Paus Proud That He Didn’t Give Ground

Arithmetic according to Cory Paus: Thirteen is greater than 378.

Sure, the Bruin quarterback was pleased with his career-high passing yardage last week against Oregon State.

But he was absolutely thrilled with rushing for 13 yards.

It was only the second time in four years he has rushed for positive yardage.

“I’ve been saying I am a little faster this year and I feel like it out there,” he said. “And I could have run better. I could have had a couple more first downs.”

In addition to taking off and gaining a few yards now and then, Paus is sidestepping rushers and throwing passes instead of getting sacked. He recalled advice from former San Francisco 49er Coach Bill Walsh, who said that good quarterbacks are able to see receivers downfield after eluding the rush.

“When they blitz or there is a breakdown in protection and I make somebody miss, that’s the main thing I need to do,” Paus said. “See the field and complete a pass.”

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Three UCLA players are not practicing because of injuries but are expected to be ready by Saturday.

Free safety Ben Emanuel has a pinched nerve in his neck and will be replaced by sophomore Jibril Raymo in the starting lineup. It will be Raymo’s first start. Reserve offensive tackle Ed Blanton has a sprained foot and reserve tailback Wendell Mathis has a sore shoulder.

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The roles of two true freshmen have changed because of injuries.

Alex Potasi, a tackle who had moved up to second string, will redshirt because of a knee injury.

C.J. Niusulu, a defensive tackle expected to redshirt, will play because starting tackle Rodney Leisle will sit out at least five games because of a foot injury. Besides Niusulu, only senior Sean Phillips is available to back up starting tackles Steve Morgan and Ryan Boschetti.

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Assistants Kelly Skipper and Marc Dove will speak at the Westwood Bruin Touchdown Club on Friday at 7 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Westwood. The club meets every Friday before home games. Details: (310) 319-5226.