Lewis Seeking Some Redemption

The demons he claims to have exorcised will be welcomed back this week by Jermaine Lewis, since they present the opportunity for additional redemption.

It’s Washington State week, and it’s personal.

“There’s something inside,” the Bruin tailback said. “I don’t really want to release it. But I’ll let my performance on the field do my talking.”

It was against the Cougars in 1997 that Lewis, then a backup to Skip Hicks, failed to score from the one-yard line on fourth down with UCLA down by three points. That sent Washington State on to the victory and Lewis into the funk from which it took him several weeks to recover. A season later, Lewis has scored six times and developed a whole new perspective.

But Washington State . . .

“You’ve got the opportunity to go out and clear your name,” he said. “So you’ve got to go out and do it.”

*

The good news for UCLA about the cancellation of the Miami game was that it brought a chance to heal.

The defensive line, already down one injured starter, Kenyon Coleman, probably also would have gone without another, Pete Holland, against the Hurricanes. The extra week may allow Holland’s sore ankle to recover without him missing a game. On offense, starting guard Oscar Cabrera, who definitely would not have played in Miami, may also make it back in time to play the Cougars.

Meanwhile, there was still uncertainty over the Bruins and Hurricanes rescheduling the game for the end of the regular season. There was, however, a growing sentiment that UCLA would be perfectly happy not to travel to Miami after playing USC, all but saying it will play only if Miami insists.

Part of the problem is the timing. Dec. 5, the date the game would probably be played, is the first weekend for recruits to make campus visits.

*

Against Houston on Sept. 19, the Bruins had to play two freshmen they were hoping to redshirt, Anthony Fletcher in the defensive line and Julius Williams in the secondary.

Next Up for UCLA

Who: Washington State

Where: Rose Bowl

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Radio: AM 1150