KEYS TO THE GAME

UCLA (5-2, 4-0) at

Washington State (2-5, 0-4)

Today, 3:30 p.m.

TV: FSN West. Radio: 570

1Brink’s job. Washington State quarterback Alex Brink has been a bit of a problem for UCLA, beating the Bruins twice and nearly upsetting them a third time. If Brink gets rolling, the Cougars are in business. If the Bruins smother him, they could have a nice day along the Palouse.

2Quarterback triage. UCLA’s Patrick Cowan, who has won five of his last six starts, takes a tender right knee into the game. If he stays to the finish, the Bruins should be in good shape. If not, well, the Cougars have seen the Notre Dame game film by now. Backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson had four passes intercepted in that game, and Osaar Rasshan and Chris Forcier are the untested options after him.

3Control the ball. The best way for the Bruins to keep Cowan upright is to get the running game going. Kahlil Bell ranks 31st nationally, averaging 104 yards, Chris Markey seems more fluid after being slowed by a toe injury, and the offensive line is coming off its best game. The Cougars need to take the run away and make things more desperate for the Bruins.

-- Chris Foster