Paus Is Sure Best Days Are Ahead

After two ho-hum performances, Bruin quarterback Cory Paus believes Saturday’s game against Ohio State will be his breakout game.

Why?

“Because it’s the next one,” he said. “It’s this Saturday.”

What Paus lacks in statistics at this point he makes up for in confidence. That completion rate of 47%? Going up. The five sacks and two fumbles? Ancient history.

Ohio State, Paus believes, will be so focused on stopping tailback DeShaun Foster that passing lanes will beopen.

“The fact we ran the ball really well the first two games has to help,” he said. “The front seven of Ohio State is good, but they will be trying to stop DeShaun.

“Hopefully we can loosen them up with some passes. Then we’ll go back to the run.”

Paus has a better chance to do well now that he is clear on the Buckeye personnel. He told reporters before practice Monday that strong safety Mike Doss, a Jim Thorpe Award candidate, was a cornerback.

After practice he knew better.

“In some of the tape we saw he was split out in coverage,” he said. “I’m clear on him now.”

Surgery to repair the right knee of defensive tackle Sean Phillips was successful.

Phillips, who was injured while warming up before practice Thursday, will miss two to four weeks.

With Ken Kocher, Rodney Leisle, Anthony Fletcher, Steve Morgan and Saia Makakaufaki, the Bruins have plenty of depth at tackle.

*

Ohio State has sold more than 6,000 tickets to the game, which is UCLA’s home opener.

UCLA was expecting a crowd of up to 80,000, but officials acknowledge it might be smaller because of last week’s terrorist attacks.

Gates to the Rose Bowl will open two hours before the game--half an hour earlier than usual.

Fans will be subject to search and will not be allowed to bring in coolers or backpacks.

Coach Bob Toledo expects everything to go smoothly.

“I think it will be emotional, especially during the national anthem,” he said. “When we kick it off, you’ll see some good football.

“No one will ever forget what happened, but our players do realize that if we’re going to play, let’s play. Otherwise, don’t play at all. There will be a little fear, but you have to live with fear.”

*

Fullback Ed Ieremia-Stansbury was discouraged after trying to practice for the first time since injuring an ankle Sept. 8 against Kansas.

“I couldn’t plant and cut,” he said. “It was uncomfortable. I’ll have to take it day to day.”

Ieremia-Stansbury is listed as the starter, although he normally splits playing time with Matt Stanley.

*

The Bruins practiced on the North Athletic Field adjacent to the Wooden Center because new sod was being laid on Spaulding Field.... Receiver Ryan Smith was back after missing practice Thursday and Friday because of illness....

Reserve defensive back Ben Emanuel missed his second practice because of a sinus infection.... Reserve linebacker Dennis Link is out because of a deep thigh bruise.