COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Donahue: Cal in ‘Upper Echelon’

Terry Donahue, asked if Saturday’s game is a pivotal one for 18th-ranked Cal in its quest for another winning season, enhanced national recognition and a bowl game, said:

“One thing is apparent. Cal is in the upper echelon of the conference. Beating UCLA at this particular time doesn’t seem to be anything that a lot of people haven’t done in the last two years.

“That issue aside, Cal is for real.”

Overlooked to some extent in UCLA’s 37-12 victory over San Diego State Thursday night in San Diego was the performance of reserve quarterback Jim Bonds. He relieved Tommy Maddox in the fourth quarter and completed all five of his passes, including a five-yard scoring throw to fullback Maury Toy.

Bonds was UCLA’s starting quarterback in the first two games in 1990. “It was nice to see him come in and have some fun with no pressure,” Donahue said. “It helped his confidence, (especially) if he has to play when a game is on the line.”