Paus’ Performance Was Completely Convincing

It was something of an 11-step program, a string of completed passes that rehabilitated the reputation of UCLA quarterback Cory Paus and turned a potential disaster into a laugher.

The hot streak fueled a 49-point Bruin run Saturday night that ended any California dreaming.

Early on, Cal throttled tailback DeShaun Foster and blitzed Paus, sacking him twice on UCLA’s first possession and four times in the first half. The Bruins were desperate for precisely what Coach Bob Toledo has complained the quarterback doesn’t do well--complete a succession of medium-range passes.

But Paus had silenced his critics by the time he exited in the third quarter with UCLA ahead by 32 points, completing 13 of 16 for 273 yards and three touchdowns in the 56-17 victory.

His efficiency rating of 286.45 was the best in a game by a Division I quarterback this season and he ranks ninth with a 157.4 rating for the season.

“I tried to hit my high efficiency passes and hit the open guys,” he said. “I was close to being perfect.”

With UCLA trailing, 3-0, late in the first quarter, he began the streak with a 19-yard pass to tight end Mike Seidman in the left flat. Two plays later, Craig Bragg dashed 42 yards on a double reverse for the Bruins’ first touchdown.

Cal answered to lead, 10-7, but on the Bruins’ next possession Paus figured out how to beat the blitz, lofting a soft pass over rushers to fullback Ed Ieremia-Stansbury for 10 yards and zipping a pass to Tab Perry on a crossing pattern for 19 yards.

Three in a row.

Two plays later it was completions of 12 and 20 yards to Ryan Smith, setting up a Foster touchdown run that began the 49-0 run.

Five in a row.

Passes to Ieremia-Stansbury and Perry moved UCLA into position for a 34-yard touchdown catch by Foster on a ball that fluttered out of the quarterback’s hands as he was hit. “Sometimes a little luck doesn’t hurt,” Paus said.

Eight in a row.

The Bruins opened the third quarter with Paus again thwarting a blitz and hitting Seidman over the middle for 40 yards. On the next play, Smith made a leaping catch in the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown.

Ten in a row.

Smith caught No. 11 on an out pattern before Paus finally misfired. He made up for it, though, hitting Craig Bragg on a 58-yard play that set up a four-yard touchdown pass to Ieremia-Stansbury for a 42-10 lead.

Even Toledo, Paus’ harshest critic, was impressed.

“This was Cory’s best game of the year,” he said. “He threw some good balls in difficult situations.”

With rigorous Pacific 10 Conference games against powerful Stanford, Washington State and Oregon looming the next three weeks, No. 4 UCLA (6-0, 3-0) needs a confident quarterback.

“I feel good, I really do,” Paus said. “I understand all [the criticism] and I know I can continue to do the job. That wasn’t my first good game. I know what I have to do and I think I’m getting there.”

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Freshman cornerback Matt Ware sprained his left ankle late in the game and is doubtful against Stanford. He would be replaced by Joe Hunter or Keith Short.... The punt blocked by linebacker Marcus Reese in the third quarter was his second in two weeks.... The 21 points in the third quarter means UCLA has outscored opponents, 72-0, in that period.... The 56 points were the second most in Toledo’s six years. UCLA scored 66 against Houston in 1997.