COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Bruins Are No. 1 in Turnover Ratio

UCLA leads the nation in turnover ratio, having generated 20 turnovers in five games while giving up the ball five times, an average of plus 3. The numbers show opportunism, perhaps, but no accident.

“We work on getting turnovers,” defensive coordinator Bob Field said.

Emphasis has been put on the first man in on a tackle securing the ballcarrier, with the second man grabbing for the football and on stripping balls on tackles from behind and sacks. In their last three games, the Bruins have turned 13 turnovers into six touchdowns and five field goals.

Rewards are offered to the defense for turnovers, rose decals for their helmets reminding them of the season’s goal--a Rose Bowl berth--and competition has been stiff. The decals are for the practice helmets only. The game helmets remain gold with the blue UCLA script.

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Backup quarterback Ryan Fien has not practiced all week and is seeing a doctor about a recurrence of the foot injury that cost him playing time last season. He has been moved to No. 3 on the depth chart, with Rob Walker No. 2 behind Wayne Cook.