Motivation Is Found in Great Supply

UCLA players do not have to search hard for motivation this week in preparation for Saturday’s game at Washington State.

The Bruins have lost four in a row to the Cougars and haven’t won in Pullman since 1993. UCLA’s last trip there -- two years ago -- ended with taunts from Washington State fans who got inside the Bruin locker room after the Cougars’ 31-13 victory.

“When they play us, they don’t give us any respect,” senior safety Jarrad Page said of the Cougars, who have not lost to UCLA since 1998.

“It’s a different environment up there. It’s really loud in the stadium and the fans are right there on top of you.”

Running back Maurice Drew has stark recollections of his only trip to Pullman, as a freshman in 2003.

“Fans yelling, throwing things, players flying around on defense laying monster hits on me, cold, and a long drive,” said Drew, who first experienced snow on that trip.

“But you know, that really doesn’t matter any more because what matters ... is what happens on the field.”

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UCLA ranks next to last in the Pacific 10 Conference in rushing defense, giving up an average of 209.6 yards a game after California ran for 330 yards last Saturday.

“It’s always frustrating when a team is running the ball because that allows them to do so many things,” UCLA cornerback Trey Brown said. “When Cal was running on us, we just had to maintain our focus and make some adjustments. We kept battling on each play and finally we were able to make some plays when we needed.”

The Bruins will face another difficult challenge on Saturday with Washington State running back Jerome Harrison, whose 148.2 yards a game rushing average leads the conference.

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Offensive guard Chris Joseph probably will need surgery because of a torn knee cartilage and is sidelined indefinitely, Coach Karl Dorrell said. Joseph suffered the injury in the first quarter against Cal and was replaced by senior Robert Cleary, who will start on Saturday.... Defensive tackle Brigham Harwell aggravated an ankle injury against Cal but is expected to play this week.... Offensive tackle Tony Lee, who had minor knee surgery earlier this season, will return to full contact practice today.... UCLA’s homecoming game against Oregon State on Oct. 22 at the Rose Bowl will kick off at 4 p.m., and will be televised nationally on TBS.