THE SCOUTING REPORT

LAS VEGAS BOWL

UCLA (7-5) vs. New Mexico (7-6)

Today, 1:30 p.m., Sam Boyd Stadium

TV -- ESPN

Radio -- KXTA (1150), XTRA (690).

WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

The Bruins will try to establish the run against the Lobos’ 3-3-5 defense with bruising Manuel White and elusive Tyler Ebell getting the bulk of the carries. Expect tight end Mike Seidman to be put in motion to create mismatches. Quarterbacks Drew Olson and Matt Moore, who will share playing time equally, must recognize blitzes and deliver passes quickly. The Bruins have been more effective in the red zone since the freshman quarterbacks took over for the injured Cory Paus, scoring on all 16 trips inside the 20-yard line the last five games.

WHEN NEW MEXICO HAS THE BALL

Freshman tailback DonTrell Moore, who has rushed for 1,117 yards and 13 touchdowns, is the centerpiece of the offense. Quarterback Casey Kelly will carry the ball on draws and options, and his backup, Justin Millea, is even more dangerous as a runner out of the single wing formation. The Lobos employ a short, safe passing game. Kelly has thrown for only 1,667 yards but has had only six passes intercepted. Receivers Joe Manning, Dwight Counter and Adrian Boyd each have about 30 catches and average about 11 yards a catch. UCLA must be prepared for a variety of trick plays.

KEYS TO UCLA VICTORY

1. Play with passion: Bob Toledo was fired as coach two days after the last regular-season game. The uncertainty and turmoil cannot be used as an excuse for a lackadaisical performance. From seniors playing their last game to freshmen wanting to impress new Coach Karl Dorrell, the Bruins must play as if this is the most important game of the season.

2. Take an early lead: UCLA has fallen behind in most of its games, a trend that is not advisable today. Run-oriented New Mexico is not equipped to come from behind but could be effective protecting a second-half advantage.

3. Recognize and adjust: New Mexico will try to compensate for a size and speed disadvantage by employing blitz packages on defense and trick plays and surprise formations on offense. The Bruins must avoid confusion and play under control.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA New Mexico 30.0 Scoring 25.2 26.1 Points Allowed 25.5 240.9 Passing Offense 138.5 132.1 Rushing Offense 189.2 373.0 Total Offense 327.6 227.5 Passing Defense 227.5 136.6 Rushing Defense 118.1 364.1 Total Defense 345.5

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