Washington (4-0 overall,
2-0 Pacific-10 Conference)
at UCLA (4-0, 1-0)
This battle of undefeated teams should be a dandy. The winner of this game of the week should contend with Oregon for the Pacific-10 Conference championship at the season’s end.
No. 7 UCLA has looked strong with wins against Alabama, Kansas, Ohio State and Oregon State, while No. 10 Washington is looking for its 13th consecutive win.
The Huskies are coming off a last-second 27-24 win against USC in Seattle, where the Dawgs had to rely on kicker John Anderson for a 32-yard field goal with three seconds to play. Washington quarterback Cody Pickett separated his shoulder, and it is doubtful that he will play against UCLA. Backup Taylor Barton is an excellent fill-in for head coach Rick Neuheisel’s offense.
Cornerback Omare Lowe also has an injured shoulder but is expected to play.
“I am a little concerned about the health of the team, given the injuries we have sustained,” Neuheisel said. “But, we are not going to make any excuses.”
Washington’s defense will have to control UCLA running back DeShaun Foster if they want to come out of the Rose Bowl with a win.
“We have got to be pretty stout against their run if we want to stay in the conference race,” Neuheisel said.
The key for UCLA, along with setting Foster loose, is their defense. Dubbed “The Blizzard of Westwood” by L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke, they have not allowed any opponent more than 17 points this season. UCLA has the top-ranked defense in the Pac-10, allowing just 151.5 passing yards per game.
“Defensively, we are playing extremely well and that always gives you a chance to win the game,” head coach Bob Toledo said.
