Dorrell Likes Idea of Home Jerseys

The last time UCLA and USC played each other wearing home jerseys was 1982 at the Rose Bowl, a game won by the Bruins, 20-19.

UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell, a freshman receiver that season for the Bruins, said he would like to have that tradition -- which started when both teams played in the Coliseum -- return.

“That’s been talked about some, and I would like to do that,” Dorrell said. “We would love to have an exception where it wouldn’t be a penalty for either team to do that. Even [USC Coach] Pete [Carroll] has mentioned that he would like to have that too.”

NCAA rules say teams must wear contrasting colors and the visitor must wear white unless an agreement for the home team to do so is reached before the season.

If UCLA wore blue Saturday, officials could penalize the Bruins 15 yards and a timeout at the start of each half. It’s losing a timeout that doesn’t make it worth it to Dorrell.

“Timeouts are crucial,” Dorrell said. “Maybe at some point in time we can make an agreement about what we want to get done in this game. It’s been special when both teams wear home [uniforms]. We’ll see what we can do about it.”

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Junior running back Maurice Drew was selected to the AFCA Coaches’ All-America team as a punt returner. Drew leads the nation with a 29.07-yard average, which would be an NCAA record, and has scored on returns of 72, 66 and 81 yards this season.

Drew seemed more concerned about Saturday’s game than honors.

“This is such a huge game,” he said. “With the schools being so close together, you see each other everywhere. Every time you go out, you have a chance to see [a USC player]. There’s a lot of stuff going into this rivalry and on top of that, a share of the Pac-10 championship is at stake and a lot of bowl ramifications.

“We’re just so anxious to get out there and play. They’ve have had a week off and we’ve had three, so we’re more refreshed and ready to play. Guys are tired of hitting each other.... We’re ready to get after them.”

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Sophomore Noah Sutherland will start at weak-side tackle in place of Brian Abraham, who did not practice Thursday because of an ankle injury. Dorrell said it would be a game-time decision on whether Abraham would play. Sophomore free safety Chris Horton, who wears a cast for his previously broken wrist, might start in place of Dennis Keyes.