He’s Not New Kid on Corner Now

As a redshirt freshman last year, UCLA cornerback Trey Brown showed that he was ready for more playing time with a breakout performance in the Bruins’ 33-10 victory over San Diego State.

Brown tackled Aztec punter Michael Hughes for a 23-yard loss to set up a Bruin field goal and stood out with his physical tackles in the secondary late in the game. Not long after that, Brown replaced Marcus Cassel and started the last five games of the season.

Brown says he’s looking forward to tonight’s rematch against the Aztecs.

“They have some good experienced receivers,” he said of San Diego State’s Jeff Webb and Robert Ortiz. “They do a lot of things with them and they’re pretty good when they get the ball.... We’re going to try and do some things to limit them from doing what they like to do.”

Webb caught 71 passes last season and has almost 2,000 yards receiving in his career. Ortiz had 52 catches for 728 yards last year.

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San Diego State sophomore Kevin O’Connell won the starting quarterback job over sophomore Darren Mougey and senior Matt Dlugolecki largely because of his superior running ability.

O’Connell, 2-3 last season as a starter, finished third on the team in rushing a year ago with 347 yards, and UCLA defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said keeping him under control would be a priority tonight.

“He’s a big kid with a strong arm and he got a lot of experience over the last five games last season,” Kerr said.

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Two years ago, San Diego State freshman running back Lynell Hamilton gave UCLA problems, gaining 87 yards in 20 carries. But last season, Hamilton did not play against the Bruins because of a broken ankle.

It has been a long road back, but Hamilton has regained his spot as the Aztecs’ featured back.

“Hamilton is a good back,” UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell said. “He gave us some trouble two years ago. I’m sure that he’ll be ready to play.”

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WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

In running back Maurice Drew, tight end Marcedes Lewis, wide receiver Junior Taylor and quarterback Drew Olson, the Bruins have four experienced skill players. UCLA’s bread-and-butter is a short-passing game that showcases the talents of Drew and Lewis. But the Bruins have other weapons in wide receivers Joe Cowan, Brandon Breazell and Gavin Ketchum along with backup running back Chris Markey.

WHEN SAN DIEGO STATE HAS THE BALL

Kevin O’Connell beat out Darren Mougey and Matt Dlugolecki for the starting quarterback job and he presents a challenge with his running and passing. O’Connell will not be afraid to run if he can’t get the ball to veteran receivers Jeff Webb or Robert Ortiz. Sophomore Lynell Hamilton is a top-notch running back and his backups, Brandon Bornes and Michael Franklin, are also solid.

KEYS TO A UCLA VICTORY

1. Give Olson confidence: In his first game since suffering a knee injury in the Las Vegas Bowl, Olson can’t afford to struggle early.

2. Stop Hamilton: Throughout last season, UCLA had trouble making tackles and Hamilton will be a tough test.

3. Avoid punting game: UCLA will start a redshirt freshman in punter Aaron Perez, who has struggled in practice.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* SDSU 2004 UCLA 21.3 Scoring 30.1 25.6 Points Allowed 25.8 244.6 Passing Offense 225.1 130.2 Rushing Offense 184.9 374.8 Total offense 410.0 227.4 Passing Defense 267.4 138.7 Rushing Defense 210.1 366.1 Total Defense 432.9

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-- LONNIE WHITE