UCLA VS. CAL / NOTES

Ryan Roques, not even a starting cornerback until the conference opener, has four interceptions in the last four games, the first as a reserve and the last three while a member of the opening lineup. Only one Bruin has a longer streak in the last 45 years, Carlton Gray at five in a row in 1991, and the school record is six, set by Bill Stits in 1952.

“I’ve said to people, ‘Wow, I can’t believe it. Four interceptions in four games,’ ” Roques said. “But I don’t really talk about it too much. I just stay humble because I know luck has a lot to do with it probably. I don’t really know how to explain it. I’ve been at the right place at the right time.”

The string started with one that was returned 17 yards for a touchdown at Houston, and the last of the four, on a deflected pass, ended Oregon’s lone overtime drive and set the stage for UCLA to win on the ensuing possession.

That put him atop the Pacific 10 Conference in average per game--Lamont Thompson of Washington State and Chris Claiborne of USC also have four picks, but in seven games--and all the way up to fourth in the nation. That also put him in position to go for five in five when the Bruins play at Cal today.

“If it happens, great,” said Roques, a junior who also handles punt returns because of the knee injury to DeShaun Foster. “Of course I’m going to do my best to help get the victory--that’s No. 1--and play my best game. If I get five interceptions in five games, that’d be great. I’d love it.

“I wasn’t really expecting to get four interceptions in four games. I think a little bit of luck has a lot to do with it. And knowing what to do. Knowing my job.”

The three touchdown passes against the Ducks pushed Cade McNown past Tom Ramsey and into sole possession of first place on UCLA’s all-time list, at 53. The two had been tied at 50. . . . The Oregon game marked the second overtime for the Bruins. They went two extra periods before beating USC in 1996.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

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UCLA Cal 46.6 Scoring 16.5 27.6 Points allowed 18.7 296.6 Passing 216.5 201 Rushing 72.7 497.6 Total offense 289.2 262 Passing defense 162.7 146 Rushing defense 159.2 408 Total defense 321.9

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