UCLA VS. WAHSINGTON STATE

* Time: 12:30 p.m.

* Site: Rose Bowl

* Television: Channel 7

* Radio: XTRA (1150)

THE OFFENSES

* The Bruins have scored 49 and 42 points, and Cade McNown is the first player in school history to pass for at least 300 yards in consecutive games. The bad news for a Cougar offense that limps anyway is that leading receiver Nian Taylor is a question mark in the starting lineup because of a pulled leg muscle. But he should play.

THE DEFENCES

* Washington State is first among Pacific 10 Conference schools and 20th in the nation in total defense, first and fourth, respectively, in pass-efficiency defense and second and 22nd in rushing defense. The numbers are especially impressive in that the Cougars have done it despite youth and injuries, mainly on the line. The Cougars have given up only one touchdown through the air and have intercepted nine passes. Free safety Lamont Thompson has 10 in eight starts in his career. Keys to the game: For the second game in a row, the challenge for the Bruins is for their high-powered offense to overcome, or at least wear down, a defense that comes in with momentum and hype. On the other side, the UCLA defensive line, itself inexperienced and in patchwork mode, must contend with Washington State’s big offensive line.

* Fast fact: UCLA leads the all-time series, 33-12-1, but Washington State has won three of the last four meetings.

* Line: UCLA by 23.