Bruins’ Route Is All Laid Out

Can’t you just see the exasperated USC fans in v-neck sweaters rolling their eyes and turning up their noses?

Maybe this time the public school riff-raff will follow our simple instructions.

For the second time in three weeks, USC has created a detailed road map on how to reach Victory Avenue.

UCLA needs to let the Trojans guide the way.

USC halted Oregon State’s four-game winning streak, 22-0, Saturday. UCLA will visit Oregon State this weekend in the Bruins’ Pacific 10 Conference opener.

A careful study of the game film should tell UCLA coaches all they need to know about preparing for the Beavers. Oregon State managed 80 yards passing and 51 yards rushing.

The Bruins can’t let misplaced pride get in the way of becoming copycats.

That lesson was learned Sept. 21 against Colorado. USC had trampled the Buffaloes, 40-3, a week earlier.

But like a stubborn driver on a family vacation, UCLA forged its own way, only to get lost--and lose, 31-17.

USC fans couldn’t gloat because their team fell to Kansas State the same day. This time, however, a wrong turn could land UCLA in Humiliation Alley.

“We will be ready for Oregon State, I know that much,” Bruin receiver Craig Bragg said. “Now the real games start. The conference is what we’ve been pointing toward.”

The Bruins (3-1) negotiated a fairly rigorous nonconference schedule in good shape.

Tackle Mike Saffer (rib) is the only seriously injured starter, although defensive tackle Rodney Leisle (foot) must be watched carefully.

Coaches have thrown more than a dozen freshmen into the fire and four are starting--center Mike McCloskey, linebacker Spencer Havner, safety Jarrad Page and tackle Ed Blanton, who is spelling Saffer.

“I’m very pleased with how our young players have responded,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “This is an interesting football team. There aren’t any superstars, just a lot of guys who contribute.”

Quarterback Cory Paus has put together three strong performances in a row. Manuel White is developing into a powerful running back. Bragg and tight end Mike Seidman are becoming big-play threats.

Middle linebacker Marcus Reese is a solid presence and the linebackers flanking him--Havner and Brandon Chillar--are constantly around the ball. The secondary is occasionally leaky but did an excellent job in the 43-7 victory over San Diego State on Saturday.

Pressuring the quarterback remains a problem. End Dave Ball puts on the best rush among the linemen, but otherwise it has taken blitzes by Havner, Chillar or Matt Ware to crank up the heat.

Overall, the Bruins should be ready for conference play.

As long as they use USC as Rand McNally.

Of course, following the Trojan lead on anything is distasteful to any self-respecting Bruin.

The only similarity between USC and UCLA is that the quarterbacks of both teams go by the initials C.P.

UCLA might feel more comfortable breaking out its own road map, a 38-7 victory at Oregon State last season. The performance turned the Pac-10 upside down for a stretch, vaulting the Bruins up the rankings and causing the highly rated Beavers to fall off the map.

UCLA players and coaches have mentioned that Oregon State will be motivated by vengeance. Now, thanks to USC, the Beavers have another score to settle.

That’s what Colorado did after getting embarrassed by the Trojans. Made adjustments. Dug deep. Came out snarling.

The Beavers undoubtedly will do the same.

Coach Dennis Erickson doesn’t spend all his time keeping marginal student-athletes eligible. Good teams bounce back.