Noise Factor Is a Consideration

It has become common practice for teams to simulate crowd noise during practice to prepare for road games. UCLA did it this week for today’s game at Washington State.

Center Mike McCloskey, who will be playing for the first time at Martin Stadium, says UCLA is ready for anything.

“It’s going to be like any crazy away games where it’s going to get so loud that you can’t hear the guy next to you,” McCloskey said. “So you have to use a lot of signals and make sure you get a real tight huddle so everyone can read lip movement.

“The key is preparation during the week. If you do that well and you know what everyone is going to do, things are not as difficult.”

Coach Karl Dorrell said practice noise has become a necessity for teams playing on the road because of communication breakdowns on game days.

“You never know what to expect up there, so you have to expect the worst and deal with those type of circumstances,” Dorrell said. “You have to get ready for those type of conditions because if it is noisy we have to be able to execute and do the things needed to win the game.”

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Starting at the end of today’s game, Washington State will close off sidewalks around Bohler Gym and will not allow fans access until the visiting team has walked to its locker room.

Two years ago, Cougar fans got into UCLA’s locker room and then-assistant athletic director John David Wicker said Washington State had made “the safety of our visitors a top priority and will continue to work to improve upon this issue.”

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Washington State Coach Bill Doba, 2-0 vs. Dorrell, said wide receiver Jason Hill may not play today because of a quadriceps injury. Last season, Hill caught four passes for 98 yards and a touchdown against the Bruins. Washington State linebacker Will Derting (knee) also is questionable.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

Only two of quarterback Drew Olson’s passes have been intercepted this season and his efficiency has been a key for the Bruins. Olson has distributed the ball to a variety of receivers. Sophomore Marcus Everett has emerged as UCLA’s top big-play receiver. Look for tight end Marcedes Lewis to have a big game if the Cougars concentrate too much on running backs Maurice Drew and Chris Markey.

WHEN WASH. STATE HAS THE BALL

With quarterback Alex Brink and running back Jerome Harrison, the Cougars have the eighth-best offense in the nation. Brink is capable of passing for big numbers, especially if wide receiver Jason Hill, who did not play last week because of injury, is in the lineup. Harrison ranks among the top rushers in college football with a streak of eight consecutive 100-yard games.

KEYS TO A UCLA VICTORY

1. Put the clamps on Harrison -- Keeping the Cougar running back under control will be important for UCLA’s defense.

2. Get Drew 20 touches -- The Bruins always have a better chance when the junior running back carries the ball a lot.

3. Avoid penalties -- The Bruins rank next to last in the Pac-10 in penalties, averaging 78.8 yards a game.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA WSU 43.2 Scoring 39.0 24.6 Points allowed 24.4 261.8 Passing offense 304.0 152.4 Rushing offense 202.0 414.2 Total offense 506.0 190.6 Passing defense 237.4 209.6 Rushing defense 110.8 400.2 Total defense 348.2

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-- Lonnie White