Ware Displays His Versatility

Matt Ware’s role in UCLA’s 21-20 loss to Oregon was a tongue twister: Cornerback, quarterback, cornerback, quarterback, cornerback, quarterback.

Oh, and receiver too.

The UCLA freshman was busy on both sides of the ball for the first time since last year at Loyola High, when he was state player of the year.

With tailback DeShaun Foster ineligible, Coach Bob Toledo wanted to implement an element of surprise. The tall, thin Ware became a human exclamation point.

He had four carries for 22 yards running option plays at quarterback and made an over-the-shoulder catch of a long pass from Cory Paus for a 49-yard gain.

Ware also turned in a solid job on defense, making five tackles and helping hold Oregon’s Joey Harrington to 195 yards passing.

“I wasn’t sure how much I’d play on offense,” he said. “Coach just said be ready.”

Ware did not play when UCLA was driving for a potential winning field goal because he aggravated an ankle injury.

“I needed a little rest,” he said.

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Middle linebacker Robert Thomas had two tackles for loss, giving him 22 this season, which ties the UCLA record set by Marvcus Patton in 1989.

Thomas had 10 tackles, giving him 99, leading the team for the eighth game in a row. He also had a sack, giving him 5.5.

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Tab Perry, the receiver who suffered four broken ribs and a collapsed lung against Washington State, was on the sideline in street clothes and said he is feeling better than expected.

“They thought I’d be in worse shape,” he said. “As soon as I can get my arms above my head I’m playing.”

Perry will be out next week against USC but might return to play against Arizona State on Dec. 1.

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In an unusual bit of scheduling, Oregon has two open Saturdays until it hosts Oregon State in a regular-season finale on Dec. 1.

Earlier this year, with high hopes for both teams, the game was pushed back a week for national TV.

Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti said the schedule break allows the team to skip a few days of practice next week. And it provides extra time to savor Saturday’s victory.

“In football you rarely get a chance to enjoy a victory, and I think our coaches and players can enjoy this one for a while until we turn our attention to Oregon State,” Bellotti said.