Olson Provides the Perspective

A victory over No. 21 Oklahoma today at the Rose Bowl would go a long way for UCLA senior Drew Olson, the Bruins’ starting quarterback in a 59-24 loss at Norman two years ago.

Olson completed 18 of 34 passes for 144 yards that day, but UCLA was no match for the then-No. 1 Sooners, who got three touchdowns and an NCAA-record 277 punt return yards from Antonio Perkins.

“That was probably one of our better offensive games,” said Olson, referring to the season-high 271 yards in total offense the Bruins had against Oklahoma in 2003.

Olson has not won a major game as the Bruins’ starter. If he plays well and leads UCLA to a victory, he would not only prove that he can beat a ranked team but also secure his position with backup Ben Olson close to returning from an injury.

“Since I’ve been here, this is maybe the biggest game for the program,” said Drew Olson, who is second in the Pacific 10 Conference with a 188.8 passer rating behind USC senior Matt Leinart’s 224.1.

“It’s huge because we haven’t beat a big-time opponent in a while, a national opponent, nationally respected.

“We’re looking for this to propel us in a great way.”

Although the Bruins are not ranked, they are 2-0 and favored over a 1-1 team.

“We have higher expectations for ourselves and I believe other people do too,” Olson said. “I don’t think we’ve ever had it like this, at least not in the last two or three years.”

“We feel confident.... We don’t care about [being favored]. We feel like we’re underdogs.”

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Senior linebacker Wesley Walker, a veteran starter sidelined since early August after knee surgery, could play for the first time this season, UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell said.... Junior linebacker Danny Nelson has been selected for the American Football Coaches Assn. Good Works Team. Nelson, a former Marine, participates in marathons and triathlons to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.... UCLA is raising money to assist families of Bruin student-athletes affected by Hurricane Katrina. Information: (310) 206-6831.

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WHEN UCLA HAS THE BALL

The Bruins should expect the Sooners to crowd the line of scrimmage in an attempt to stop junior Maurice Drew and UCLA’s ground game. The key will be quarterback Drew Olson’s ability to complete passes to wide receivers Junior Taylor, Joe Cowan, Brandon Breazell, Marcus Everett and Gavin Ketchum. Oklahoma will be physical against UCLA’s receivers, but the Bruins have an X-factor in tight end Marcedes Lewis.

WHEN OKLAHOMA HAS THE BALL

The Sooners will count on the running of sophomore Adrian Peterson, who pretty much is their offense. When Peterson has room, he’s tough to stop in the open field. Oklahoma will look to get him the football both as a runner and receiver. Quarterback Rhett Bomar needs to get off to a good start with easy completions because the Sooner passing game has struggled. In last week’s 31-15 victory over Tulsa, Oklahoma did not attempt a pass in the second half.

KEYS TO A UCLA VICTORY

1. Gang tackle Peterson: The more helmets the Bruins can get on Oklahoma’s Heisman Trophy candidate, the better chance they have to slow him down.

2. Make big plays: The Bruins have burned opponents with momentum-changing plays.

3. Avoid punting: UCLA has punted only three times in two games. That’s a good sign for Coach Karl Dorrell’s balanced offense.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* UCLA Okla. 53.5 Scoring 20.5 21.0 Points allowed 16.0 241.5 Passing offense 85.0 222.0 Rushing offense 162.0 463.5 Total offense 247.0 154.4 Passing defense 236.0 174.0 Rushing defense 78.0 328.5 Total defense 314.0

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-- Lonnie White