Los Angeles Press Telegram: UCLA notes: Players ready to focus on Cal

By Brian Dohn, Staff Writer 

UCLA's leaders tried pushing away the bad memory of the lackluster effort in the comeback win against Washington by calling Saturday's game against No. 10 California the biggest of their careers.  Bruins quarterback Drew Olson and linebacker Spencer Havner, both seniors, said they have not played a game of this magnitude at UCLA. And both players said they began discussing the importance of it with teammates during Sunday's meetings, and over dinner.  "It's by far, (the) biggest game of my career," Olson said. "I think everyone is re-focused again, back to that mentality we had the first three games. It's a reality check, a little bit."  Olson said UCLA's offense had "by far our worst week of practice" leading up to the 21-17 win over Washington, and that led to the awful on-field performance.  "What we talked about at most of our meetings was getting back that focus that we had before," Olson said. "I think guys will take it as a wake-up call, get back to the way it was. Really, it was our preparation and our practice. That's everything. That's the idea this week, to have a great week of practice. I think we'll see a lot of energy out there."  Havner, who redshirted when UCLA won its last game against a top-10 opponent - the seventh-ranked Bruins beat No. 10 Washington 35-13 in 2001 - said the Bruins' focus must be present before preparations begin this afternoon.  "This feels awesome," Havner said. "I want to make sure everyone has the right mind-set (today), when they're driving their car here (today). I try to talk to a guy here, talk to a guy there."

Dragovic done: Sophomore left defensive end Nikola Dragovic, who was UCLA's biggest surprise on defense, will miss the remainder of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Washington.  Bruins coach Karl Dorrell said Dragovic was seeking a second opinion, but that is customary since surgery doesn't take place for two to three weeks after the injury to allow swelling to dissipate. "Injuries are all part of the equation, and it's unfortunate for us," Dorrell said. "Are we going to miss him? Yes, he was a starter. But we'll find people to come in and play and be effective with what we do defensively." With Dragovic out, sophomore William Snead moves into the starting role. But Dragovic's injury cuts into UCLA's depth, which means sophomore Bruce Davis, who was splitting time between linebacker and right defensive end, will spend most of his time backing up Snead. Say what? Olson didn't hide his amazement at UCLA opening as a two-point favorite against the Bears. "I couldn't believe it. It's kind of crazy," Olson said. "No. 20 vs. No. 10? I guess it's because of home field. I was shocked when I heard it."

Odds and ends: Kickoff for UCLA's game at Washington State on Oct. 15 will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. It will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. ... Dorrell said 10 of UCLA's 13 penalties came on special teams. "I don't think I've ever, in my career, had 10 penalties relating to special teams," he said.