ASSISTANT DUCKED OREGON FOR UCLA.

Byline: Jon Wilner Daily News Staff Writer

Al Borges waited a lifetime to become Oregon's offensive coordinator, but he resigned after just one season.

``And I don't think they're very happy about it,'' he said.

To say the least.

Borges left Oregon in January to take the same position on Bob Toledo's fledgling UCLA staff. And since the Ducks don't easily forgive, he expects to be the most despised man in Autzen Stadium tonight when the Bruins open their Pacific-10 season.

``I got hate mail when I left, and I got some more recently,'' Borges said. ``But it's flattering that they're mad. Most coaches get run out of town.''

He almost was. Oregon players have said Borges ``deserted'' them and used their program as a personal stepping-stone. At the press conference to announce his resignation, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti called it a ``lateral move.''

They have not spoken since.

``I like Al, and I respect him as a coach,'' Bellotti said. ``But I didn't agree with his professional decision to leave because of our agreement when he came.''

Borges spent seven seasons as the offensive coordinator at Portland State (1986-92) and then two at Boise State, all while coveting the Oregon job. He was impressed with the facilities and the community involvement, and as a passing-game afficionado he loved the Oregon system that flourished under Toledo, who served as offensive coordinator from 1983-88.

``I hope they aren't as tough on me as they are on Al,'' Toledo joked. ``I stayed six years.''

When longtime Ducks coach Rich Brooks resigned after the 1994 season, Bellotti was promoted from offensive coordinator. Looking for stability and an innovative play-caller, he hired Borges. While Oregon policy prohibits multi-year contracts for assistant coaches, Borges agreed to stay for several years, according to Bellotti.

``I didn't have a two-year contract, and that was the only understanding I had,'' said Borges, who considered UCLA a faster track to the NFL. The school is also closer to his parents in Salinas.

``There's a misconception (in Eugene) about why I left. I was not unhappy. I viewed Oregon as a good job, but UCLA as a great one,'' he said. ``(Bellotti) doesn't have to like me, but I still like him. He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I won't ever forget it.''

Borges and Bellotti disagree on another matter - the extent to which Borges' familiarity with the Oregon offense is an advantage for UCLA.

``Al ran our offense and was privy to every bit of info,'' Bellotti said.

``They know I know, and they aren't going to play into our hands,'' Borges said. ``They have a good staff. They'll counterpunch. And besides, Rocky doesn't need my help.''

UCLA first-year defensive coordinator Rocky Long knows the Ducks offense as well as Borges or Toledo - as well as any Pac-10 coach not wearing green and yellow, for that matter. Long spent the past five seasons directing Oregon State's defense, and in his five intrastate showdowns Oregon scored just 51 points on the Beavers.

In fact, Bellotti was so impressed that after last season he spoke to Long about becoming the Ducks' defensive coordinator. (At the time, Long had not been hired by UCLA.)

``It never got past the initial conversation,'' Long said. ``It never got to the serious point.''

In a game critical to both teams, UCLA will take every edge it can get. After two straight Pac-10 defeats, the Ducks must win to retain any postseason hope. And with Arizona State and Washington looming on Oct. 12 and 19, respectively, a loss tonight means the Bruins, 1-2, will be gazing into the unforgiving crosshairs of a 1-5 start.

``We're at a pivotal point,'' UCLA linebacker Brian Willmer said.

Notes: Reserve middle linebacker Ramogi Huma has a foot stress fracture and may be out for the year.

UCLA (1-2, 0-0) AT OREGON (3-2, 0-2)

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. at Autzen Stadium (capacity: 41,698).

TV/Radio: Prime Sports; KIEV-AM (870), KCLA-AM (570), and XTRA-AM (690), which will join in progress after the San Diego Padres games.

Series: The Bruins lead 33-17 and have won seven of the past 11. They also have won nine of the past 10 in Eugene. The Ducks won last year in the Rose Bowl, 38-31.

Injury update: For UCLA, special teams member Akil Davis (knee), linebacker Ramogi Huma (knee) and receiver Rodney Lee (hamstring) are out. Cornerback Paul Guidry (thigh bruise) is probable.

For Oregon, cornerback Michael Fletcher (ankle), defensive end Leie Sualua (knee), guard Josh Beckett (knee), defensive end Mark Schmidt (thigh bruise) and tailbacks Jerry Brown of Taft High (hand) and Saladin McCullough (knee) are out, according to Oregon officials. Safety Brandon McLemore (shoulder), quarterback Tony Graziani (knee), nose guard Bryant Jackson (ankle), safety Justin Wilcox (knee) are questionable.

Oregon update: The Ducks are 0-2 in the Pac-10 and consider this a must-win game to stay in bowl contention. . . . They have the best offense (490 yards per game) and worst defense (470) in the league.

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Box: UCLA (1-2, 0-0) AT OREGON (3-2, 0-2) (see text)