Bruins Are Looking for a Rerun of Sorts

Idle the schedule read, and idle the Bruins were. They lounged around their apartments and dorms last Saturday, feet on the furniture, watching football on television.

Of course, the game between Washington and USC was of particular interest. And one aspect of Washington’s 27-24 victory was of particular note.

USC ran the ball with persistence and reasonable success, gaining 134 yards on the ground and calling runs on 21 of 24 first downs.

These were the same Trojans whose running game had been virtually nonexistent for weeks.

“Just seeing they could run the ball strong was encouraging,” Bruin tailback DeShaun Foster said. “We could do the same.”

The Huskies stiffen near the goal line, however. Foster is the last player to score a rushing touchdown against Washington, on Nov. 11, 2000.

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Fullback Matt Stanley, who normally alternates with Ed Ieremia-Stansbury, is the only UCLA starter who will sit out the game because of injury. Patrick Norton will be the backup and reserve tailback Manuel White can also play fullback.

Washington will be without at least two starters. Linebacker Kai Ellis, who has 19 tackles in three games, has a knee injury and will be replaced by Anthony Kelley or Sam Blanche.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens, considered the Huskies’ best player, has a broken foot and will sit out his third game in a row.

He is expected to return in about a month.

Also, quarterback Cody Pickett is not expected to play because of a separated shoulder. Junior transfer Taylor Barton will start.

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Three changes were made on the UCLA kick-coverage team because coaches are upset that players are not hustling downfield. Only six of 23 Nate Fikse’s kickoffs have been returned.

However, Coach Bob Toledo refused to name the players who were demoted, saying he did not want them embarrassed.