Long Beach Press Telegram: Havner has confidence in 'mates

Press-Telegram staff and wire reports 

UCLA senior linebacker Spencer Havner doesn't have the gaudy tackling statistics he did a year ago, nor does he care. With a nearly healthy Justin London back at linebacker and an improved defensive line, Havner said he has more trust in the defense, which causes him to freelance on plays less frequently. In turn, Havner isn't involved in as many tackles. "I feel like I can hit my gap, and do my job, and I know the other guys are doing their job, for the most part," Havner said. "Last year, I had to compromise. Definitely, I have trust in my guys. They're making plays. They're getting in the backfield." Havner had 60 tackles through four games in 2004, en route to leading the Pacific-10 Conference with 125 tackles, which was 46 more than the next Bruin. In UCLA's first four games this season, Havner has a team-leading 34 tackles, but the tackle distribution is much better. Slow start Bruins offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Tom Cable said he met with center Mike McCloskey to tell the senior he needed better play out of him. UCLA's running game has suffered, in large part, against Oklahoma and Washington because of poor play from the offensive line. "I think Mike has had some trouble, which has been a big surprise to us," Cable said. "The young guys (Shannon Tevaga, Chris Joseph and Brian Abraham) are playing very well."

Receiver rotation

Although the Bruins used only five receivers against Washington, they usually implement a six-man rotation there. Against the Bears, though, UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said he could use seven receivers Marcus Everett, Joe Cowan, Brandon Breazell, Andrew Baumgartner, Gavin Ketchum, Matt Willis and Matt Slater.

Bruin bits

Bruins kickoff returner Derrick Williams will miss the game with a concussion, which he suffered in practice. His spot will be taken by freshman tailback Kahlil Bell. … Havner, who suffered a bruised thigh against Washington, will wear a protective pad. … Bruins tailback Maurice Drew needs to average 127.9 yards all-purpose yards over the final seven games of the regular season to tie Gaston Green's all-time mark of 4,283 yards.