Secondary Is Seeking Chance to Prove Itself

With all the attention UCLA’s defensive front has been getting, thanks to the number of running plays called by opposing teams, the Bruin defensive backs have been able to quietly go about their business this season.

But with seven consecutive Pacific 10 Conference games left on UCLA’s schedule, the Bruin secondary expects to get a lot more work, even against offensively challenged Arizona at the Rose Bowl.

The Wildcats are ranked last in the conference in total offense, but quarterback Kris Heavner is completing 64.9% of his passes with four touchdowns and one interception. Junior safety Jarrad Page said that he expects Arizona to run the ball and then try to beat UCLA’s secondary with play-action passes.

“I feel like we are underrated, but it’s our job to prove it every week,” Page said of the Bruins, ranked fifth in the conference in pass defense.

“We’ve been waiting for a team to pass. We really haven’t had a chance to go out there and play a team that wants to really test us. People say that our secondary hasn’t been making plays, but the truth is, we haven’t had many opportunities to make plays.... When a team just comes out and runs the ball, all we are going to have is tackles and not plays on the ball.”

In last week’s victory over San Diego State, UCLA’s defensive backfield had its best game of the season so far. The Bruins frustrated the Aztecs’ passing game, and senior cornerback Matt Clark was impressive not only with his second career interception but also his run-support defense.

“The more chances we get, the more people will see that we can make plays,” Page said. “Look at Matt Clark. He’s really underrated. He has some of the best [footwork] that I’ve ever seen. He played the run and he played the pass. He was all over their receivers all night.

“People just haven’t had a chance to see [UCLA’s secondary talent]. They think that it’s not there, but we can play. We just haven’t been tested.”

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Defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu, who had knee surgery in training camp, on the one positive about sitting out the San Diego State game because of a one-game team suspension: “My knee is feeling pretty good. Now that I’m looking at the bright side of the suspension, the rest was good for me.” ... Linebacker Justin London, hampered because of an ankle injury since training camp, participated in team drills Tuesday and said he will play against Arizona.... . The Bruins’ game at California on Oct. 16 will kickoff at 4 p.m. and be televised nationally on TBS.