McCloskey Isn’t Expected to Play

UCLA will probably be without starting center Mike McCloskey on Saturday against Arizona. McCloskey, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior, sprained his ankle during Wednesday’s practice and showed up Thursday wearing a walking boot.

Coach Karl Dorrell listed McCloskey as “not likely” against the Wildcats and expressed confidence that his absence would not deal a blow to UCLA’s running attack, which ranks seventh nationally.

McCloskey’s backup is third-year sophomore Robert Chai, who started the final eight games last season after McCloskey broke his left ankle against Washington.

*

Strong safety Jarrad Page will return punts Saturday in a move designed to protect star running back Maurice Drew from the type of hits he endured last week against the Aztecs.... Linebacker Justin London (ankle) will play but will not start.

*

Dorrell reiterated as baseless and overblown the accusations that his players have been using illegal chop blocks below the knees.

San Diego State Coach Tom Craft told reporters last week that UCLA linemen chop-blocked at least three times during the Bruins’ 33-10 victory and used the terms “blatant” and “irresponsible.”

The Bruins were penalized once for the infraction.

“We made a mistake and it was rightfully called and we chastised the kid as he was running off the field,” Dorrell said of fullback Michael Pitre. “We don’t practice that, and it’s a shame that it has come to that.”

Washington defensive lineman Manase Hopoi made a similar charge in a Seattle Times story after the Bruins won, 37-31, behind a 322-yard rushing performance by Drew. Husky Coach Keith Gilbertson did not support the charge.