INSIDE SLANT

The guy who was projected to be UCLA’s starting running back this season didn’t even make the trip to Washington State last week. Christian Ramirez was injured to start the season, and then fell out of favor.

Such is the state of the Bruins’ running game.

UCLA has muddled through without much of a ground attack, ranking 100th nationally with 113.2 yards per game. The Bruins did rush for 232 yards against Washington State, but that barely counts, given how bad the Cougars are this season.

UCLA has rushed for more than 100 yards against only one other Pac-10 team (California).

The Bruins (5-5 overall, 2-5 Pac-10) will try to pick up the pace this week against a tough Arizona State defense. With one more victory, UCLA will have bowl possibilities. With two more victories, including one in the regular-season finale at USC, would secure the Bruins a postseason spot.

First things first. Can UCLA run against Arizona State, which allows 105.5 yards per game on the ground?

“Tennessee and California are the two best defensive fronts we have seen this season,” UCLA offensive line coach Bob Palcic told the L.A. Times. “Arizona State ranks right there with them. They don’t try to trick you. They are not going to bring a lot of blitzes. They are just good at what they do.”

Sophomore Derrick Coleman is a big back who made his first start last week, as fumbling problems caused redshirt freshman Johnathan Franklin his spot atop the depth chart. Another young option is freshman Milton Knox.

None has shown the explosiveness that strikes fear in opponents.

“We believe we have the makings of a good running game,” coach Rick Neuheisel said. “We just have to keep banging away to find the right combinations.”

NOTES, QUOTES

• Sophomore LB Akeem Ayers was selected the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Washington State, when he had two early interceptions that the Bruins converted into a 14-0 lead. He also had four tackles, including two for sacks.

• Getting back to the postseason would have all kinds of benefits for a young UCLA team, in addition to showing progress in coach Rick Neuheisel’s second season. “When you’re dealing with a group as inexperienced as we are, it’s unbelievably advantageous,” Neuheisel was quoted as saying in the L.A. Daily News, talking about postseason possibilities. “To get extra practices, where you can start ticking off the names of the kids who can get that extra time, it’s invaluable. The focus now is to take advantage of these practices we do have and make sure they’re the best we’ve had all year.”

Series History:   UCLA leads Arizona State 15-9-1 (last meeting, 2008, 34-9 ASU).

Scouting The Offense:   Since his starting job became a bit in doubt a few weeks ago, redshirt freshman QB Kevin Prince has been very good. He is 62 of 91 for 849 yards, with four touchdowns and one interception, in the past three games. The Bruins are still searching for more big plays, however, and the challenge for Prince will greatly increase if UCLA can’t run the ball against a tough Arizona State defensive front.

Scouting The Defense:   UCLA’s defense has stayed strong through most of the season, allowing 340.9 yards and 21.4 points per game. The Bruins have, at times, been susceptible to the run, but that isn’t Arizona State’s strength, so DT Brian Price and friends have a good chance of controlling the line of scrimmage. ASU might change things up with Samson Szakacsy, who has some running ability, but the play-calling shouldn’t change much.

Quote To Note:   “When you look at the schedule we played and the schedule other teams have played, I don’t think we have to be ashamed at all. Not one bit. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with a lot of good football teams. If we’re bowl eligible, we’re bowl eligible. I don’t think we have to apologize at all.”—UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Arizona State at UCLA, Nov. 21—The Bruins have taken care of business by beating two of the bottom teams in the league—Washington and Washington State—and will try to do the same against an Arizona State team that has lost four in a row. Getting to six wins would make UCLA’s season a minimal success, but a loss here could send a bad sign.

Keys To The Game:   UCLA has to hold its own in the running game, with its young offensive line going against one of the top defensive fronts in the Pac-10. UCLA has been held below 100 yards rushing in five of its seven conference games. ASU can really tee off on redshirt freshman QB Kevin Prince if the Bruins are no threat on the ground.

Players To Watch:  

LB Reggie Carter—He has been slowed by a sprained knee, and his numbers have dropped off (10 total tackles in the past three games). “We’d love everybody to be 100 percent, but Reggie being in the game and being part of that defensive front—the leader of the defensive front—is a huge benefit to us,” coach Rick Neuheisel said.

RB Derrick Coleman—He is a powerful back who might not be a breakaway threat, but he is averaging a decent 4.8 yards on 50 carries this season. He made his first start last week.

WR Taylor Embree—Embree, along with fellow sophomore Nelson Rosario, give UCLA hope and size at the position. Embree is the team’s leading pass-catcher, with 38 receptions for 522 yards and two touchdowns.

Roster Report:  

• Freshman TE Morrell Presley (sprained shoulder) has missed the past three games and is doubtful for this week’s game against Arizona State. Presley figures to have a chance to get back for the regular-season finale at USC.

• Senior DT Jerzy Siewierski (foot) has missed the past three weeks but should be available this week.

• CB Aaron Hester, who had a setback in his return from a fractured leg suffered in the opener, should be full speed this week. He played at Oregon State on Oct. 31 before suffering the setback.