Doubling Back

Now we’re talking Gutty Little Bruins.

All season Coach Bob Toledo took exception to anyone dusting off that famed characterization from the Terry Donahue era of undersized, overachieving UCLA squads.

This edition boasts size and strength, Toledo reminded everyone, and besides, the tailback was Heisman Trophy candidate DeShaun Foster, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound complete package.

But today there is no Foster on the roster.

The NCAA declared him ineligible because he violated “extra benefit” rules by driving a 2002 Ford Expedition owned by actor and director Eric Laneuville.

This, of course, is a big-time extra benefit for the Oregon Ducks, whose soft spot is a defense that gives up 407.9 yards a game.

“They didn’t get where they are on the back of one person,” Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti said.

Just where is UCLA? Bellotti must not have watched the last two games, both losses.

After a 6-0 start, UCLA is on the verge of completing a three-game slide from national title contender to total flop. All signs point to the No. 17 Bruins (6-2, 3-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference) getting steamrollered by No. 7 Oregon (8-1, 5-1).

“We are the underdog now and I think we will come out with a lot of fire,” linebacker Robert Thomas said. “This is the third time in four years we’ve had hopes built up and then dashed. I think we know how to respond this time.”

The starting tailback will be Akil Harris, a 5-11 sophomore who is less diesel than little-engine-that-could.

Behind him is Manuel White, a redshirt freshman who has a grand total of 30 carries.

Foster, by contrast, holds the UCLA career record with 722 carries. But he will get none today.

“We’ve been preparing for DeShaun Foster, but it doesn’t change our game plan,” Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti said. “Whoever else plays running back, two years from now, he might be a guy we’re talking about as being like DeShaun Foster.”

Aliotti was the UCLA defensive coordinator in 1998, when the Bruins opened 10-0. He was fired soon after the team’s national championship hopes were trampled by Miami and running back Edgerrin James.

Last year, the Ducks beat the No. 6 Bruins, 29-10, holding UCLA to minus-nine yards rushing and giving Aliotti a measure of revenge. Now Oregon is on top, harboring strong Pac-10 title hopes.

And it is the UCLA offense under fire, even before Foster’s predicament. In the two losses, sore-thumbed quarterback Cory Paus completed only 12 of 35 passes for 212 yards with zero touchdowns and four interceptions.

Tab Perry, the leading receiver, is out because of broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Brian Poli-Dixon and Ryan Smith, the second-and third-leading receivers, are coming back from injuries.

The Bruins are so desperate for offense that freshman cornerback Matt Ware might run a few option plays at quarterback or step in at receiver.

Is there a silver lining?

Well, punter Nate Fikse boots the heck out of the ball.

Otherwise it’s up to the defense, quite a challenge against a Duck offense that has averaged 43 points the last five games.

The Bruins must pressure quarterback Joey Harrington, who has been sacked only seven times.

They must contain running backs Onterrio Smith and Maurice Morris, who have combined for 1,662 yards.

They must slow receiver Keenan Howry, who has 44 catches and had four touchdown receptions last week against Arizona State.

The Bruin defense, which gives up only 16.3 points a game, is capable. Bellotti knows as much.

“UCLA is as good, as fast, as impressive a defense as I’ve seen this year,” he said. “It’s scary how good they are on defense. They fly around, they are good in coverage and stop the run.”

Toledo has similar respect for Oregon, but forgive him for feeling a bit distracted. His team has a completely new look. A favorite no longer, it’s time for an old-time gutty performance.

“Oregon has an excellent football team, but I am more concerned with us,” he said. “Somehow I need to get this team refocused on what we need to do to have a good season.

“My whole life has been turned upside down.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

IN RESERVE

Statistics for UCLA’s DeShaun Foster, suspended for today’s game against Oregon, and the two tailbacks who will replace him--Akil Harris and Manuel White:

*--*

Foster Harris and White Carries 216 49 Yards 1,109 297 Avg. Per Carry 5.1 6.1 Avg. Per Game 138.6 37.1 Touchdowns 12 1

*--*

AKIL HARRIS

The 6-foot, 209-pound sophomore appeared in six games last season and rushed for 100 yards in 13 carries against Arizona State. For the season, Harris was third on the team with 201 yards. As a senior at Monrovia High in 1998, Harris rushed for 2,660 yards and 32 touchdowns.

MANUEL WHITE

The 6-3, 240-pound redshirt freshman will see his first significant action after a decorated high school career. In four seasons at Valencia High, White rushed for 6,746 yards and 84 touchdowns, including 2,515 yards and 38 touchdowns his senior year.