COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Will They Have Enough to Scrimmage?

The Bruins will hold an intrasquad scrimmage today at the Rose Bowl beginning at 5 p.m., simulating the conditions under which they’ll meet the University of Miami in their Sept. 2 season opener.

Actually, UCLA Coach Terry Donahue desperately hopes these are not the conditions under which the Bruins will meet the Hurricanes.

The first week of two-a-day workouts has taken such a toll on UCLA that Donahue might be searching the stands for volunteers.

The starting quarterback, Ryan Fien, is sidelined because of a pulled thigh muscle. The backup tailback, Skip Hicks, is out for at least the first five games after arthroscopic knee surgery. Four offensive linemen--Matt Soenksen, Chad Overhauser, James Christensen and Mike Flanagan--are also out with injuries. Soenksen, Overhauser and Christensen all have concussions. Flanagan, a center, has yet to suit up because of an off-season jaw injury but is expected back Monday. Flanker Tod McBride has a sore back. Tight end Josh Eby has a hamstring pull and fellow tight end Brian Richards a knee injury.

The defense is in much better shape, although linemen George Kase (shoulder injury) and Travis Kirschke (groin pull) are also hurt.

“What can you say?” Donahue said. “It’s really been bad. We’ll be lucky if we can put together a team that has any precision at all. I don’t think any of these injured players can, should or will play [Saturday].”

Of particular concern to Donahue is the injury to Fien, who has been limping since Monday and is frustrated at not being able to get ready for his shot at being the UCLA starter.

“He’s not practicing and he’s missing a lot of work,” Donahue said. “It’s not helping him understand what we’re trying to do.”

The scrimmage is free and expected to last two hours.