Poli-Dixon Takes Hands-On Role

Brian Poli-Dixon came into the season pursuing school records.

After three weeks he merely sought an identity.

The senior receiver found it Saturday, turning the Oregon State secondary into burnt orange. He made up for dropping passes against Alabama and dropping out of sight against Ohio State by making six receptions for 107 yards, including touchdowns of 38 and 39 yards.

His catch in the end zone of a long pass from Cory Paus on the last play of the first half broke the Beavers’ backs, giving UCLA a 17-0 lead.

“I got a monkey off my back,” he said. “I did a little something and it felt good.”

Poli-Dixon’s first reception--a quick catch and run of four yards--seemed inconsequential, but it gave the beleaguered receiver confidence.

“As a receiver you want to touch the ball as early as possible,” he said.

That was Coach Bob Toledo’s plan.

“We wanted to get him the ball early in a one-on-one situation to let him run a little and give him confidence,” he said.

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Marques Anderson, the team’s free safety and defensive captain, was suspended for the first series Saturday after missing a meeting and part of practice Wednesday.

Anderson said he was late because he left his car and house keys on a cafeteria tray.

“I told him, next time, forget the keys and take a cab,” Toledo said.

Anderson was suspended for the entire 1999 season for a variety of reasons, but recently has become one of the team’s leaders.

Toledo hopes the suspension made a point, particularly after Oregon State quarterback Jonathan Smith threw once to the side of replacement Kevin Brant in that first series. The ball was overthrown.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, you have to follow the rules,” Toledo said.

The Beavers might have scripted more plays toward that side, but Toledo didn’t announce the suspension until one hour before the game.

“That’s why I didn’t say anything earlier,” Toledo said.

Anderson, who apologized to the team, said, “I was more hurt than mad. I should have known better. That’s why I wanted to make a point of getting out there and making something happen.”

Anderson had one of his best games, with four tackles, one for a loss, a fumble recovery and a pass defensed.

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Bruin tackle Mike Saffer did not practice all week because of a sore knee and it was unclear whether he could play.

He didn’t miss a snap until the outcome was decided in the fourth quarter.

“It’s pretty sore, but the way I look at it, this is Oregon State and I had to play,” he said.

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The Bruins have given up 47 points in four games, their best defensive start in 21 years. The last time they allowed fewer points in the first four games of a season was in 1980, when they allowed 28 points.... This is the first time the Bruins have won three consecutive road games since 1998.... In their last 17 games against ranked opponents, the Bruins are 13-4.