Defense Gears Up to Stop USC Rush

Statistically, it reads like a mismatch. USC’s rushing offense, third in the Pacific 10 Conference at 170.7 yards a game, versus UCLA’s rushing defense, last in the conference in giving up 221 yards a game.

Linebacker Justin London, however, said that the Bruins match up well against the Trojans’ ground attack.

“Their running game isn’t anything special that other people don’t do,� London said. “We just have to play sound defense.... If everybody plays in their gap and does their job, we’ll be fine.�

UCLA’s defense will also be at full strength against the Trojans, with safety Jarrad Page back after sitting out most of the last two weeks to rest a hamstring injury. Coach Karl Dorrell said he was pleased with the Bruins’ effort in practice on Monday.

“This was our normal Tuesday-style practice with some good heavy contact work,� said Dorrell, who had his team practice in full pads for the first time in two weeks. “The players were excited about getting back and getting in work like that.�

Added London: “It was a big physical day for us ... it was good to knock some rust off.�

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Running back Maurice Drew, who suffered an ankle injury against Washington State on Nov. 6 and did not play at Oregon the following week, left practice early.

“He tweaked his ankle again in practice,� Dorrell said. “That was one of the unfortunate things that happened. We’ll have to see what happens with him over the next few days.�

If Drew is unable to play, UCLA will feature Manuel White and freshman Chris Markey, who rushed for 131 yards against the Ducks, as running backs against USC.

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UCLA is 4-8 against No. 1 teams and 0-3 when USC has been ranked No. 1. The last time the Bruins defeated a No. 1 team was Ohio State in the 1976 Rose Bowl.... The Rose Bowl parking lot will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, not 10:30 a.m.