UCLA rewind & fast forward

Looking back at UCLA’s 40-14 victory at Oregon State:

Rewind

As expected: Brandon Breazell has had more than enough “Marathon Man” dental experiences the last three weeks, with five root canals. Yet, the only ones asking “Is it safe?” are opposing defensive backs.

Breazell keeps making big plays. Once the Bruins’ hierarchy got him the ball, Saturday’s game became a breeze. Breazell turned a little screen pass into a 69-yard touchdown that was the game-saving moment. He later made a slick grab on a 30-yard touchdown pass to add an exclamation point to the Bruins’ comeback.

Unexpected: The Bruins had 133 yards rushing, behind Kahlil Bell, who had 80, and Chris Markey, who had 59. Oregon State had given up only 118 yards rushing in four games.

Stepped up: A tie.

First, the smile on defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker’s face Saturday should send shudders down the spines of future UCLA opponents. The Bruins’ defense probably salvaged the season, when Oregon State easily could have built a four-touchdown lead. This was reminiscent of a year ago, when the defense held things together while the offense sputtered.

Second, quarterback Ben Olson didn’t add his name to the Heisman Trophy race, but there was a lot to like as he brought the Bruins back from a 14-0 deficit. He had a pass intercepted deep in Oregon State territory, which could have been a crusher. Yet, he came back and tossed two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, the second a beauty-of-a-throw while Oregon State players buzzed him from all sides. The pressure was such that Olson never saw the ball zip between three defenders and into Breazell’s arms. Olson earned the right to rewind and re-watch the play a few times.

Stepped back: “Stepped back” has a much-needed week off. Hard to find fault with anything.

Coach’s quote: Coach Karl Dorrell: “I was really encouraged with our defense. I didn’t sense any panic [after UCLA lost fumbles on its first two offensive plays]. We settled in and focused on what we had planned for the game. You hate to start any game that way. We did and were able to work our way out of it.”

As for Olson’s play, Dorrell said he’d rather see his quarterback ditch the ball that was intercepted, but added, “Ben got rid of that mistake and he made plays after that point.”

Injuries: Tackle Aleksey Lanis sat out the second half because of a sore knee. Dorrell said Lanis has had tendinitis in the knee all season. Markey has a “turf toe” and will be monitored this week. Guard Shannon Tevaga, out because of a knee injury, may return to practice this week and Dorrell indicated there was a small chance he might return to the lineup.

Looking ahead to the game vs. Notre Dame (Saturday, Rose Bowl, 5 p.m., Channel 7).

Fast forward

First look: To answer the question on everyone’s mind: Yes, this Fighting Irish team could definitely beat the Notre Dame group that played in the 1925 Rose Bowl. Of course, those players -- if alive -- would all be around 100 years old.

Notre Dame’s lone winless season was in 1887 -- its first season on the field -- when the Irish lost their only game to Michigan. The Irish should win one game this season, as Navy, Air Force, Duke and Stanford are their final four games. But Notre Dame’s worst record seems within reach -- the Irish were 2-8 in 1960 and 1956. History lesson: Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung won the Heisman Trophy in 1956, the only player from a losing team to do so.

So, upon further review, this is now the Bruins’ easiest non-conference game.

Topic of the week: Two-minute warnings.

A year ago, the Bruins had a 17-13 lead with 1 minute 18 seconds left, then . . . well, why ruin the day for Bruins fans. It’s highly unlikely UCLA will be in the same situation (check Notre Dame results for reason), but if it does come to be, one could bet the kid’s college fund that Walker won’t deploy a prevent defense.

chris.foster@latimes.com

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Season log (4-1)

Sept. 1: Stanford (1-3, 0-3 in Pac-10); Won, 45-17.

Sept. 8: Brigham Young (2-3); Won, 27-17.

Sept. 15: at Utah (2-3); lost, 44-6

Sept. 22: Washington (2-3, 0-2); won, 44-31

Sept. 29: at Oregon State (2-3, 0-2); won, 40-14; Bruins have own version of the Oregon trail . . . down 14-0, UCLA rallies, scores 28 fourth-quarter points.

Oct. 6: Notre Dame (0-5);Weis rumored to be changing name to Gipp; preparing for big pre-game speech.

Oct. 20: California (5-0, 2-0)

Oct. 27: at Wash. State (2-3, 0-2)

Nov. 3: at Arizona (2-3, 1-1)

Nov. 10: Arizona State (5-0, 2-0)

Nov. 24: Oregon (4-1, 1-1)

Dec. 1: at USC (4-0, 2-0)