TV/radio: 11 a.m., Saturday, WLS-Ch. 7; WSCR-AM 670.
Line: UCLA by 1 1/2.
Records: UCLA 0-1; Illinois 1-0.
Series: Tied 5-5.
Last meeting: UCLA won 6-3 on Sept. 13, 2003, in Los Angeles. The Illini were held without a touchdown for the first time since 1998.
Team comparison:
(2004 averages, rank)
%%
CATEGORY UCLA ILL
Rushing offense 191 (38) 296 (12)
Passing offense 252 (29) 258 (27)
Total offense 443 (32) 554 (11)
Scoring offense 20 (61) 52 (10)
Rushing defense 426 (94) 71 (28)
Passing defense 23 (1) 287 (79)
Total defense 449 (76) 358 (51)
Scoring defense 31 (69) 13 (24)
%%
UCLA outlook: A 31-20 loss to Oklahoma State in the season opener extended the Bruins’ losing streak to six games. The offense played significantly better than last season, but turnovers and inexperience on defense led to their defeat. Manuel White, a 239-pound back, ran for 145 yards and two TDs last week.
Illinois outlook: The Illini finally put it all together and ended the 10-game losing streak that began at UCLA last year by overwhelming Florida A&M 52-13 in their opener. Quarterback Jon Beutjer, running backs E.B. Halsey and Pierre Thomas and wide receiver-turned-cornerback Kelvin Hayden (2 interceptions) were in the forefront.
