New QB Gives Arizona a Lift

TUCSON — Although Arizona has the worst scoring offense in the Pacific 10 Conference and the Wildcats are next to last in total yards, UCLA is expecting a high-powered attack today.

“They have an explosive offense if you let them,” UCLA defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said. “They’re feeling pretty good about themselves and they’re confident in their new young quarterback.”

Willie Tuitama, a freshman from Stockton, became the first Arizona player to pass for more than 300 yards since 2002 when he threw for 335 yards in the Wildcats’ 29-27 victory at Oregon State last week.

In his first college start, Tuitama completed 13 of 22 passes and took control of the game.

“Willie is the ultimate competitor,” Arizona Coach Mike Stoops said. “He’s a gamer. He is not going to do everything right, but he is going to go out there well prepared and he’s going to play with confidence.... He brings a little bit of swagger to our offense.”

With Tuitama in the lineup, Mike Bell should benefit. Bell, who has 2,856 career rushing yards, leads Arizona in rushing with 645 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s good in every facet of the game,” UCLA defensive end Bruce Davis said of Bell, who rushed for 134 yards against the Bruins last year. “He hits the hole quick and has great change of direction with really good speed.”

Added Kerr: “I’ve always had great respect for Bell. He’s given us fits the last couple of years.”

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Coach Karl Dorrell on UCLA’s hurry-up offense, which helped the Bruins rally in the fourth quarter in an overtime victory over Stanford last week: “That’s something that a lot of offenses do anyway, where you may see it used in early portions of the game to try to create a different rhythm. We may do that if that’s something we feel we need to do.” ... Today is homecoming for Arizona, which has lost its last four home games to UCLA. The Bruins lead the overall series, 18-9-1.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

No. 7 UCLA (8-0, 5-0)

at Arizona (2-6, 1-4)

Today, 3:15 p.m. PST

TV: FSN West 2 Radio: KXTA (1150)

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WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

The Bruins will give Maurice Drew opportunities to make big plays as a runner and receiver. Quarterback Drew Olson has 13 touchdown passes with only one interception in the last three games. Wideouts Joe Cowan, Marcus Everett and Brandon Breazell could have big games if Arizona concentrates too much on tight end Marcedes Lewis, who caught three touchdown passes against the Wildcats last year.

WHEN ARIZONA HAS THE BALL

The Wildcats rely heavily on Mike Bell to carry their ground attack, which is last in the Pacific 10 Conference. Freshman quarterback Willie Tuitama, who was making his first start, passed for 335 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Oregon State last week. Freshman wideout Mike Thomas leads the team with 43 catches for 622 yards and four touchdowns.

KEYS TO A UCLA VICTORY

1. Force Arizona to punt. Drew leads the nation in punt return average; Arizona will use kicker Nick Folk because of an injury to the team’s punter.

2. Frustrate the freshman. Tuitama has had only one pass intercepted this season. The more different looks the Bruins can give him, the better.

3. Wear down Arizona. The Bruins have outscored opponents by 70 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Wildcats have been outscored, 112-71, in the second half.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA Arizona 42.6 Scoring 20.8 27.4 Points allowed 26.9 275.2 Passing offense 233.8 156.8 Rushing offense 97.0 432.0 Total offense 330.8 202.6 Passing defense 233.8 212.4 Rushing defense 185.0 415.0 Total defense 413.8

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-- Lonnie White