Hickman, Bruce are more than just talk

During training camp, UCLA senior Justin Hickman boasted that he could not be consistently blocked, and so far he has backed up his words.

Similarly, at the Pacific 10 Conference media day, Washington State senior Mkristo Bruce said that he was going to surprise everyone this season. He, too, was on target.

Today, both brash defensive ends are expected to be among the key players as the Bruins play host to the Cougars at the Rose Bowl.

Hickman leads the conference and is second in the nation with 10 1/2 sacks in seven games. Only Western Michigan linebacker Ameer Ismail has more, with 11.

Bruce, who led the country in sacks most of the season, is second in the Pac-10 and third nationally with 10 sacks.

“Justin Hickman, I would have loved to have him,” Washington State Coach Bill Doba said. “Put him on one side and have Mkristo on the other.”

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Even before UCLA quarterback Patrick Cowan became a starter, he prepared for games as if he were going to take every snap. But Cowan admits, now that he has played the last three games, his preparation has taken on a new dimension.

“I’m preparing as much as I did before, but game experiences help a lot more because you’ve actually played,” said Cowan, who will be making his first home start. “Playing gives you a different take than when you watch film. The experience of actually seeing things that you’ve seen in a game is more helpful.”

Since taking over for injured starter Ben Olson, Cowan has completed nearly 56% of his passes for 534 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions.

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For most of the season, UCLA has led the Pac-10 in total defense and defense against the run. The Bruins also rank among the nation’s best in both categories, which is an impressive turnaround to Doba, who has been involved in several high-scoring games against UCLA over the years.

“They are a lot more physical and they are really running well to the ball,” Doba said. “Their secondary has great skill, but what I’m impressed with is their defensive linemen with the way they attack and get off blocks.”

UCLA is giving up an average of 265.3 yards -- only 78.1 on the ground. The Bruins are second in the conference behind USC in points given up at 16 a game, compared to the Trojans’ 15.

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If Aleksey Lanis is unable to play today at strong-side offensive tackle, UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell said either Brian Abraham will step into that spot, or weak-side tackle Noah Sutherland will move to the strong side with Micah Kia taking over at the weak-side position. Lanis has an injured ankle.

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Washington State senior linebacker Scott Davis leads the Pac-10 in recovered fumbles with four. Hickman leads the conference in tackles for a loss with 14.5.... UCLA’s game against Oregon State at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 11 will start at 3:15 p.m. and will be televised by FSN Prime Ticket.... More than 500 former UCLA student-athletes in all sports are expected to participate in a pre-game tailgate party before today’s game as part of UCLA’s Varsity Club for former student-athletes.

lonnie.white@latimes.com