Paus Making the Right Decisions

Bruin quarterback Cory Paus has struggled with his passing accuracy, especially in the red zone, but he has not thrown an interception this season.

“I haven’t made any stupid decisions,” he said. “Last year half of my interceptions were good plays by the defense and half were the stupidest throws in the history of the universe.”

Paus has three touchdown passes, the shortest of which is 24 yards. He knows he needs to be more accurate inside the 20.

“We need to be more successful close to the goal line and I need to make plays there,” he said. “It’s just making good decisions and delivering the ball.”

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Today’s game against Oregon State will be the Bruins’ only game on AstroTurf, the hardest of artificial surfaces. Coach Bob Toledo is concerned about the potential for injuries.

“Your body, your back and legs really get sore,” he said. “And you get abrasions on your legs. It really does tear you up.”

However, the Bruins have a bye next week, which should give them time to recover from the aches and pains AstroTurf brings.

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UCLA narrowly avoided playing in severe weather at Alabama and Kansas when rain stopped close to game time.

The Bruins might get lucky again.

Rainstorms over Oregon passed Friday and the forecast for today is partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 70s.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

When UCLA has the ball: Several inexperienced Oregon State defenders were exploited by Fresno State and New Mexico State. Both defensive ends are new and the Beavers will start their third different player at left cornerback. Compounding matters will be the absence of senior strong safety Calvin Carlyle, who is out for the season because of a shoulder injury and will be replaced by freshman Mitch Meeuwsen or senior Eric Mobley. Beaver defenders are not as physical as UCLA’s previous opponents but are quicker. Look for DeShaun Foster to get his usual 25-30 carries and for Cory Paus to make plenty of downfield throws.

When Oregon State has the ball: After three consecutive strong performances, the UCLA defense should display the swagger that has been a trademark of the Beavers under Dennis Erickson. Oregon State presents the most difficult challenge so far for UCLA. Jonathan Smith passed for seven touchdowns in Beaver victories over UCLA the last two years and tailback Ken Simonton is a Heisman Trophy candidate who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards three years in a row. However, the Beaver receivers and offensive line are inexperienced. UCLA has not pressured Smith well the last two years and hitting him is a primary goal.

Key to the game: UCLA’s ability to handle the quickness of Oregon State. All three Bruin victories have come against teams built more on size than speed. The Pacific 10 Conference is all about quickness, and no team has more than the Beavers.

Fast fact: Oregon State has won nine in a row at 35,362 capacity Reser Stadium, which sold out for the season the first day tickets went on sale in August.

Line: UCLA by 3.

The pick: Oregon State hasn’t proven it is the same team that surprised the nation with an 11-1 record last season. The Beavers have been off for three weeks and might be rusty. UCLA is battle-hardened and confident.

Edge: UCLA.

Series: UCLA leads, 34-13-4