COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT / UCLA : Poli-Dixon Breaks Wrist

Backup split end Brian Poli-Dixon might be lost for the season because of a broken right wrist, another blow for the receiving corps that was expected to be among the best in the country but instead has been beset by injuries.

Poli-Dixon was hurt in the first quarter of Saturday night’s win over Fresno State at the Rose Bowl, but continued to play, even catching a 15-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that supplied the eventual 35-21 margin. The extent of the injury was learned Wednesday.

His arm was put in a cast, and the Bruins will wait to see if he needs surgery that will end his 1999 season. Coach Bob Toledo said, “We’re going to lose him for the year, it looks like.” That would mean a redshirt season for Poli-Dixon, who could reclaim his junior season, and Jon Dubravac, who was going to be redshirted because of UCLA’s depth, would be pressed into duty.

The loss of Poli-Dixon, second on the team in receiving yardage, is only the latest blow. Danny Farmer has missed two of the first three games because of a sprained ankle that has plagued him for about a month, though the No. 1 flanker is expected to play Saturday at Stanford. His backup, Freddie Mitchell, has been bothered by a bruised thigh and a sore knee. And Cody Joyce, the fifth receiver, is doubtful for the Pacific 10 opener because of a concussion.

That leaves split end Brad Melsby as the only sound receiver aside from Dubravac, who has yet to play.