Colorado (1-2) at No. 20 UCLA (2-0)

Today, 12:30 p.m., at Rose Bowl

TV--Channel 7.

Radio--KXTA (1150)

WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Cory Paus completed eight passes of more than 20 yards last week and is sure to go after an injury-riddled secondary that has given up 257 yards a game through the air. If the Bruins take a lead into the fourth quarter, though, they will rely on the ground game. The offensive line--tackles Mike Saffer and Bryce Bohlander, guards Steve Vieira and Eyoseph Efseaff and center Mike McCloskey--is the strength of the team and has been especially effective late in games. Kicker Chris Griffith hopes to get on track after missing three of four field-goal tries in two games.

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WHEN COLORADO HAS THE BALL

The Buffaloes will run, and run some more. They have little choice because quarterback Robert Hodge has not proved to be a passing threat. Chris Brown and Robert Purify rotate at tailback, and both are effective. Brown has 323 yards in 64 carries and Purify has 104 in 24. Hodge is a threat to scramble and may run some option plays. Derek McCoy averages 26 yards on six receptions and John Donahue averages 21.5 on four, so damage can result on the infrequent occasions Colorado passes. Punter Mark Mariscal leads the nation with a 51.3 average, although he will be near sea level for the first time this season.

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KEYS TO UCLA VICTORY

1. Not falling behind early as the Bruins did in their first two games.

2. Slowing the Buffaloes’ running game and forcing them into passing situations.

3. Not being surprised by gimmicks and trick plays that Colorado employs to get points on the board.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA Colo 34.0 Scoring 17.0 21.5 Points Allowed 24.3 221.5 Passing Offense 119.7 202.0 Rushing Offense 157.3 423.5 Total offense 277.0 224.0 Passing Defense 257.0 136.5 Rushing Defense 125.0 360.5 Total Defense 382.0

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