the quarterback. UCLA’s Patrick Cowan has had knee and hamstring injuries this season. He was limited to three quarters against Washington before being knocked out by an injury and has had only two weeks of practice since late August. Cal’s Nate Longshore sat out last week because of a sprained ankle and is listed as questionable. Against Oregon State, Bears backup Kevin Riley, a redshirt freshman, had two passes intercepted and made a bad decision at the finish.

3 Make (and stop) big plays. The Bears’ DeSean Jackson has returned a punt for a touchdown. Teammate Lavelle Hawkins has retuned a kickoff for a touchdown. Both are game-breakers as receivers, as well. Brandon Breazell is the Bruins’ main big-play threat. Punter Aaron Perez and the Bruins’ coverage teams have an important role.

-- Chris Foster