Challenge for Clark Reaches New Heights

If UCLA is going to stop Stanford’s offense on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, the Bruins are going to have to shut down Evan Moore, the 6-foot-7 receiver who leads the Cardinal with five touchdowns and 441 yards in 27 catches.

For cornerback Matt Clark, a 5-9 senior, that’s a tall order.

“We haven’t really talked about it too much, but we have certain packages where I will be going straight to the receiver,” said Clark, who leads the Bruins with two interceptions and seven pass breakups.

Last season, Clark faced USC’s Mike Williams and Washington’s Reggie Williams. Clark said he would count on that experience against Moore, formerly a football and basketball standout at Brea Olinda High.

“I’m definitely used to covering big receivers,” said Clark, who is fifth on the team in tackles with 33, including three for losses. “Moore is a tall guy, but he’s not as fast. He doesn’t run too many other routes than hitches and fades. I think I’ll be able to compete with him.

“The only time I think his size will really affect me will be in the red zone. There’s not too much I can do if they just throw the ball up, but if that happens I’ll just play his hands and make a play that way.”

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Defensive end Justin Hickman, who sat out the last two weeks after surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, participated in a few drills Tuesday and is expected to play against Stanford.

“He is way ahead of schedule and looked pretty good in individual drills,” Coach Karl Dorrell said about Hickman, who is tied for second among defensive linemen with 13 tackles.

Safety Dennis Keyes has sat out three of the last four games because of an injured shoulder. The Bruins will need him this week because safety Chris Horton is out because of a sprained right foot.... Freshman wide receiver Brandon Breazell left practice early because of an injury to his right thumb.

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UCLA’s 1954 national championship team will be honored Friday during an on-campus reunion dinner and on Saturday will be recognized during the break between the first and second quarters.